Sam looks ready, Oyongo not so much

This past weekend in Carson, Calif. the Red Bulls were missing Lloyd Sam and Ambroise Oyongo thanks to hamstring injuries.

We all saw the result.

Without the pace the two players provide, the Red Bulls' attack didn't look as threatening. And while it's unfair to lay the blame at their feet, er, hamstrings, Head Coach Mike Petke and company would've likely had an easier go of things Sunday night.

This Saturday against the Houston Dynamo, the Red Bulls might have one back. Petke said in today's media conference call that he's "hoping" Sam will be ready for the weekend and "hoping" Oyongo would be available.

Sam is "looking good" according to Petke and is expected, "knock on some wood," to be available. It's a different story with Oyongo...

"Oyongo's situation is a bit worse. He's got a looks to be a decent hamstring injury. I don't believe -- and don't quote me here -- i don't believe he will be [available] for this weekend. But you never know. He's young and he can have a heck of a recovery in the next couple of days. But I'm planning on not having him."

So at least the Red Bulls will get some of their speed back come the weekend. Couple that with the confines of home and Bradley Wright-Phillips' knack for scoring against the Dynamo and the Red Bulls might be able to get back to winning ways.