Get These Guys Some Viagra

A beautiful summer night with a loud and boisterous crowd awaiting the introduction of the man of the hour, Thierry Henry.  The players lined up for pre-game introductions, Tottenham on one side, the NY Red Bulls on the other.  The boos rained down as the Tottenham players were introduced. 

Then came the Red Bull intros, and the players received their customary applause.  The announcer ran through the starting lineup with his usual enthusiasm…”at Forward #10…Macooooooumba Kaaaaandji”…eventually he reached “Midfielder #33 Carl Robinson…AND MAKING HIS NEW YORK RED BULL DEBUT…” and you could hardly hear a word the announcer was saying after that, but through the deafening roar you could just barely make out…”AT FORWARD…#14…THIERRYYYY HEEEENRYYYY!”

In following this team for 15 years, I have only heard one instance of the crowd being louder than they were for Henry’s introduction, and that was in the 26th minute when Henry scored his first ever goal as a NY Red Bull, giving them a 1-0 lead over English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspurs. 

But, as expected, Henry was subbed out at halftime, and being that these are the Red Bulls, inevitably they would find a way to ruin the festivities.  Juan Pablo Angel, nursing an injury, was left out of the lineup…and with Henry now a spectator on the bench…the remaining Red Bulls, while outplaying Tottenham for most (if not all) of the game, were unable to take advantage of their opportunities.  And, as customary when dominating a game without scoring, defensive errors cost them the game.  Both, errors can be attributed to brainfarts by backup (NOTE “Backup”) goalkeeper, Greg Sutton.

So, I say let’s take up a collection and get these guys some Viagra, because without Angel and Henry, they are just shooting blanks!

Peace
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What a Train Wreck!

Well…Ok…so much for Henry joining a first place team! The supposed battle for the Eastern Conference Lead, ended up being one team bending over all game long, and the other sticking their foot up in their ass!

It was a game with absolutely nothing to watch for Red Bull fans, yet you couldn’t help but look at this complete and utter train wreck…Blood pressure rising with every tick of the clock. 

With Thierry Henry watching from a luxury box at Columbus Crew Stadium, the new look Red Bulls looked more like the Same Ole Metros!  The 2-0 scoreline does not do the complete domination by the Crew justice…It was just plain embarrassing.

Thierry Henry (and, Rafa) can’t start soon enough!

Peace
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Vive La France! Vive La Revolution! Vive Les Taureaux Rouge!

  

New York City...The Tri-State Area...An area so rich in sports history and tradition that it manages to hold 2 Major League Baseball teams (NYY, NYM), 2 National Football League teams (NYG, NYJ), 2 Basketball teams (NYK, NJN), and 3 Hockey teams (NYR, NYI, NJD). 

Well don't look now, but there's a 10th area team making some noise! Yes, that's right the NEW YORK RED BULLS of Major League Soccer have thrust themselves into the spotlight.  By signing perhaps the best, most successful soccer player of this generation, Thierry Henry, to a 4 1/2 year contract, the Red Bull Organization has EXCLAIMED that they are for real, and they are here to stay.  And, according to everyone in charge, this is not all; this is just the beginning. 

Everyone made great hype about David Beckham signing with the LA Galaxy, and with good reason.  He is clearly the most recognizable Footballer in the world.  But, as far as talent and accomplishment, Beckham doesn't come close to Thierry Henry. 

Henry made his professional debut in 1994 with Monaco of the French First Division.  During the 1996-97 season, he was named the French Young Footballer of the Year, and helped Monaco capture the French Ligue 1 title.  In 1997-98, he set a French record by scoring seven goals in the UEFA Champions’ League, leading his team to the semi-finals.

In 1998, he was a member of the French World Cup winning team, where he lead the team in scoring with 3 goals.  To date, Henry appeared in 118 games for France, including 4 World Cups (‘98, ‘02, ‘06, ‘10), and has scored 51 goals…the most in French National team history.

He played for English Premier League club Arsenal from 1999-2007.  During his time at the London club, he appeared in 369 games, while scoring 226 goals and assisting on 92 others. He remains Arsenal’s All-time Leading Goal Scorer.  He led the club to 2 league titles (2001-02, 2003-04), and 3 FA Cup titles (2002, 2003, 2005) during his stay in North London. 

In 2007, he joined Spanish powerhouse Barcelona.  During the 2008-09 season, Henry scored an amazing 26 goals in 42 games, while assisting 12 times, and along with teammates, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto’o, formed an attacking trio which combined to score 100 goals for the club that season.  He was an instrumental part of Barcelona becoming the first (and only) team in history to win a sextuple.  The sextuple consists of titles in La Liga (2008-09), Copa del Rey (2008-09), and Supercopa de España (2009), also known as the Treble; in addition to winning the UEFA Champions League (2008-09), UEFA Super Cup (2009), and the FIFA Club World Cup (2009). 

 

Henry now joins a team currently in 2nd place behind Eastern Conference leading Columbus. He could however find himself on a 1st place team by the time he suits-up, if the Red Bulls are able to beat the division leaders on Saturday in Columbus.  Trailing the Crew by only 2 points, a win would propel them into first place in the Eastern Conference before Thierry Henry even plays a game. 

And, the latest word is that a 3rd Designated Player will be added in the next 2 weeks…the leading rumor being that Henry’s Barcelona teammate, (and Mexican National Team Player) Rafael (Rafa) Marquez will be that signing.  Also, a member of the sextuple winning team.

Regardless of the next signing, it’s very clear that these are not your daddy’s Red Bulls!

Go NY RED BULLS in 2010 and Beyond!!!   

Vive Les Taureaux Rouge!

Peace
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When Angels Fall

Born Elisa da Nazaré Rainho in the tiny village of Serra do Bouro in the Municipality of Caldas Da Rainha, Portugal on May 15, 1926.  She married Joaquim Antunes on December 24, 1951, and they were married for 58 years.  Two years later, their first child, Maria Elisa Rainho Antunes, was born December 7, 1953.  And, after Immigrating to the United States, she gave birth to the first American Born Antunes, George Rainho Antunes, on February 17, 1967. 

She survived to witness the marriage of her daughter to Abilio Morgado Martins on August 25, 1974.  She survived to witness the birth of her first Granddaughter, Melissa Antunes Martins, on November 30, 1978, and her second Granddaughter, Jessica Antunes Martins, on January 29, 1984.  But, she also survived to witness the deaths of her mother (age 92) and her two sisters, being survived only by her older brother, who will turn 91 later this year.  And, she survived long enough to share one last piece of cake with her children on her 84th birthday.  She died one week later.

She was a woman with The heart of a Saint and the Soul of an Angel.  A proud mother, grandmother, and housewife.  

She is at peace among the stars.  She can fall no more.

RIP

Elisa da Nazaré Rainho Antunes

Born: May 15, 1926

Died: May 19, 2010 

Survived by:

Her Husband: Joaquim Antunes
Her Daughter: Maria Elisa Rainho Antunes Martins
Her Son: George Rainho Antunes
Her Son-In-Law; Abilio Morgado Martins
Her Granddaughters: Melissa Antunes Martins
                                Jessica Antunes Martins  

Her Grandson-In-Law: Mathew Galvin
Her Great-Grandson; Finn Peter Galvin

USOC: Baby Bulls Win Again

HARRISON, NJ - The New York Red Bulls defeated the New England Revolution, 3-0, in their 2nd Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Play-in game at Red Bull Arena.  RBNY fielded a team of reserves and part-time first teamers for the second time, and for the second time, the Baby Bulls handily beat their opponent.  Like the previous game, where the Baby Bulls defeated Philly 2-1, the 3-0 scoreline was misleading, as the Red Bulls were the better team from start to finish. 5-0 would have been a more justified scoreline.  They had several opportunities where they came close, but ultimately those chances went begging.  Rookie Conor Chinn missing from pointblank range in the first half with the team already leading 1-0.

The first half ended 1-0 on a goal by the Staten Island Flash, John Wolyniec.  The play was started by a perfect pinpoint pass, by Danish Midfielder Brian Nielsen, which sent Rookie Conor Chinn one-v-one against the goalkeeper.  His telegraphed shot to the far post, however was deflected out by the Revs goalkeeper, but right to an open John Wolyniec.  Wolyniec fired a shot past the helpless goalkeeper, but the shot rocketed off the defender back to Wolyniec, where the SI Flash sent a second shot slamming into the net.  So, mark that down, 3 shots on goal, 1 goal. 

Throughout the rest of the first half, the Red Bulls continued to press and dominate the Revs defense, with Conor Chinn missing several opportunities to widen the gap. 

In the second half, RBNY continued its dominance over the undermanned Revs with Brian Nielsen causing havoc on the left wing all day.  In the 62 minute, after a foul just outside the box, Nielsen lined-up to take the freekick.  With all the Revs expecting him to cross it into the box, Nielsen squared the ball to Sinisa, who’s onetime grassburner found it’s way into the left side of the net, extending the lead to 2-0.  Then shortly there after, the Staten Island Flash again got on the end of a rebound in the box, putting away his second of the game, and setting the final margin of victory at 3-0. 

The Baby Bulls continued to have chances to add to their tally, while the Revs never really tested RBNY Goalkeeper Greg Sutton, who earned his first shutout.

Next up for the Baby Bulls…Colorado.  Bring it!

Peace
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New York Red Bulls 2010 Preview

by The Game 365, MSG Network.

 

 

 

 

Speedy Pacquiao Demolishes Clottey in Flawless Victory

      (Chris Cozzone)

Deep in the heart of Texas, standing in a ring positioned on the Dallas Star on the 50 yardline of Dallas Cowboys Stadium, otherwise known as, Jerryworld, and in front of the 3rd largest crowd to ever attend a boxing event (50,994), Manny Pacquiao stood ready for battle.  Across the ring, Joshua Clottey prepared his game plan…peek-a-boo defense.  During the course of a football game, teams go through three fazes…offense, defense, and special teams.  Manny Pacquiao came fully prepared to utilize his whole repertoire.  Unfortunately, Clottey chose to face Manny by hiding behind his gloves for 90% of the fight.  The few times he attempted to throw a punch he actually hit Pacquiao, but those moments were few and far between.

To be fair, Clottey didn’t really have any chance of beating Pacquiao…Manny was much faster, quicker, and more consistent throughout the fight.  He showed exceptional hand speed and determination in getting around, over, or under Clottey’s defenses.  His offense was flawless, his defense was adequate when it was needed, and what truly set Manny apart was his special teams (in this case his heart). Clottey was the challenger, but never even tried to TAKE Manny’s belt from him…he was just content to survive.  Any opponent coming into Cowboys Stadium looking just to survive will always leave a loser…Risk is at the heart of all competition, and Clottey took absolutely no risks. As a result, Manny secured a decisively flawless victory which was a complete shutout by my scorecard (see below) as well as one of the judges and the AP.  The other two judges were feeling generous in giving the final round to Clottey, but despite his willingness to trade, most in attendance agreed that Manny still did enough to win it.

Rounds	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	Total
Pacquiao	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	120
Clottey	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	108

This fight was supposed to be between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr but as I predicted after Manny’s last fight (http://georgeantunes.blogspot.com/2009/11/we-want-floyd.html) that fight never materialized.  Now, Mayweather is fighting “Sugar” Shane Mosley on May 1st, and presumably the winner will fight Pacquiao.  If Mosley wins, which he most certainly is capable of doing, then I am confident that an agreement with Manny will surely be made…as far as Mayweather is concerned, I’ll believe it when I see it.

On the undercard, José Luis Castillo attempted to make a comeback fighting former “The Contender” contestant, Alfonso Gomez.  But, during the course of the fight it became more and more evident that Castillo was just trying to earn his paycheck to help his ever increasing debts.  By the time the fight reached the 5th round of the 10 round fight, and after Gomez dominated the fight on everyone’s scorecards, Castillo called it quits without ever going down…he just withdrew at the end of the 5th, never intending to come out for the 6th. However, still happily collecting his paycheck.  I had Gomez pitching a shutout (50-45) 5 Round to none at the time.

And, in the last Undercard, Humberto Soto faced David Diaz for the WBC Lightweight Title in a 12-round championship fight.  Humberto Soto entered the ring with 50 wins, 7 loses, 2 draws, with 32 Knockouts, while Diaz came in with 35 wins, 2 loses, 1 draw, with 17 Knockouts.  The fight was much more competitive, but in the end Soto won unanimously, starting and ending the fight with 10-8 rounds.  My Score card below.

Rounds	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	Total
Humberto Soto	10	10	10	10	10	10	9	10	9	9	10	10	117
David Diaz	8	9	9	9	9	9	10	9	10	10	9	8	109

Peace
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