Red Bulls 'ready to go' for Eastern Conference final with Columbus

New York Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch says his squad feels refreshed following time off during the international break, and is ready to face the challenge of the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference final.

The Harrison-based franchise triumphed over DC United in the semifinals with a 2-0 aggregate score, and Sunday's showdown between the Eastern Conference top two will come a fortnight after the second-leg win against DCU.

In the absence of competitive action, Marsch gradually increased the intensity of the training sessions in Hanover while Matt Miazga, Kemar Lawrence, and Karl Ouimette were away with their respective countries.

"We've been very open about what the challenges are and where we are," the two-time United States international told MLS Soccer. "Last week it was about down-throttling the physical part and this week we're trying to get it back up. They're plenty rested, they're fresh, and they're ready to go."

Winger Mike Grella said that while he has appreciated the break from matches, it is a "double-edged sword" due to the challenge of maintaining fitness during the layoff.

"(The break is) nice because you do get a rest and some time back home, but you still need to get sharp. You have to get it going again, pick up where you left off, and that's not an easy thing to do."

Midfielder Sacha Kljestan hasn't picked up a cap for the United States since he started a 2-0 loss to Ukraine in March 2014, and was left out of Jurgen Klinsmann's squad once again for the qualifiers against St. Vincent and the Grenadines and at Trinidad and Tobago. He says remaining at the Red Bulls' training facility has left him fit for the challenge at the Columbus Crew Stadium on Sunday.

"I feel good," Kljestan said. "It was nice to have a weekend off and get the legs back. Hopefully I'm feeling really fresh when the weekend comes, so for me, I'm good."