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New York, Philly aim to stake early claim toward top of table

Apr 8, 2011 - 7:27 PM Chester, PA (Sports Network) - Red Bull New York travels to take on the Philadelphia Union as the two Major League Soccer clubs square off in an Eastern clash at PPL Park on Saturday.

The two clubs are currently second and third in the Eastern table in the early going, and both are aiming to stake their claim just four games into the season.

Adding to the atmosphere at PPL Park will be the fact that these are the two closest teams in MLS, with just 106 miles between their respective stadiums. The clubs split their two MLS matches in the Union's first year in MLS a year ago, each winning 2-1 at home.

New York (1-0-2) is coming off a 1-1 home draw vs. Houston this past weekend, the club's second straight draw.

The Red Bulls were actually down in the game, but second-half substitute Dwayne De Rosario, acquired the day before, came on to set up Dane Richards for the equalizer in the 47th minute.

"I think he changed the game in the second half with his final pass for the first goal and also the way he controlled our game from the go left, go right, to the straight passes, very comfortable on the ball," New York coach Hans Backe said of De Rosario. "He will definitely be a key player for us."

"It's not an easy transition, I found out [about being traded to New York] about 6 o'clock [on April 1] and got in this morning [April 2], but we are professionals and that does happen and I was going to be ready for whatever comes," De Rosario said. "The main thing is I was able to help my team get a result and come in the match and help contribute. It's not easy to come into a new team and just gel like that but I was very pleased with our performance in the first half and the second half and we were a bit unlucky to come without three points."

De Rosario is expected to start on Saturday after having a week to train with his new team.

The Union (2-1-0) are aiming to rebound from their only loss of the season last weekend at Los Angeles.

Galaxy defender Leonardo scored the only goal in the game on a set piece which snapped the Union shutout streak to start the season at 213 minutes.

"I don't think there was enough rhythm with the play from us," Union defender Danny Califf told his club's website after the game. "I think from both sides it was a pretty physical match and things got a little chippy. We weren't sharp and it showed. The Galaxy put in a couple of really good set pieces and got a good goal on a set piece. They defended really well and we couldn't figure out how to break them down."

Califf will try to help his team try to find its rhythm Saturday despite nursing a knee injury, while midfielder Gabe Farfan is not expected to play with a toe injury.

New York will be without defender Chris Albright, who is still missing because of offseason knee surgery, while goalkeeper Greg Sutton is doubtful because of a concussion he suffered last week in training.