The Return of the Injury Report

After playing a stretch of "big games" the Red Bulls have essentially played themselves into a situation where, really, they have to win their last two (and hope for some other results) to be in good position to make a playoff run. Sure, it's win-and-they're-in, but a second place finish gets you a nice home field advantage.

That said, they'll have to play their last two without Wilman Conde and likely without Brandon Barklage.

Conde, who has been a godsend along the Red Bulls' shaky backline, will miss "several weeks" while tending to a personal matter, though one not related to his arrest earlier this year.

Barklage, who's fought injuries most of his career, now has to fight a plantar fascla injury. If you'll remember, Luke Rodgers fought a similar injury last year and it knocked him out of six games.

The game notes on the Red Bulls website idicates Roy Miller will fill in on the left and Connor Lade on the right, though the game notes are often a crapshoot. Hans Backe also hinted to MLSSoccer.com that he could slot Digao or Rafael Marquez along the backline next to Markus Holgersson, while sliding Heath Pearce to the outside.

And for some good news: It seems Lloyd Sam will be available Saturday. Sam has really brought some speed and creativity along the wings, something the Red Bulls have lacked since shipping Dane Richards to Vancouver.