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MLS Preview: New York derby takes centre stage

The Empire State Building will turn blue or red as New York City prepare to host arch-rivals New York Red Bulls on Sunday.

Microsoft Windows will light up the iconic Manhattan landmark with the colour of the MLS club that receives the most votes online, as both teams bid to earn bragging rights in New York.

Former Spain international David Villa has been key to City's winning streak, scoring three goals in as many matches, including a brace in Toronto last time out.

The Red Bulls snapped a five-match winless run in MLS via Mike Grella's fourth-minute winner against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.

"At the end of the day, three points are so huge," captain Dax McCarty said.

"When you lose four games in a row, you start to question yourself; you start to question your ability as a team.

"I think we never lost too much confidence, but obviously doubt starts to creep in and you never want to doubt yourself; you never want to doubt your team."

The Sounders head to Portland following back-to-back defeats as the Seattle club failed to move clear of Vancouver Whitecaps, who are level on 29 points leading into Saturday's trip to New England Revolution.