Red Bulls, Galaxy set for high-profile clash

Harrison, NJ – They don't come much bigger than this.

Red Bull New York will welcome the Los Angeles Galaxy to Red Bull Arena on Sunday, a fixture that has been become something of a 'Coastal Clasico' in recent years due to its red-carpet atmosphere.

The two clubs have been able to attract some of the world's best players as a result of their placement in the two largest media markets in the country.

For the newest superstar welcomed to either side, the monumental clash will offer Tim Cahill the chance to take on some familiar faces in his first taste of the rivalry.

"This is exciting," Cahill told New York's official website. "I think for me, it's my first L.A. Galaxy - New York Red Bulls game, I know there's going to be so much media and speculation about it, and first time playing Landon (Donovan) in a long time. Also Robbie Keane. I'm excited because it's a massive game."

It would be a massive game even without the added spectacle of a star-studded affair. The Red Bulls have plenty at stake as they enter the weekend in first place in the Eastern Conference with 21 points and a five-match unbeaten run.

"They're a top team and you always want to beat the best," Cahill continued. "But I suppose for us the emphasis is keeping with what we're doing. We've been playing some really good football. Some games haven't been the best to watch, but we're getting the results."

Los Angeles was in a bit of a slump, but the club pulled out of it in magnificent fashion by picking up a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday to snap a two-game slide.

Donovan played a starring role in the contest, racking up two assists before sealing the victory with a goal three minutes from time.

"It always feels good to play well and tonight I felt like I was back to my old self," Donovan said after the match. "And always a goal is nice but I think just being aggressive and running at people, making a difference that way felt like the old me and it was nice to play that way again."

Now the Galaxy will have the task of recuperating on short rest in order to turn out another solid road performance against the Red Bulls.

"Hopefully good energy but we will find out Sunday," said L.A. head coach Bruce Arena. "It's good to get the win, but we have a long task ahead of us. We have to get our legs back, make sure the players recover the right way, and hopefully step on the field and give the Red Bulls a good game on Sunday."