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Big guns to meet in MLS

SoccerNews in English Premier League, MLS 4 Oct 2011

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The LA Galaxy travel to face the New York Red Bulls on Tuesday with Major League Soccer’s Supporters’ Shield the prize on offer.

Western Conference leaders Galaxy have already booked their place in the post-season playoffs.

And they can secure a second successive Supporters’ Shield – the reward for the team with the best regular-season record across both conferences – with victory at Red Bull Arena.

But the Californian outfit could be without two key men, as midfielder David Beckham struggles with back spasms and captain Landon Donovan battles a thigh strain.

Regardless of whether or not he plays a part, former Manchester United and Real Madrid man Beckham is expecting the team to rise to the challenge presented by the Red Bulls.

“It’s like every other game, we want to win,” Beckham said.

“It’s as simple as that.”

“We’re aware that if we win the game that the Supporters’ Shield will be ours, but the important part is to play well and perform well.”

“Obviously we want to get the three points, but coming to New York, playing against the Red Bulls is never easy.”

Beckham believes the Galaxy have coped well with injury problems throughout the season and can continue to do so at this late stage.

“All the way through the defence, forwards, Chad (Barrett) has stepped up in games, Adam (Cristman) has stepped up in games,” he said.

“So when we have had key players out, we have had players that have come in that haven’t played many minutes and performed for us, which is a huge thing.”

“It is a thing that helps you win championships.”

While the Red Bulls finished top of the Eastern Conference last season, they are still without an MLS Cup triumph.

The team have slumped to fifth in 2011 and are clinging on to the last play-off qualification place, on goal difference only.

And the challenging fixture at home to LA is followed by another difficult match away at Eastern Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City.

Nevertheless, New York forward Thierry Henry believes his team are not out of the running yet.

“We have to dig in and try to do something, we’re only five points from the top,” Henry said.

“It is do-able, we have two games remaining at home.”

“Hopefully we can do something against Kansas City, but we have to think first about LA.”

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