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Henry set for Red Bulls return, Cahill likely to play vs. Union

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By FRANCO PANIZO

The New York Red Bulls might not be at full strength when they host the Philadelphia Union this weekend, but they will be pretty close to it.

Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke said Tuesday that Designated Players Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill have recovered from their respective knocks and should be available for Saturday’s Eastern Conference showdown at Red Bull Arena. Petke indicated that Henry would return to the starting lineup after missing this past weekend’s 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew due to Achilles inflammation while adding that it was probable that Cahill, who suffered a torn PCL in July 27’s 4-3 win over Real Salt Lake, would at least see some minutes vs. the Union.

“I full expect Thierry to be available this weekend, 100 percent,” said Petke. “It was something that I was aware about all [last] week. I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen and then on Thursday, we made a precautionary decision. It was acting up and we went with it.”

“Cahill practiced fully today, 100 percent, no limitations. That’s a phenomenal sign, obviously. Judging by today’s performance. I’d expect a very good possibility that he’ll be available but we still have three practice sessions to go.”

Petke also added that midfielder Lloyd Sam could be healthy enough to dress for Saturday’s clash against Philadelphia. Sam, who suffered a left quadriceps injury in a 3-2 win vs. Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 3, took part in partial training on Tuesday and a decision will likely be made on his availability on Thursday.

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What do you think of Cahill and Henry returning to play the Union? How big will their returns be? Do you see Sam being healthy enough to to play on Saturday?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. This is a delayed post but went to my first Red Bulls game (in Harrison) a couple weeks ago and it was a good time had by all. Went with 11 other guys for a bachelor party, this was the first MLS game for 8 of them and we ended up choosing both a good game and a great venue.
    Sitting the next section over from the supporters section was perfect and seeing a 7 goal thriller was great for the 8 new guys.
    I don’t know if I have converted any of the guys into fans or supporters, but I don’t think that any of them will be looking down their noses at the next opportunity for going to an MLS game.
    Coming from CT, a few of us were pretty jealous of the public transport to and from the game.

    Looking forward to going to a future game in Harrison.

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    • Great post — I wish we could put it on a billboard. Along the same lines, a few weeks ago a caller to WFAN in New York wanted talked about what a great time he had at his first RBNY game (I think it was also the RSL barn-burner). It was remarkable for at least three reasons: (1) the screener let him on the air, (2) he spoke in glowing terms about the game, the arena, and the atmosphere, and (3) the host treated him with respect and real interest. It’s a baby step, but when you can reach millions of mainstream sports fans in NY and not get shouted down or belittled by the host, that’s progress.

      Reply
  2. Off topic, but can SBI get any info about Bob Bradley in Egypt? The situation for over a month has been tenuous, and is rapidly deteriorating now.

    The “American Pharaoh” film was great but, obviously, new chapters are being written.

    The team qualified for Brazil but how they get there from here is beyond me. Football has been the one unifying force in a divided country but one wonders if even that will hold.

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    • Egypt has NOT qualified for Brasil, but rather just made it to the final round of qualifying. They have a home and away for all the marbles against a TBD opponent this fall.

      I read recently that Bob was in the states

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  3. A win here could mean a chance for a little winning streak for RBNY given that the next two games are against the two worst teams in MLS. Or they could continue playing down to the level of their competition and dropping points against bad teams, like last week.

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  4. We as NY fans have been jinxed with some just horrible, failure of players (Marquez, Digao, Khano Smith to name a few), but at times, we have been equally blessed by incredibly dedicated, consumate professionals the likes of Tim Howard, Jozy, Timmy Cahill and Juan Pablo. I can’t believe Cahill is fully healed, but dude’s just a gladiator. We’re lucky to have him.

    Reply

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