Arizona Day 9: Previewing LA

Arizona Day 9: Previewing LA - //newyork-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/redbullsgalaxy_300_120228.jpg

We’ve reached the midway point of the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup, as the festivities in Arizona look to wrap up this weekend. The Red Bulls will aim to improve on their 0-2-0 tournament record when they take on the LA Galaxy Wednesday at 10pm ET, the first meeting of the two teams since the 2011 Conference Semifinals. It also marks the final qualifying match before Saturday’s Cup finale.

The Red Bulls came out of the previous preseason trip to Mexico with a 1-0-2 record thanks to a win over FC Dallas and consecutive draws against Merida and Tecos. Combine that with a loss to Real Salt Lake, a draw against Pumas and a loss to the Revolution on this trip, and it brings the overall preseason record to 1-2-3.

Los Angeles sits at 1-1-0 in the quest for the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup after the Revs dealt them a 3-2 loss in the first match. The Galaxy bounced back for a 2-0 win over RSL this past Saturday on goals from Paolo Cardozo and Mike Magee.

Similar to how the Red Bulls were without Captain Thierry Henry during the tour through Mexico – as he was, at the time, on loan to Arsenal – the Galaxy have been without the likes of forward Robbie Keane and midfielder Landon Donovan. Keane returned from his loan with Aston Villa this past weekend, while Donovan also recently returned state side from his second stint with Everton. However, Donovan remains unable to play due to a bout with bronchitis, as the
illness forced the California native to withdraw from the U.S. roster ahead of Wednesday’s match against Italy
.

Wednesday’s 10pm ET match between LA and New York will be available as a live stream on both MLSsoccer.com and NewYorkRedBulls.com. Depending on the outcome of the match, the Red Bulls will play their final game of the tournament Saturday at either 8pm ET or 10pm ET. No matter the time, the match will also be available as a live stream.

As usual we will also provide in-game updates throughout the remaining matches on our