Throughout the year, LA Galaxy midfielder Juninho has been one of the club's most consistent players. The second-year loanee from Sao Paulo made major strides since his first season and is a key player on both sides of the ball.
Juninho, though, will play no role in Thursday's return leg against New York (11 pm ET, ESPN2/TSN2), but Galaxy coaches have some experience to turn to on the bench.
Chris Birchall has played at the highest level before — World Cup, World Cup qualifying, MLS Cup playoffs. The Trinidad and Tobago international hopes to add Thursday's match to his résumé.
"With the center midfielder we're losing in Juninho, there's only a couple of choices," Birchall told reporters at training on Tuesday. "I haven't been told for definite if it's going to be the case.
I'm obviously hoping so because it would be a nice game to step into, but anyone who steps in is going to do a great job because that's the kind of squad we've got."
Birchall appeared in 23 matches this season, a year after logging 25 in helping the Galaxy win the first of two consecutive Supporters' Shield titles. In 2011, Birchall has been part of the rotation at midfield, appearing at times on the right flank in addition to the middle.
Against the Red Bulls, Birchall will look to make it tough on opposing attackers who will certainly come into the Home Depot Center with one objective.
"All out attack, really," he said. "They have nothing to lose. They have to win the game. I'm sure that will be the emphasis. With the players they've got, the pace they've got they can do that to anyone on any given day. Hopefully that's not going to be us."