Despite the Red Bulls’ slow start, they took solace in having survived a brutal season-opening road stretch and kicking off a homestand tonight. And having righted the ship last Saturday in DC, Tim Cahill says it’s the perfect time to have three games crammed into a week – a stretch he says could be season-defining.

The Red Bulls came into tonight’s tilt against defensive juggernaut Sporting KC having finally gained some much-needed traction with a 2-0 win at archrival United. And Cahill said carrying momentum from that into last night – and next Saturday’s quick turnaround against visiting New England – could set them up in good position for the dog days of summer.

“Let’s concentrate on what we’re doing, and try to make this run a little bit longer, because a good result against (Sporting KC) will put is in great position this week, and obviously for the points tally three games in a week,’’ said Cahill.

“I feel it’s a good time to play three games in a week, because of the points situation, to pick up as many points as possible after a rocky start, a bit underserved. When you look at the biggest leagues in the world when you play these games, game-after-game-after game, it changes the season. For us it’s a massive game against KC because it makes a big difference in the table.’’

Not that nine-point weeks are easy, or even picking up any result at all against Sporting KC. They came into tonight riding an MLS-best 429-minute shutout streak, and their three goals allowed were second-stingiest in the league. And as captain Thierry Henry pointed out, just being at home won’t guarantee success.

“We know that we can be strong at home, so we have to try to do that,’’ said Henry. “We haven’t been able to even score a goal against them at home (last year); The only goal we scored against them was an own goal by Kei Kamara, and he’s gone, so he can’t do that for us this time.

“I’d like to hope it’s a good time (to play three in a week), but we’ll see. It’s what we make of it. Hopefully we can have a decent game first of all against Kansas City and then against New England.’’

Sitting a middle-of-the-pack fifth in a ten-team Eastern Conference, the Red Bulls had played five of their first seven games on the road, matching Real Salt Lake for the toughest start. But tonight started a stretch of six of nine at home, and Cahill was buoyed by doing it with at least a little momentum.

“The short turnaround’s fine. When you play three games in a week, it’s probably what we needed because it’s a chance to pick up a possible nine points,’’ said Cahill. “Its about being consistent and taking the momentum so all the good work that we’ve done we have to go on a run now. Three games in a week is nothing. That’s not new to us but it’s a great opportunity.’’