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United-Red Bulls Preview

Jul 9, 2010 - 5:38 PM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

D.C. (3-9-2) at New York (8-5-1), 7:30 p.m. EDT

Juan Pablo Angel has been one of the most prolific scorers in MLS, particularly in recent weeks. Perhaps not coincidentally, the New York Red Bulls have emphatically broken out of a rut.

Angel and the Red Bulls look to extend their unbeaten streak to five games as they host last-place D.C. United on Saturday night.

A successful run has helped New York (8-5-1) move within two points of Columbus for the Eastern Conference lead. The Red Bulls have gone 3-0-1 after losing their previous four.

Angel's ninth goal helped New York into a 1-1 draw with Colorado to extend the streak. The veteran forward has scored nine of the Red Bulls' 18 goals, including four over his last four contests.

Angel is second in the league in goals, one behind Los Angeles' Edson Buddle. Angel also had a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win at D.C. on May 1.

"You know, every time when we have chances in the box he is lethal," coach Hans Backe said. "He scores almost every time. "The thing is that we have to be better to feed him in the 18-yard box because he is a clinical finisher."

Backe and Angel may have additional help against D.C. (3-9-2).

Forward Mac Kandji, who has been limited to four games due to a broken foot, practiced Thursday and could be available off the bench. Backe said Kandji may be an option for 20-30 minutes.

Forward Salou Ibrahim has been bothered by various nagging injuries, but will be available to start. Ibrahim has three goals in nine games, including six starts.

D.C. has its own injury problems, with seven players expected to sit out Saturday. Still, United have been able to bounce back from a terrible first two months, going 2-1-2 following a 1-8-0 start.

D.C. is 1-1-1 on a four-game road trip. This will be United's first appearance at Red Bull Arena.

"They came in (to RFK Stadium) and beat us ... so this is definitely a revenge game," midfielder Chris Pontius said. "It is a big rivalry, and in my mind games don't get any bigger than this."

Including its matchup with New York, D.C. was shut out in seven of its first nine games. United, however, have scored seven goals over their last five contests.

"I feel like earlier in the year we had those opportunities where we were trying to look nice, but it ended up not looking that great and we really didn't create any chances out of it," striker Adam Cristman said.

Rookie Andy Najar scored in the 54th minute to lift D.C. to a 1-1 tie against San Jose last Saturday. It was the 17-year-old midfielder's second goal.