Galaxy opens MLS playoffs against New York Red Bulls

Galaxy on Sunday

AT NEW YORK

When: Noon PDT.

Where: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, N.J.

On the air: TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes. Radio: 1150, 1330 (Spanish), 1220 (Spanish).

Records: Galaxy 19-5-10, Red Bulls 10-8-16.

Record vs. Red Bulls: 0-1-1.

Update: This two-game, round-of-eight series will feature the league’s two most famous players, the Galaxy’s David Beckham and the Red Bulls’ Thierry Henry. Each has been key to his team’s success: Beckham’s 15 assists ranked second in the MLS and Henry’s 14 goals third. Henry’s creativity in the final third of the field and an improved defense will make the Red Bulls a serious threat in the postseason, even though they had only the 10th-best regular season record. The Red Bulls are 3-1-2 in their last six games, including a 2-0 victory over FC Dallas in a play-in game Wednesday. But the win was costly, as right back Jan Gunnar Solli drew a red card on an inane slide tackle. Solli will be suspended for this game. Meanwhile, the Galaxy is getting players back. Landon Donovan, who sat out the last three regular-season games, appears to be ready to go. Forward Robbie Keane, the Galaxy’s latest high-profile acquisition, hasn’t played in more than a month but resumed full workouts Thursday.

— Dylan Hernandez