MLS Playoffs: New York Red Bulls vs. San Jose Earthquakes: Match Night Commentary

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BY ADAM SERRANO

The New York Red Bulls begin their MLS Playoffs campaign tonight as they travel west to Buck Shaw Stadium to face the San Jose Earthquakes (10pm, Telefutura).

The Red Bulls completed a run from worst to first to make the playoffs for the first time since their MLS Cup appearance in 2008. However, the injury bug as put a damper on the celebrations as Thierry Henry, Ibrahim Salou, and Tony Tchani will be unavailable tonight. For the Earthquakes, the conversation begins with their white-hot forward Chris Wondolowski. The MLS Golden Boot winner has scored the last ten goals for San Jose and will need to put in a big performance if the Earthquakes are going to have a chance in the series.

I will be providing commentary throughout the match, live from Buck Shaw Stadium so please feel free to follow along here. As always, feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

Enjoy the action (Commentary is after the jump):

PREGAME: The deciding factor will be, which team can strike first. The Red Bulls are 14-0-1 when scoring first, while San Jose is 12-0-2 with the first goal. The clubs are also equally poor when they concede the first goal with the Earthquakes, 1-10-1 and the Red Bulls, 1-9-2.

Looks like we may have a game of score first and win.

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PREGAME: Both teams are running standard 4-4-2 diamond formations. The Earthquakes replace Khali Stephenson for the in form -- according to Frank Yallop -- Scott Sealy, who will lead the Earthquakes attack. Chris Wondolowski has been moved up front closer t! o goal w ith Brazilian DP, Geovanni lining up on the side.

For the Red Bulls, the rash of injuries will force highly touted prospect Juan Agudelo to line up beside Angel up top. The midfield of the Red Bulls is anchored by Rafa Marquez in the back, who will be instrumental in breaking up attacks and starting counters. Keep close attention on Dane Richards, who will be lining up against SJ captain Ramiro Corrales. Richards' speed will be a tall order for Corrales to handle.

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PREGAME: Here are the line ups

NEW YORK RED BULLS

-----------Angel--------Agudelo-------------

Lindpere-------Ballouchy------------Richards

-------------------Marquez---------------------

Miller-----Ream-------Mendes-----Albright

--------------------Coundoul------------------

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

-----------Johnson-----------Wondolowski----------

Convey--------------Sealy----------------Geovanni

-----------------------Cronin-------------------------

Corrales-------Hernandez------McDonald--------Ward

----------------------Busch--------------------------



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