[sanman]

In what might be the most anticipated MLS regular-season game since the inaugural one in 1996, the Galaxy face the New York Red Bulls on Friday at HomeDepot Center.
Pick your storyline.
Two teams from opposite coasts in the nation's largest markets will collide on national television in front of what's expected to be a sold-out crowd, only the second this year at Home Depot Center.
No fewer than five designated players will be on display.
They include former Barcelona teammates Rafael Marquez and Thierry Henry, who both signed for the Red Bulls after playing for Mexico and France respectively in the World Cup. The Galaxy counter with David Beckham, gradually regaining his fitness after six months out with injury, and striker Landon Donovan, newly anointed as the Galaxy's all-time leading goal scorer after scoring a pair Saturday in the Galaxy's come-from-behind win over D.C. United.
In Edson Buddle the Galaxy boast the league's leading scorer, while the Red Bulls counter with second leading MLS goal scorer and their third designated player, Juan Pablo Angel. He has just two fewer goals than Buddle, who has scored 14.
"The stars have sort of aligned for Friday's game," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Monday. "National television, the only time we'll have five designated players on the field (at the same time this year), at least until potentially the playoffs, and a lot of interesting rivalries.

[venhitman]

when begins playoffs?