Red Bulls Are Fit to be Tied

 

 

Let us step back and analyze this from a neutral observer’s point-of-view first…

The NY Red Bulls came out flat in the first half, and Vancouver had the bulk of the possession which eventually lead to a beautiful goal in the 23rd minute by Davide Chiumiento.  Some poor officiating lead to a series of circumstances which saw Rafa Marquez escape a 2nd yellow card, and a few minutes later Jan Gunnar Solli receive a totally bogus straight red card in first half stoppage time.

So, the first half ends with the Red Bulls down a goal, down a man, and playing poorly against the team with the worst record in MLS.  A team who hasn’t won a game on the road all season.

The Red Bulls began playing better in the second half, and had a lot more possession despite playing down a man.  But, the game completely changed in the 61st minute when Hans Backe inserted the Red Bulls 18 year old phenom, Juan Agudelo.  His youth, speed, and desire gave the team some much needed width, and caused Vancouver’s defense fits as soon as he came on.  Then in the 68th minute, Agudelo lost his defender in the box, and got on the end of a long Rafa Marquez pass, leveling the game at 1-1.

The Red Bulls continued to pressure Vancouver trying to get the game winner, and Agudelo almost accomplished that in the 80th minute.  Rising above the defense, he headed a shot on target forcing Caps keeper Joe Cannon to make a save to knock the ball out of bounds.  In the 81st minute, Luke Rodgers returned from injury to add more pressure to the Caps defense, and the Red Bulls attack came inches from getting the game winner as Thierry Henry made Joe Cannon sprawl to knock away another shot destined for the back of the net.  In the end, the short-handed Red Bulls fought back for a hard earned point, but failed to get the much needed win.

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However, the Red Bulls now find themselves with the dubious distinction of having a league high 15 ties (Chicago also has 15 ties).  And, they also find themselves behind DC United for the last playoff spot after United’s 3-0 victory over Chivas USA.

The Red Bulls now have to hit the road to face FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas needing to find a way to get 3 points, or risk falling out of the playoff picture all together.

They have 7 games left to make the playoffs. The fans will not accept positive spins on how this was a good tie any longer.  They are having fits about all the ties this season.

Bottom-line: This team is too expensive and too talented to not make the playoffs. 

Get it done…PERIOD!  No more excuses.

Peace
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Post game Interviews from Hans Backe, Carlos Mendes, Luke Rodgers, and Thierry Henry

Red Bulls Return Hoping to Make a Playoff Push

 

The NY Red Bulls (32 pts.) find themselves clinging to the final playoff spot by a mere point over arch-rival DC United (31 pts.).  After finishing best in the East last season, the most expensive team in the league began positively, but the Red Bulls have fallen from 1st place all the way to 5th place in the Eastern Conference; a full 3 points behind the Houston Dynamo (35) and upstart Philadelphia Union (35), 5 points behind Sporting KC (37), and 8 points behind East-leading Columbus (40).

The class of the league continues to be the LA Galaxy who lead the league with 55 points in 28 games played, and they became the first team to clinch a playoff berth with their 1-0 win over defending champion Colorado on Friday.  Mercifully, the sold-out derby game between the Galaxy and Red bulls at Red Bull Arena was postponed by Hurricane Irene to October 4.  The Vancouver Whitecaps now come into Red Bull Arena to face a well-rested team (last game on August 20, 2-2 draw at New England) looking to break a 7 game winless streak.  During that stretch the team has gone 0-3-4, and their last win was a 5-0 drubbing of lowly Toronto at Red Bull Arena on July 6, 2011.  

The Whitecaps are the polar opposites of the Galaxy in the league having the distinction as the worst team in the league with a mere 21 points from 26 games played, and are winless on the road all season.  So, step one for the Red Bulls is not to allow Vancouver to get their first win on the road; step 2 is to secure a 1-0 lead; and then final step to dismantle them with a similar drubbing as they gave the last Canadian team to set foot in Red Bull Arena…Remember Red Bull Arena is Our Home Your Hell!

Bottom-line nothing less than a dominant and convincing performance and win is acceptable at this point in the season by a team that considers itself worthy of being in the playoffs when facing a team out of the playoff picture.  Especially, in a league where the playoff picture can turn on a single win or lose.

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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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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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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Guess Who’s Coming

Previously, I’ve mentioned how the New York Red Bulls will be hosting Santos FC of São Paulo on March 20th for their Grand Opening of the new stadium.

What most people who don’t follow European soccer (English Premier League, in particular) hadn’t realized is the added bonus which Santos will be bringing with them to Red Bull Arena.

Recently, a rather overpriced and overhyped signing from the other Manchester team (ie. Manchester City) secured a loan deal to return to his hometown team in São Paulo.  So, as a result, Pelé’s former team now also became the current home of homecoming hero (and former Man City and Real Madrid player), Robinho.  Those of us who follow soccer closely realize that this homecoming deal is as important to the Brazilian community as Christiano Ronaldo returning to Sporting Lisbon would be to the Portuguese community. Bring on the Samba dancers! See you at the stadium.

Peace
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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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