The Eastern Conference-leading New York Red Bulls (11-6-5) travel to take on the second-place Houston Dynamo (10-5-7) on Friday night.
On the 2012 MLS season, the Red Bulls have not been a very good road team. New York has a 4-6-2 record this season away from Red Bull Arena and have been outscored by six goals. The Dynamo are unbeaten at home (7-0-3) and have outscored their opposition by 12 goals in 2012. Newcomer from Everton and Designated Player Tim Cahill will look to tip the scales in the Red Bulls' favor with a start in the match.
Team Leaders, Red Bulls:
Kenny Cooper leads New York with 13 goals but Thierry Henry leads MLS in points per match (1.27) and has 11 goals on the season. Henry leads the team in assists with six. Sebastien Le Toux has a goal and an assist in four matches since coming over from the Vancouver Whitecaps. Goalkeeper Bill Gaudette is 2-1-1 in those same four matches with two shutouts since arriving from the LA Galaxy.
Team Leaders, Dynamo:
Injured striker Will Bruin (doubtful, calf contusion) leads the team in goals with 10 and Brad Davis leads Houston with 10 assists. The Dynamo's style lends itself to poaching goals in the penalty area and Brian Ching, Calen Carr and Macoumba Kandji each have at least three goals this season. New Designated Player Boniek Garcia has one goal and three assists in seven matches. Tally Hall is one of the best keepers in MLS and is 10-5-7 this season with nine shutouts.
Game Time: 8 p.m.
TV: NBC Sports Network
Venue: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston
Season Series: 1-0-0, Red Bulls (1-0 win, May 9)
For more on the Red Bulls 2012 season, stay tuned to our StoryStream. See SB Nation'sOnce A Metro for more discussion of the Red Bulls.