Photo by Brad Penner/USA Today Sports

By RYAN TOLMICH

With each side coming off a bye week, the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United have each had two full weeks to prepare to resume their rivalry.

The two Eastern Conference foes will square off Sunday at Red Bull Arena following a week of rest. The Red Bulls’ local rival, New York City FC, also takes on a team with fresh legs as David Villa and co. head to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to take on the Colorado Rapids.

This weekend’s action was expected to kick off Friday night as the Philadelphia Union host FC Dallas, but weather has pushed the clash to Saturday. Meanwhile, the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo look to rebound from two less than stellar outings when they collide Saturday.

In addition, the New England Revolution look to score their first goal of the season against the Montreal Impact, Orlando City hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Sporting KC takes on the Portland Timbers.

Here is a closer look at this weekend’s MLS action:

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION vs. MONTREAL IMPACT (Saturday, 3 p.m., MLS Live)

The Montreal Impact have had a busy week with CONCACAF Champions League commitments and now face a quick turnaround for a matchup with the reigning Eastern Conference champions.

Luckily for the Impact, the team’s tired legs will not have to deal with Jermaine Jones, out once again following surgery, or Jose Goncalves, who is suspended due to a red card. The Impact also enter with injury woes of their own, as Justin Mapp continues his extended spell on the sidelines after dislocating his elbow in the team’s opener.

PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. FC DALLAS (Saturday, 4 p.m., UniMas)

Following a pair of disappointing draws, the Philadelphia Union are tasked with stopping one of the league’s hottest scorers.

The Union struggled to keep Real Salt Lake off the board last week, and now Jim Curtin’s side faces Blas Perez, who has scored three times in two games.With Maurice Edu back in his more favored midfield role, the Union will need to stay compact to contain an FC Dallas attack that is among the most ruthless in the league.

COLORADO RAPIDS vs. NEW YORK CITY FC (Saturday, 4 p.m., MLS Live)

While New York City’s star striker led his side to victory last week, the Colorado Rapids’ has since made his way out of town.

The Rapids sold last year’s leading scorer, Deshorn Brown, last week, leaving plenty of questions regarding the team’s attacking depth. In addition, the Rapids will be without defender Bobby Burling, who was shown a straight red card in the team’s opener.

ORLANDO CITY vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., MLS Live)

Orlando City filled the Citrus Bowl in its first game and, with ticket sales still on the rise, fans in attendance will have the chance to see one of the league’s most exciting young strikers.

Whitecaps striker Octavio Rivero has lived up to the preseason hype. The Uruguayan has banged in a pair of goals in as many games, including last week’s game-winner. Orlando City, meanwhile, has struggled a bit on the scoring front, with only a deflected Kaka free kick and an own goal on the team’s resume after two games.

SPORTING KC vs. PORTLAND TIMBERS (Saturday, 8:30 p.m., MLS Live)

The Portland Timbers have twice been the dominant team, but Caleb Porter’s side has twice settled for a draw due to the team’s inability to put the game away.

Following the pair of home draws, the Timbers head to Sporting KC for a potential playoff preview. With Matt Besler returning from suspension, Sporting KC should prove stronger in the back than last week’s 3-1 walloping at the hands of FC Dallas.

LA GALAXY vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO (Saturday, 10:30 p.m., MLS Live)

Alan Gordon proved the hero last week, but the Galaxy will surely expect more than a single point against the Houston Dynamo on Saturday.

For their part, the Dynamo have proven successful in front of Tyler Deric, who, despite a blunder last week, has emerged as one of the league’s top goalkeepers so far this season. Deric’s mettle is sure to be tested, though, as the strike force of Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes is generally a nightmare for even the most experienced of goalkeepers.

NEW YORK RED BULLS vs. D.C. UNITED (Sunday, 5 p.m., ESPN 2)

After an offseason full of conflict, the New York Red Bulls fans, players and staff can finally unite in their mutual disdain for D.C. United.

The Red Bulls will do so shorthanded, though, as Roy Miller is set to miss out, while center back Ronald Zubar’s status is still up in the air. Luckily for the makeshift Red Bulls back line, D.C. will also be without Fabian Espindola, who remains suspended.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES vs. CHICAGO FIRE (Sunday, 7 p.m., on Fox Sports 1)

Frank Yallop won two MLS Cups as head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes, but the Chicago Fire return to a much different San Jose than the one he left behind.

The Earthquakes are set to open the brand new Avaya Stadium following an impressive 3-2 victory over the Seattle Sounders. Dom Kinnear, Yallop’s former assistant, now faces off with a foe that is struggling in front of the net, as the Fire have yet to score this season.