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Red Bulls-Galaxy Preview

Sep 23, 2010 - 8:30 PM By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN STATS Senior Writer

New York (12-8-5) at Los Angeles (15-5-5), 11:00 p.m. EDT

The loss of Thierry Henry certainly hasn't dampened the enthusiasm for Friday night's clash between the New York Red Bulls and David Beckham's MLS-leading Los Angeles Galaxy at the Home Depot Center.

Henry has been ruled out because of a sprained right knee suffered during a 1-0 loss at Real Salt Lake on Sept. 4. He played with the injury last week in a 2-all tie with FC Dallas and incurred a $2,000 fine for a celebratory kick that injured Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman's knee following teammate Mehdi Ballouchy's goal.

"Despite the attention surrounding this Friday's match, we did not want to exacerbate Thierry's current injury that he has been playing and practicing with over the past two weeks," general manager Erik Soler said. "We want to ensure that he is healthy for our final matches as we hope to qualify for the playoffs and make a run towards the MLS Cup."

The former Arsenal striker won't get a chance to face his good friend and rival in former Manchester United star Beckham, who had several memorable games with Henry in the English Premier League.

Beckham may start Friday after being used as a substitute in each of the last two matches for Los Angeles (15-5-5).

"That decision has not been made at this point," coach Bruce Arena said.

These teams are the last two runners-up in the MLS Cup and among the favorites to win the trophy this year.

The Galaxy handed the Red Bulls (12-8-5) a 1-0 loss Aug. 14. Edson Buddle scored one of his league-high 14 goals against a New York team that featured its superstar trio of Henry, Rafa Marquez and Juan Pablo Angel.

Angel is second in the league with 12 goals.

Reigning league MVP Landon Donovan was thrilled with the victory because of the hype surrounding the Red Bulls' marquee additions. He's eager for the rematch.

"It's a great game for us and New York," Donovan said in Spanish. "They are in the playoffs and so are we. But it is possible that in the playoffs we meet in the final. We want to send a message to them and also to the league that when we're at home, we will win."

Los Angeles has an MLS-high 50 points for a three-point lead in the Western Conference over defending champion Real Salt Lake. New York has 41 to trail Columbus by three in the East.

"Friday night is very important," Arena said. "Our goal is to win the Supporters' Shield and also to have home-field advantage in the playoffs. In order to do that, we have to win each and every game."

The Red Bulls know they have yet to measure up against the best teams in the league.

"We have played Real Salt Lake, Columbus twice, the Galaxy at home, and we haven't picked up a point against the big three teams," coach Hans Backe said. "It's a little bit special to play the cream of the MLS, which the Galaxy are, and see if we can compete."