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Red Bulls-United Preview

Apr 30, 2010 - 7:44 PM By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN STATS Senior Writer

New York (4-1-0) at D.C. (0-4-0), 4:00 p.m. EDT

The New York Red Bulls haven't had much success in recent years at RFK Stadium, but the venue might not be so intimidating this season.

The Red Bulls will try to take advantage of a struggling D.C. United squad that has matched its worst start when the archrivals meet Saturday afternoon.

Including playoffs, New York is 0-6-2 in its last eight MLS matches at RFK since a 2-1 win Oct. 8, 2005. D.C. has scored 19 goals in those games, and the Red Bulls have been blanked in their last two visits.

While United are the most successful team in league history with four MLS Cups and the Red Bulls have only been to the championship game once, this season has both teams going in opposite directions.

New York (4-1-0) is enjoying the best start in club history to lead the Eastern Conference, while D.C. (0-4-0) has matched its worst start since losing its first four games in the inaugural 1996 MLS season.

That D.C. team went on to win the title, and New York isn't expecting an easy game Saturday.

"You never count a team out like that," defender Mike Petke told the Red Bulls' official website.

D.C. has not played a league match since a 2-0 home loss to Chicago on April 17. There has been plenty of activity surrounding the franchise this week, however.

D.C. announced Wednesday that former league MVP Luciano Emilio has re-signed with the club on a three-month contract with an option to extend the deal. The 31-year-old forward had been playing with a team in his native Brazil.

United have scored an MLS-low two goals and are hoping Emilio can provide some punch if he plays Saturday.

The way D.C. played in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup match against FC Dallas was also encouraging, as Adam Cristman scored twice in a 4-2 victory.

"It definitely helps us," Cristman said. "We'll just build on that and find ways to get early goals in other games."

The Red Bulls can match their win total from their disastrous 5-19-6 campaign in 2009, which caused major changes. Director-general manager Erik Soler and coach Hans Backe were hired to engineer a turnaround.

That's exactly what has happened so far with a string of strong performances. The Red Bulls improved to 3-0-0 at home with last Saturday's 2-1 victory over Philadelphia.

Juan Pablo Angel scored on a penalty kick to take his season total to three - all in the last two games. Salou Ibrahim had the other goal.

New York is 1-21-7 in its last 29 MLS road matches.