New York Red Bulls Vs. San Jose Earthquakes: Live Match Thread

The most talented team in the history of Major League Soccer has yet to show that ability this season, but the New York Red Bulls have a chance to finally demonstrate what they are capable of tonight against the San Jose Earthquakes...although given the way this season has gone, it does seem much more likely that the Red Bulls will play poorly again and end up with a 1-1 draw (okay, okay, I'll try to lay off the pessimism a bit).

There are no "must-win" games until the final few months of any MLS season, but the Red Bulls are moving in that direction. After three games without a win, coming off the back of a loss to the Philadelphia Union, and with the most dangerous-looking attack in MLS having recorded just two goals so far this season, New York really needs to show up tonight. To further complicate matters, the Red Bulls have a short week after this game, with a visit to the swamp denizens who call themselves DC United on Thursday evening.

If you want some more Red Bulls chat before the game tonight, check out Episode 21 of Talking Bull with myself and Matt Conroy of The Viper's Nest. We discuss the game down in Chester, Thierry Henry's disappointing performances this season, and preview the games against San Jose and DC.

Lineups:

Red Bulls: Bouna Coundoul; Jan Gunnar Solli, Rafael Márquez, Tim Ream, Roy Miller; Dane Richards, Teemu Tainio, Dwayne De Rosario, Joel Lindpere; Luke Rodgers, Thierry Henry

Subs: Greg Sutton, Stephen Keel, Matt Kassel, Carl Robinson, Mehdi Ballouchy, John Rooney, Juan Agudelo

Quick thought: WHY IS AGUDELO ON THE BENCH? (Yes, all caps.)

San Jose: Jon Busch, Ike Opara, (You Suck) Ramiro Corrales, Brandon McDonald, Jason Hernandez, Sam Cronin, Khari Stephenson, Simon Dawkins, Chris Wondolowski, Bobby Convey, Ryan Johnson

Subs: Andrew Weber, Bobby Burling, Chris Leitch, Brad Ring, Anthony Ampaipitakwong, Matt Luzunaris, Scott Sealy

Kickoff is at 7:30 and the game is on MSG for those of you who can't make it out to Red Bull Arena (or who don't want to get soaked on what will probably be a very wet evening at the Cathedral of Football). Let's go Red Bulls!