The New York Red Bulls are taking a short break from Major League Soccer action to participate in the annual U.S. Open Cup. The Red Bulls open play Tuesday at Blackbaud Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET) against the Charleston Battery, a USL Pro Club.
Red Bulls coach Hans Backe plans to play as many starters as a he can, although star striker Thierry Henry won't be one of them. Henry will sit to rest his hamstring, which caused him to miss five MLS games earlier this season.
Backe's intent to play the best lineup he can does not, however, mean he is happy about the scheduling of the event. Rafa Marquez, Dane Richards, Joel Lindpere and Roy Miller will not be available due to international commitments, and Victor Palsson will leave after Tuesday's match.
"The disappointment is U.S. Soccer," Backe said. "Someone has to tell U.S. Soccer, if you want to take this serious, then don't play on FIFA days. It's simple as that. Then you have your whole roster available."
"We are losing five guys because of that, five starters, so that is the problem."
One player who is likely to play is defender Wilman Conde, who has not appeared in a game since late March due to a groin injury.
The game will be streamed live at USLNation.com.
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