Yesterday, the Red Bulls broke ground on their long-anticipated stadium in Harrison, scheduled to open in the 2008 season. Tonight, they’ll get to work on salvaging the 2006 postseason, hosting New England (7:30; MSG).

A Red Bulls win would leave both teams tied for third place in the Eastern Conference. With five games to remaining, the Red Bulls are in fifth place, one point behind fourth-place Kansas City – whom they host in the finale – for the last playoff spot.

D Carlos Mendes is suspended and D Todd Dunivant questionable (quad), but the Red Bulls welcome the return of captain Amado Guevara (suspended for their 1-0 win over Columbus) and the arrival of new midfielder Markus Schopp, who captained Austria in the 1998 World Cup and comes on loan.

And all parties are hoping that finally finding a home – a $200 million, $25,000 seat arena – will give the team new momentum.

“When you see something like this you get excited. I feel (now) one step closer,” said GK Tony Meola. “Having had a lot of discussions with the people at Red Bull, you’re proud to play for them. You’re proud to be part of their organization because they want to do things right.”