Stage Is Set

The New York Red Bulls have had a busy preseason so far. 

They started by hiring a new braintrust with the appointments of Eric Soler as GM/Sporting Director and Hans Backe as Head Coach, while reacquiring the services of former interim head coach, Richie Williams as assistant coach and longtime goalkeepers coach, Des McAlleenan.

The staff: (L-R) Ritchie Williams, GM Erik Soler, Hans Backe and Des McAleenan. (Red Bulls)

Then they selected a talented core of young prospects in the draft. Red Bull New York added five players to their roster at the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, held at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. New York selected University of Virginia midfielder Tony Tchani and Wake Forest University midfielder Austin Da Luz in the first round (2nd, 14th overall, respectively), Saint Louis University defender Tim Ream in the second round (18th), University of San Francisco forward Conor Chinn in the third round (34th) and University of California - Irvine midfielder/forward Irving Garcia in the fourth round (50th).

Currently, the team is in La Manga, Spain participating in the La Manga tournament.  On Monday, February 1st, the Red Bulls complete their stay when they take on Norway's Stromsgodset IF at 9AM EST.  On January 25th, The Red Bulls took on 2009/10 Russian UEFA Champions League participants, CSKA Moscow and played them to a hard fought 1-1 draw. 

They followed that up by defeating a talented Lech Poznan of Poland  by riding an early Juan Pablo Angel goal, and a staunch defensive effort to a 1-0 victory.  They are scheduled to return to the US on February 4th. 

Meanwhile, on this coast, the stage has been set for the Soft, Grand, and Home Openers for the new crown jewel of MLS, Red Bull Arena.

The Soft Open will be a match on March 13th which will feature the Under-18 Red Bulls Academy team against the Under-17 US Men’s National Team.  Admission is free.

Red Bull Arena soft open set for March 13

Match will feature U18 Red Bulls against U17 US MNT

Red Bull Arena will host the Red Bulls U18 Academy side against the U17 US MNT side on March 13, 2010. (RBNY)

The Grand Opening of the new stadium will be on March 20th, when the NY Red Bulls take on Pele’s old team, Santos FC of Brazil. 

Grand Opening event
Saturday, March 20 (Time TBD)
Red Bulls vs. Santos FC (Brazil)

The Home Opener will be on March 27th at 7PM, when they take on division rival, the Chicago Fire.

Home Opener
Saturday, March 27 @ 7pm
Red Bulls vs. Chicago Fire

The Stage is Set Ticket Package includes admission to both events, and the prices start at $35.  I’ve ordered mine. Order yours now.  Don’t miss this event.

For tickets to the Stage is Set 2-pack, go to http://www.mlsnet.com/t107/tickets/2010/stage_2pack.jsp

or call (877) RBSOCCER.

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Peace
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