Red Bulls Preview: Game 7 vs. Village People

After a listless "brain-dead" 0-1 home loss to Colorado, the New York Red Bulls must pick up their game tomorrow night vs. Columbus (7:30pm, MSG, DK) in the middle game of a three-game home stand. New York suffered mightily from the absence of field general Claudio Reyna in Sunday's loss vs. the Rapids, and Captain America is listed as questionable with a groin pull versus Columbus.

The New York injury list also includes D Hunter Freeman (out), M Demo Kovalenko and Markus Schopp, and G Ronald Wattereus (questionable), putting pressure on the healthy Red Bulls to deliver a better performance in front of what hopefully will be a larger home crowd than Sunday's sorry sub-8,000 turnout.

Now I wasn't at Sunday's Mother's Day match, and the other husbands and fathers out there can attest to the need to play your "go see a match on a Hallmark holiday" cards handily (though Mrs. Fish has amazingly stepped up to allow me to head to US-Korea in Montreal on 6/30, so I'm doing just fine, thank you). As noted in this space previously, the Red Bull Front Office has decided to focus its marketing on "grassroots," a code word for "on the cheap," so the poor NY attendance should not be a surprise. This team simply is invisible in the media, and with the Mets-Yankees series taking the NY sports world's attention this weekend, don't look for anyone to notice the Red Bulls tomorrow.

MLS is playing up the rivalry betweeen NY's (ex-River Plate) Juan Pablo Angel and Columbus' (ex-Boca Juniors) Guillermo Barros Schelotto, which may get a bit of play in the area's Hispanic press. Will that angle translate into butts in seats? The weather report is for 49 degrees and a 50 percent chance of rain. I'm not optimistic.

Recent Form:
New York: WWWDL
Columbus: DDWLD

Here's a line-by-line look at what to expect:

The Columbus forwards vs. the Red Bulls' defense:
Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Alejandro Moreno, and Eddie Gaven vs. Seth Stammler, Jeff Parke, Carlos Mendes, Todd Dunivant (and Jon Conway). What an upgrade for Columbus! The signing of Schelotto and the trade for Moreno in the last few weeks will provide a major boost for the Crew's attack, which has managed just four goals in six games (tied for last in MLS). While Tim Regan has been a Metro fan favorite, his inability to mark Nico Hernandez last week led to the game's only goal. The Red Bulls will miss Freeman, but still are tied for the league lead in goals-against. Slight Advantage: New York

New York's attackers vs. the Crew's defense:
Juan Pablo Angel vs. Frankie Hejduk, Marcos Gonzalez, Ezra Hendrickson and Rusty Pierce (and Andy Gruenebaum). The strength of the 1-1-4 Crew is its defense, which like New York has only allowed four goals this season. The Hebrew Hammer in goal is an early season surprise, Heydude continues to be an ageless wonder, and Hendrickson has scored a goal for the Crew. As long as Bruce sticks to his 4-5-1, we won't see JPA and Jozy Altidore on the field at the same time, which could test any defense. Without strong service last week, JPA foundered. Slight Advantage: Columbus

The Midfields:
Ned Grabavoy, Danny O'Rourke, and Stefani Miglioranzi vs. Dema Kovalenko, Claudio Reyna, Clint Mathis, Dave van den Bergh and Dane Richards. The Crew's midfield is a work in progress, though Grabavoy has accounted for half of Columbus' goal output this season. Not sure if Sigi Schmid wants to play a 3-man midfield against New York's experienced group. The Red Bull game notes has Reyna as a probable starter. How long he plays tomorrow night may be the determining factor. Advantage: New York

The Coaches:
Sigi Schmid is as-tenured a coach can be in MLS. He's made some significant upgrades this season, and has only lost once in six outings this year. Arena ripped his team last week after an unacceptable performance. He's playing at home, and needs to motivate his team to show up. Advantage: Push

Intangibles:
Colombians and Argentinians fans may create an atmosphere in the cavernous Swamp... but the poor weather report may convince fans to watch at home on the tube. New York is vulnerable with all the injuries. Advantage: Push

Prediction: What do you say about a team that can't score, but doesn't concede and goals, either? If Reyna goes 90, New York wins. I don't think he will. Yet another scoreless draw.

Media Relations Campaign: Week 2
Won't you take a minute out of your day and drop a quick email to 1010 WINS Newsradio? Let him know that news and scores of Red Bull matches should be part of every sports report on days when the team plays. Every email counts!

MLS' Big 'To
I experienced a tinge of admiration and one of regret when watching Toronto FC's historic first win last Saturday. To see a crowd holding its breath on every pass and every shot, and erupting on each of its team's goals was just amazing. Congrats to everyone in the TFC organization for allowing the passion of soccer to flow freely around the club. I so badly want the same atmosphere around the Red Bulls. I just fear that the insistence of MLS management to market to primarily to the youth soccer crowd will prevent such an atmosphere from happening in New York. I hope the league office is asking themselves how to bring the TFC experience to every MLS stadium.

TV Party
Here's what to watch this weekend. Enjoy! (all times ET):

Saturday, May 19:
9:25am: GER: Stuttgart-Energie Cottbus, GOL
11:30am: GER: Schalke-Arminia Bielefeld, GOL
2:00pm: ESP: Mallorca-Valencia, GOL
3:30pm: MLS: Toronto-DC United, DK, CSN Mid-Atlantic
4:00pm: ITA: AC Milan-Udinese, GOL
7:30pm: COL: Ind. Santa Fe-Atletico Nacional, GOL
7:30pm: MLS: New York-Columbus, DK, MSG
8:30pm: MLS: Houston-New England, FSC
9:00pm: MLS: Colorado-Kansas City, HDNet

Sunday, May 20:
9:00am: ITA: Cagliari-Roma, FSC
9:00am: ITA: Atalanta-Inter Milan, GOL
11:00am: ESP: Dep. La Coruna-Sevilla, GOL
11:00am: ITA: Lazio-Parma, FSC
1:00pm: ESP:Recreativo-Real Madrid, GOL
3:00pm: ARG: River Plate-Estudiantes, FSC
3:00pm: ESP: Atletico Madrid-Barcelona, GOL
5:00pm: MLS: Chivas USA-LA Galaxy, TF
5:00pm: ELS: Luis Angel-Aguila, GOL
7:00pm: COL: Ind. Medellin-Millonarios, GOL
7:00pm: MEX: Chivas-Club America, UNI
9:00pm: GUA: Municipal-Xelaji, GOL

Red Bulls Preview: Game 6 vs. Rocky Mountain Oysters

After a sterling first month of the season, New York (3-0-2) must play through the club's first bout of adversity as the Red Bulls play its fifth straight Western Conference opponent, the Colorado Rapids (2-2-2), on Mom's Day in the Meadowlands. (3pm ET, TF/MSG)

After not conceding a single goal in its first four league matches, New York allowed three twice last week; first in a 3-3 injury-time collapse at RSL, and then in a 3-1 OT loss at Los Angeles in a US Open Cup quallie. In addition to the sudden downturn in defense, the club must make due on Sunday without D Hunter Freeman and coo-coo-ca-choo GK Ronald Wattereus, who are both nursing left ankle sprains.

The arrival of Juan Pablo Angel to the active list does provide some positive news. He had NY's only goal in LA on Tuesday on a great free kick, and will look for more on Sunday.

Here's a line-by-line look at what to expect:

The Colorado forwards vs. the Red Bulls' defense:
Roberto Brown and Nicolas Hernandez vs. Seth Stammler, Jeff Parke, Carlos Mendes, Todd Dunivant (and Jon Conway). The off-season acquisition of Brown has paid dividens for the Rapids as the canalero has found the net three times in six league matches. The same success has eluded Nico, who's yet to register a shot on goal this year. The Red Bulls will need Stammler to adjust to d-wing from d-mid, though the former Maryland Terp has played his share of pure D in his time in NY. Advantage: Push

New York's attackers vs. the Rapids' defense:
Jozy Altidore vs. Dan Gargan, Pablo Mastroeni, Mike Petke, Greg Vanney. You won't find a more experienced d-line in MLS than Colorado's, but the Rapids are only ranked ninth in the league in goals-against (1.5/game). Jozy didn't register a point at RSL last week, breaking a three-week scoring streak, but with the right service, and perhaps help from Juan Pablo Angel, who isn't on the "probable starters" list, the Red Bulls may fest. Advantage: New York

The Midfields:
Terry Cooke, Kyle Beckerman, Jovan Kirovski, and Herculez Gomez vs. Dema Kovalenko, Claudio Reyna, Clint Mathis, Dave van den Bergh and Dane Richards. Colorado's midfield boasts lots of scoring talent, especially Gomez (2g) and Beckerman (1g, 1a). Still, the Rapids could only manage an own-goal last night at home against a poor RSL squad. New York's midfield helped generate 21 shots on goal in matches at RSL and LA last week. Slight Advantage: New York

The Coaches:
I cheered on Fernando Clavijo as a player in the '94 World Cup. Success on the coaching level has eluded him, though. Arena has a real test ahead of him, helping his squad navigate their first run of bad results and bad luck. He's really good at this sort of thing. Advantage: New York

Intangibles:
Colorado is pulling the last of a Thursday-Sunday weekend, so they'll certainly be gassed in the lategoing. The weather will be glorious, and hopefully a large Colombian contingent will be in attendance to support JPA. Advantage: New York

Prediction: While Colorado is leading the weak West at present, home cooking will be good to the Red Bulls. The Angel era starts with a convincing victory. New York wins, 2-0.

Media Relations Campaign
If you're in the New York area, you are probably aware of the poor track record that the area news and sports media has when reporting Red Bulls news. In an email exchange with the Red Bull front office last week, I noted that key outlets:

-WFAN and ESPN Sports Radio
-WCBS and WINS News Radio
-SNY and YES Sports Cable Nets

Completely ignored the team, failing to mention scores on game days, or any news on the club in general. While getting noticed is surely a challenge for any small club, the news of the club's great start and acquisitions should be noted in the logical places. Fan support is crucial, and the recent addition of a Saturday soccer-themed segment on WOR 710 am is proof that the fans can sway programmers.

I'm starting a write-in campaign to the outlets noted above. Our first target is WCBS 880 am News Radio. Please take a minute to write Jared Max, Sports Director at jmax880@aol.com. Let him know that news of Red Bulls matches should be part of every sports report on days when the team plays, and that scores should be mentioned as well. Drop me a comment if you decide to take part. Please do!

TV Party
Here's what to watch this weekend. Enjoy! (all times ET):

Saturday, May 12:
9:25am: GER: Borussia Dortmund-Schalke, GOL
11:30am: GER: Bochum-Stuttgart, GOL
2:00pm: ESP: Real Madrid-Espanyol, GOL
3:30pm: MLS: Toronto-Chicago, FSC
4:00pm: ESP: Sevilla-Recreativo, GOL
6:00pm: GUA: Marquense-Suchitepequez, GOL
7:00pm: WNT: United States-Canada, FSC
7:30pm: MLS: Columbus-Chivas USA, DK/FSNPT/WCSN
8:00pm: MLS: Kansas City-Dallas, DK/FSNSW/Metro Sports
8:00pm: COL: Millonarios-Huila, GOL
9:00pm: MEX: Chivas-Tigres, TF
10:30pm: MLS: Los Angeles-New England, HDNet/FSN West/WSBK

Sunday, May 13 (Happy Mother's Day!):
9:00am: ITA: Inter Milan-Lazio, GOL
10:00am: EPL: Man. United-West Ham, FSC
11:00am: ESP: Getafe-Atletico Madrid, GOL
12:30pm: EPL: Blackburn-Reading, FSC
2:30pm: EPL: Chelsea-Everton, FSC
3:00pm: ESP: Valencia-Real Zaragoza, GOL
3:00pm: MLS: New York-Colorado, TF/MSG/Altitude
4:30pm: ITA: Catania-AC Milan, FSC
5:00pm: URU: Danubio-Penarol, GOL
6:00pm: MEX: America-Atlas, UNI
7:00pm: HON: Marathon-Real Espana, GOL

Red Bulls Preview: Game 5 @ Kreis' Kowboys

The Red Bulls will have had 9 days to rest up after their win at Dallas before hitting the spray-painted turf at Rice-Eccles on Saturday night to take on Real Salt Lake (0-2-2). Between a team management shuffle, a stadium funding fiasco, and underperformance on the field, you'd think I was talking about the 90's-era MetroStars, rather than the Utahns. RSL, however, is "starting fresh" this week, with a newbie coach whose spotless record can provide only optimism along the Wasatch Front. Only because it can't get any worse.

New York (3-0-1) spent another week at the top of everyone's "Power Rankings" list, and as we all know, there's only one way to travel from there. NY has had trouble with RSL over the Utah club's existence, with draws in three straight matches before an emphatic six-nil win at the Swamp last August 26th.

Here's a line-by-line look at what to expect on Saturday (9pm ET, HDNet):

The RSL forwards vs. the Red Bulls' defense:
Jeff Cunningham vs. Hunter Freeman, Jeff Parke, Carlos Mendes, Todd Dunivant (and Ronald Waterreus). Every minute that New York's Dutch Master keeps RSL off the board extends the Red Bulls' MLS clean-sheet record, and considering that Salt Lake hasn't scored a league goal since the 51st minute on April 7th, I'd look for that trend to continue. Advantage: New York

New York's attackers vs. the Salt Lake defense:
Jozy Altidore vs. Jack Stewart, Eddie Pope, Daniel Torres, Willis Forko (and Chris Seitz). Jozy has a three-match point streak going, and RSL's defense is giving up two goals per game. This could get ugly. Seitz, taking over from an awful Nick Rimando is net, has tons of upside potential. Advantage: New York

The Midfields:
Chris Klein, Mehdi Ballouchy, Kenny Cutler, Carey Talley, and Freddy Adu vs. Dema Kovalenko, Claudio Reyna, Clint Mathis, Dave van den Bergh and Dane Richards. Here's where things get interesting. RSL's midfield is clearly its strongest line, though they'll lack the on-field leadership that Jason Kreis provided. The speedy Richards and towering VDB should be able to control the wings, and Captain America should be able to manage Sir Freddy with aplomb. Slight Advantage: New York

The Coaches:
Bruce Arena has been nothing but modest about New York's start, which has been nothing short of sensational. Kreis will get a pass from the hometown crowd in his first-ever head coaching opportunity. Advantage: New York

Intangibles:
The RSL crowd is knowledgeable and supportive, and see a new start with Kreis at the helm. The weather report calls for a High of 56 and 30% chance of showers. Advantage: RSL

Prediction: Beginner's luck may help Kreis, but New York has the talent and team cohesion to take the game to RSL from the opening whistle. The only drama will be whether the Red Bulls can serve up another shutout. I say they can. New York wins, 2-0.

Television Man
Here's what on your tube this weekend. Enjoy! (all times ET):

Saturday, May 5 (Happy Cinco de Mayo!):
9:25am: GER: Schalke-Nuremberg, GOL
10:00am: EPL: West Ham-Bolton, FSC
11:30am: GER: Stuttgart-Mainz, GOL
12 noon: EPL: Aston Villa-Sheffield United, FSC
1:00pm: MLS: Kansas City-Columbus, ONN, Metro Sports, DK
2:00pm: ESP: Real Sociedad-Barcelona, GOL
2:15pm: EPL: Everton-Portsmouth, FSC
4:00pm: ESP: Deportivo La Coruna-Valencia, GOL
7:25pm: MEX: San Luis-Santos, GALA
7:30pm: COL: Bucaramanga-Atl. Nacional, GOL
9:00pm: MLS: Salt Lake-New York, HDNet
9:30pm: MLS: Colorado-Houston, FSC
9:30pm: HON: Marathon-Olimpia, GOL
9:30pm: MEX: Atlas-Monarcas, GALA

Sunday, May 6:
9:00am: ITA: Lazio-Livorno, FSC
9:00am: ITA: AC Milan-Fiorentina, GOL
11:00am: EPL: Arsenal-Chelsea, FSC
11:00am: GER: Hertha Berlin-Werder Bremen, GOL
1:00pm: ESP: Espanyol-Atl. Madrid, GOL
1:00pm: ITA: Cagliari-Chievo, FSC
3:00pm: MLS: DC United-Chivas USA, TF
3:00pm: ESP: Real Madrid-Sevilla, GOL
5:00pm: ARG: River Plate-Independiente, FSC
5:00pm: MLS: New England-Chicago, TV38, DK, CSN Chicago @ 8pm SDD
5:00pm: URU: Penarol-Tacuarembo, GOL
7:00pm: COL: Ind. Sante Fe-Millonarios, GOL

Thought Starters

There's so much good soccer news and commentary on the web these days that it's difficult to separate the truly thought provoking from the run-of-the-mill stuff. Here are a few prized pieces of editorial that will leave you have some deep thoughts:

The terrific Kevin McGeehan (formerly of the superb Round Not Oval) at the US Players site has been spoiled by the "authentic" soccer atmosphere of RFK as he describes his experience at a recent match at Crew Stadium. Methinks that most MLS matches smell closer to CMB than DC, a result of MLS' decision to target the low-hanging youth soccer crowd first and foremost.

Yanks Abroad's Kenya Brown surmises that the way that American soccer can improve from here is with a permanent training center on the European continent. After all, the US currently dominates CONCACAF. and only by playing the top Euro nations on a regular basis, will the US reach the next level. The big question is, will they play us?

Sports Illustrated adds to its soccer-writing stable with a weekly column by Ryan Hunt. Definitely worth a bookmark. While not newsy, Hunt's piece does a good job summarizing the weeks that were in MLS.

Viva original content! MLS has started its own web video show "Extra Time" found on the site's Video/Audio page. Shep and JP chime in this week. Don't expect too much criticism of the league, but "ET" should make fans eventually forget MLS Wrap. It's no MSG Soccer Report, though. We miss you, Ethan Zohn!

Lastly, (somewhat) breaking news... Jason Kries retires to take the reins as RSL coach! Wow! Not that the Wasatch club can do any worse... but goodness! Not even a testimonial for the league's all-time leading scorer? Maybe this summer.

Red Bulls-Fake Salt Lake preview to come tomorrow, along with your weekend TV listings.

Looking Down from the Pinnacle of MLS

New York fans couldn't have asked for a better April 2007. Not only are the Red Bulls sitting on top of the MLS table... not only has New York yet to suffer a single goal against, setting a league record... not only will the team improve when DP Juan Pablo Angel get his visa... not only has 17-year old Jozy Altidore out Adu'd Freddy Adu by actually realizing his promise... but the hated scum of RFK have laid a big goose egg this month, going zero for three against the vaunted competition of Colorado, Kansas (We beat TFC twice) City, and Columbus. The future for the Red Bulls is so bright, one must put on those shades. Even the reserve squad has started the season undefeated.

Is it early to be this excited? Surely, but give those long-suffering Metro/RB fans a break. They've had so little to crow about for so so long, that if the wheels start to come off, a few weeks of pride will have been well worth it.

The Taurine Machine heads West this week with a league match at the cellar-dwelling sons of Utaw, and a US Open Cup quallie at the Tool Box vs. the Gals (previews to come later this week).

Gnats Go Boom
Let's hear it for the US U-17s, who started World Cup Qualifying with a bang in Kingston yesterday with a 3-0 spanking both Trinidad AND Tobago. Portland, Oregon's Alex Nimo banged in two goals in the victory. Our boys take on Canada tomorrow in the quest to reach this year's signature event, to be held in South Korea from August 18-September 9th.

Red Bulls Preview: Game 4 vs. Steers

Due to a scheduling quirk, New York (2-0-1) will complete it's season series with FC Dallas tomorrow night at the Deep Dish, to be seen on the Deuce at 8pm ET. To say that there's a groundswell of optimism around the undefeated #1 team in MLS is a big understatement. The area's media, however, has yet to get on the Red Bull bandwagon. When leaving Saturday's victory over Houston at the Swamp, neither of the two NY-based news nor sports stations mentioned the score during sports updates. Sunday's New York Times ran the AP game recap in its sports section, even though the match was played at home. Methinks that a national prime-time television appearance would get the underpaid wonks in Red Bull Media Relations to push hard on the local media to pay attention.

Now to the game at hand. For the second straight week, New York faces the Western leader, this time the Steers of Frisco (2-1-1). I'm sure that El Pescadito and the boys will be pumped for revenge after their 0-3 loss in NY's bathtub eleven days ago. The Red Bulls will be without Cleetus, who's sitting out his suspension after his undeserved red card on Saturday night. Here's how it plays out, line-by-line.

The Dallas forwards vs. the Red Bulls' defense:
Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper vs. Hunter Freeman, Jeff Parke, Carlos Mendes, Todd Dunivant (and Ronald Waterreus). By holding Dallas off the board for 74 minutes tomorrow, New York will break Dallas' scoreless-streak-to-start-a-season record, held by the '99 edition of the Burn. Dallas finally got goals from folks other than the front line in Sunday's win over Colorado. Playing at home, though, one has to think that the Hoops' talented forward pair will break through. Slight Advantage: Dallas

New York's attackers vs. the Hoops' defense:
Jozy Altidore vs. Alex Yi, Clarence Goodson, Drew Moor, and Chris Gbani (and Shaka Hislop). Dallas' defense has given up 1.75 goals/match to start the season, not really good enough to excel over the course of a full campaign. Look for Jozy the wonder boy to play alone up top, helped by wings van den Burgh and Richards. Should Jersey's finest hit the net on the national stage, the hype machine may come off its moorings. Slight Advantage: New York

The Midfields:
Ramon Nunez, Dax McCarty, Aaron Pitchkolan, and Juan Toja vs. Dema Kovalenko, Claudio Reyna, Seth Stammler, Dave van den Bergh and Dane Richards. The five-man NY midfield will include Reyna, who sat out the teams' match in East Rutherford on the 15th. In that match, New York controlled the pace to set up numerous scoring chances. Dallas' youth won't serve them here, though Nunez and McCarty are the best of the Hoops' bunch. Advantage: New York

The Coaches:
Steve Morrow should have little to complain about. His club's only loss was in the last of a three-match, eight-day road trip, and was played in a monsoon. Bruce Arena has his team believing in themselves, and New York is sure to be boosted from its introduction to Juan Pablo Angel at practice on Tuesday. Advantage: New York

Intangibles:
Another MLS Primetime Thursday, another view of empty seats at a soccer-specific stadium. At least the weather (Clear, 51 degrees) will be perfect this time around. Advantage: Push

Prediction: All I know is, a New York win puts the Red Bulls 10 (10!) points up on DC after four matches. Enough to put a spring in a NY fan's step. You know why, now don't you, D? New York wins, 2-1.

Red Bulls Preview: Game 3 vs. Creamsicles

What a difference a week makes. A 3-0 undressing of FC Dallas, followed by the signing of the proven goal scorer that the team has needed, and everything's coming up roses in Red Bull land. Even the sun came out in New York this morning for the first time in five days. Tomorrow night, the Red Bulls (1-0-1) take on the also-unbeaten defending champs Houston (1-0-1) on what should be a picture-perfect night at the Swamp. Here's what to look for in the MLS Cup Preview? I keed... I keed...

The Houston forwards vs. the Red Bulls' defense:
Paul Daiglish and Brian Ching vs. Hunter Freeman, Jeff Parke, Carlos Mendes, Todd Dunivant (and Ronald Waterreus). New York has started the season with a 180-minute shutout streak, which can't be ignored. The Walrus, when not shivering himself off the field, looks to be in top form. New York's defense better be, because Houston's forwards are strong and talented. World Cup vet Ching is the more experienced of the two, and he has the Dynamo's only goal of the season, last week vs. Chivas. Alejandro Moreno is a strong option off the bench for Houston. Slight Advantage: Houston

New York's attackers vs. the Dynamo's defense:
Jozy Altidore and Clint Mathis vs. Kelly Gray, Wade Barrett, Craig Waibel, and Eddie Robinson (and Pat Onstad). The Jozy and Cleetus show was quite the underwater act last week. Clint looks happy, engaged, and driven, which makes him a threat to pull up and shoot from anywhere near the Houston net. The Dynamo D, however, is not to be discounted, as they've yet to concede a goal this year in matches vs. both LA clubs. Waibel has a hammy tweak and may not start. Advantage: Push

The Midfields:
Rico Clark, Brad Davis, Dwayne DeRosario, and Brian Mullan vs. Dema Kovalenko, Seth Stammler, Dave van den Bergh and Dane Richards. Assuming Captain America will be sitting out another week to rest his knee, the experienced, offensive-minded Houston midfield is easily the better group. As usual, former Metros Clark and Davis will look to do something special on their return to New York. Advantage: Houston

UPDATE: As of 5pm on Friday, BigAppleSoccer is reporting that Reyna will start tomorrow night.

The Coaches:
Houston coach Dom Kinnear has the experienced, successful team he wants on the field right now. Arena the Bruce has to wait for his Angel. Advantage: Houston

Intangibles:
Without the Nor'easter levelling the field this week, It's hard to point the intangibles in New York's way. Cleetus is always the X-factor. The crowd should top 15K on a beautiful night for soccer. Advantage: Push

Prediction: If you'd have told me that Houston, with all the club's firepower, would have only scored once in two matches, I'd be shocked. Powered by their midfield, they break out this week. Houston wins, 3-2.

Boob Tubing
Here's the weekend's matches, times ET. Enjoy!

Saturday, April 21
9:25am: GER: Stuttgart-Bayern Munich, GOL
10:00am: EPL: Charlton-Sheffield U., FSC
11:30am: GER: Schalke-Energie Cottbus, GOL
12noon: EPL: Man. United-Middlesbrough, FSC
2:00pm: ESP: Real Sociedad-Atletico Madrid, GOL
2:15pm: EPL: Bolton-Reading, FSC
4:00pm: ITA: AC Milan-Cagliari, GOL
6:00pm: MEX: Monterrey-Jaguares, GALA
7:30pm: MLS: New York-Houston, FSC
7:30pm: COL: Independiente Santa Fe-Cucuta, GOL
8:00pm: MEX: Chivas-Veracruz, TF
8:30pm: MLS: Chicago-Kansas City, HDNet
10:00pm: MEX: Necaxa-Atlas, GALA
10:30pm: MLS: Chivas USA-Salt Lake, FSN West, DK

Sunday, April 22
9:00am: ITA: Lazio-Fiorentina, FSC
9:00am: ITA: Siena-Inter Milan, GOL
11:00am: EPL: Aston Villa-Portsmouth, FSC
11:00am: ESP: Real Zaragoza-Celta Vigo, GOL
1:00pm: ESP: Sevilla-Atletico Bilboa, GOL
1:00pm: ITA: Catania-Ascoli, FSC
1:00pm: MEX: Pumas-San Luis, UNI
3:00pm: MLS: Dallas-Colorado, TF
3:00pm: ESP: Villareal-Barcelona, GOL
5:00pm: ARG: Gimnasia-Estudiantes, FSC
5:00pm: ESP: Real Madrid-Valencia, GOL
5:00pm: MEX: Club America-Atlante, TF
7:00pm: COL: America de Cali-Millonarios, GOL
9:30pm: GUA: Municipal-Comunicaciones, GOL

de Grandpre: Red Bull Park May Open in 2009

In a six-part audio interview with WCBS Radio's Ray Hoffman, RBNY Managing Director Marc De Grandpre hints for the first time that Red Bull Park, currently under construction in Harrision, NJ, may not open in time for any 2008 matches. He also notes that the Red Bulls are "weeks away" from announcing the home permanent training facility, including six training fields and a 50,000-square foot headquarters building.

Rumors abound that East Hanover, New Jersey, a Morris County community less than 15 miles from the Red Bull Park site, will provide the club with a permanent home. Longtime New York supporters will recall the flirtation the club had with Pequannock, NJ on a training center during former GM Nick Sakiewicz's regime. That proposal was shot down by local residents. Here's hoping that that East Hanover, bisected by busy big-box strip Route 10, will be more welcoming.

The radio interview offers little in terms of other news to MLS fans, though it is entertaining that interviewer Hoffman is under the belief that Chivas USA is owned by the folks who make Chivas Regal. de Grandpre does nothing to correct Hoffman, though, which I found a little odd. Enjoy.

It's so ON

DC blogger extraordinaire D from The DCenters has entered into a friendly wager with yours truly for the new season. When NY finishes ahead of DC United at season's end, D will proudly wear a Red Bulls scarf and shirt to a DC United match. A photo will be taken of the happy event, and said photo will be posted on his aforementioned blog. Should be a great time.

Of course, should the opposite occur, I'll appear here in DC colors. The thought is really atrocious, so come on, New York!

Send Us an Angel.... Right Now!

Even the Pet Shop Boys would be impressed by the Red Bulls' signing of Colombian Striker Juan Pablo Angel from Aston Villa today. After rumors of everyone from Figo to Ronaldo to Edmundo to Wanchope joining the Taurine Army, Red Bull supporters have to be pleased with the bilingual Angel, who deftly answered questions from the media today in a cross-continental conference call.

Angel's track record as a proven goal scorer at some of the world's biggest clubs (River Plate, Villa) should put some fear in the eyes of MLS keepers when he arrives after receiving his visa in the next few weeks. Angel is only 31 (a baby compared to his Red Bull brethren Reyna and Wattereus) and will be a superb mentor to young forward Jozy Altidore.

His unassuming and professional manner came through loud and clear on the conference call, and calm demeanor (Angel has never been red-carded) will quickly make fans forget the hot-tempered Amado Guevara.

Angel joins a list of former Colombian nationals to play in New York with varied success (Alex Comas, Adolfo Valencia) but hopefully Angel's signing will generate some interest (and attendance) from the vast NY-area Colombian fan base that traditionally has ignored the Metro/Red Bulls.

Get Wet with the Red Bull Boys
Hopefully the weather gods will shine on Giants Stadium more often this season, but it's hard to argue with the Reyna-less Red Bulls' 3-0 demolition of FC Dallas on Sunday during the biggest rainstorm to hit the Metro area in years. Mathis turned back the clock, and he and Altidore were simply wonderful. As a NY fan since '96, it's really something to see New York at the top of the table.

There's been a considerable amount of derision directed at New York's fans from staying away from Giants Stadium in droves on Sunday, and kudos (I guess) to those who braved the storm to attend. Had I been 15 years younger and single I may have made a go of it, but let's face it: When the starting keeper suffers hypothermia after only 45 minutes of play... that's a problem. In a letter to season ticket holders by RB GM Marc deGrandpre said, "We want to make it clear that there was no point during Sunday's game in which there was any danger to those in attendance or involved with the game." Ok.

Do the two thousand or so fans that attended deserve some special commendation from the team? Yes. Do the other thousands of Red Bull fans who watched the match from home on TV deserve ridicule? Absolutely not. Moving forward, I hope there'll only be clear skies for Red Bull home games. As longtime fan, I know that's just not going to happen. Advanced weather report for August 18th, anyone?

Ridiculous

Right now in New York: 40 degrees, flood warning, wind advisory.

There is no reason that today's Red Bulls game should not be cancelled. As the league is putting its financial concerns above the safety of its players and its fans, I'm hoping that NO ONE turns out for the 3pm start at the Meadowlands. Truly shameful.

Red Bulls Preview: Game #2 vs. Steers

Another year, another season-opening draw for the Red Bulls, this time in snowy Columbus. If last week's match taught us anything, its that: A) a healthy Reyna will pay huge dividends for the New York in the form of quality scoring chances, B) Dane Richards has an incredibly bright future, and C) The Red Bulls really, really need a forward. Next up: FC Dallas (1-0-1) who'll surely be gassed by their 2-1 win in LA last night and their cross-country trip. The great equalizer will certainly be the storm that will be bearing down on the Meadowlands just in time for the 3pm Sunday kickoff. Here's the breakdown:

The Dallas forwards vs. the Red Bulls' defense:
Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper vs. Marvell Wynne, Seth Stammler, Carlos Mendes, Todd Dunivant (and Ronald Waterreus). While New York held the "vaunted" Crew attack scoreless on the road, the Red Bulls will have their hands full with Dallas' attacking tandem, which may be the most dangerous in MLS. It's been two games, two goals each for Ruiz and Cooper, who will test Wattereus, big time. Advantage: Dallas

New York's attackers vs. the Hoops' defense:
John Wolyniec and Clint Mathis vs. Alex Yi, Clarence Goodson, Drew Moor, and Chris Gbani (and Shaka Hislop). Dallas' defense was four minutes away from a shutout last night against an offensive-minded Galaxy club that boasted Landon Donovan, Nate Jaqua, and Cobi Jones. Take away a bravura performance by RSL's Jeff Cunningham, and Dallas' 1.5 GAA looks respectable. Despite numerous chances in the first half at Columbus, attacking is clearly the Red Bulls' weakest area. A start by Cletus may provide some spark. Maybe. Advantage: Dallas

The Midfields:
Ramon Nunez, Dax McCarty, Aaron Pitchkolan, and Juan Toja vs. Dema Kovalenko, Claudio Reyna, Dave van den Bergh and Dane Richards. Should Reyna's black and blue knee have healed well, New York should be able to control the midfield. Richards showed tons of grit in his debut MLS outing last week, but needs to make that last pass to generate some scoring chances. Dallas' young midfield (average age: 23) will need to step up to feed their talented forwards. Advantage: New York

The Coaches:
Bruce Arena has won in the World Cup. Steve Morrow is a former international... for Northern Ireland. Advantage: New York

Intangibles:
The inclement weather may make any cohesive play impossible for either team. Few fans will be rattling around windy & wet Giants Stadium. Dallas' quick turnaround and travel may help the Red Bulls. Advantage: New York

Prediction: This will be an ugly game to play in or to watch. The speed and skill of Ruiz and Cooper will be the difference. Clint Mathis will not score five goals in this one. Promise. Dallas wins, 2-0.

On the Telly
Here's the weekend's matches, times ET. Enjoy!

Saturday, April 14
9:25am: GER: Mainz-Schalke, GOL
10:00am: EPL: Man City-Liverpool, FSC
11:30am: GER: Stuttgart-Hannover, GOL
12noon: EPL: Middlesbrough-Aston Villa, FSC
2:00pm: ESP: Racing Santander-Real Madrid, GOL
2:30pm: EPL: Reading-Fulham, FSC
4:00pm: ESP: Real Betis-Real Sociedad, GOL
4:00pm: HOL: PSV-Twente, TM
6:00pm: MLS: Real Salt Lake-Columbus, DK
6:00pm: MEX: San Luis-Queretaro, GALA
6:00pm: URU: Penarol-Cerrito, GOL
7:30pm: MLS: DC United-Kansas City, FSC
7:30pm: MLS: New England-Toronto, DK
8:00pm: MEX: Tigres-Necaxa, GALA
8:00pm: GOL: Millonarios-Atletico Nacional, GOL
8:30pm: MLS: Houston-Chivas USA, HDNet
10:00pm: MEX: Atlas-Chivas, TF
10:00pm: ELS: Aguila-FAS, GOL

Sunday, April 15
9:00am: ITA: Torino-Atalanta, FSC
9:00am: ITA: Messina-AC Milan, GOL
11:00am: ENG: FA Cup Semifinal: Blackburn-Chelsea, FSC
11:00am: GER: Borussia Dortmund-Werder Bremen, GOL
1:00pm: EPL: Everton-Charlton, FSC
1:00pm: ESP: Osasuna-Recreativo, TM
1:00pm: ESP: Atletico Madrid-Levante, GOL
3:00pm: ARG: Boca Juniors-River Plate, FSC
3:00pm: ESP: Valenica-Sevilla, GOL
3:00pm: MLS: New York-Dallas, TF
5:00pm: MEX: Club America-Tecos, TF
5:00pm: ITA: Palermo-Inter Milan, GOL
5:10pm: ITA: Cagliari-Empoli, FSC
7:00pm: COL: Dep. Cali-Ind. Santa Fe, GOL
8:00pm: MLS: Colorado-Chicago, DK
8:00pm: MEX: Toluca-Pachuca, GALA

God Hates the Red Bulls

Even the most casual MLS fan must realize that the almighty has had a thing about the soccer team from the swamp. A quick traipse through the Metro-Red Bull record book will conjure such golden memories as:

-Caricola's gaffe in the club's first-ever home game
-Rob Johnson's series-ending foul in the '96 playoffs
-MLS #1 draft pick Steve Shak
-Lothar Mattaeus
-Tab Ramos' health
-The '03 USOC final
-All of 1999
-The blind linesman allowing Earnie Stewart to score in the '04 playoffs
-Etc. etc.

One Metro-Red Bull constant is the tendency for home matches to coincide with bad weather. Now no MLS team (save DC perhaps) is immune to cold, rain, or snow having a negative impact on attendance. As we know, season ticket holders are in the minority at MLS stadiums. However, as most (and now all) NY home matches are televised, even in good weather the Giants Stadium experience offers little incentive for fans to show up and cheer the team on.

This Sunday's Red Bull home opener (3pm ET on MSG and Telefutura) vs. FC Dallas will be played in a cold, windy rainstorm that will keep most sensible people indoors, much less soccer fans. As with the 2005 home opener vs. RSL (a scoreless draw played in 40+mph winds that made passing impossible) and the 2nd home match in 2006 vs. DC (a 4-1 loss played in a cold, stinging rain), there may be as few as 5,000 actual human beings rattling around the Swamp for the national television audience.

Certainly, the Metros have endured many man-made mistakes in their time, but one has to wonder if the league office would be better served by postponing all NY home games until after May 1, if only to escape the wrath of the almighty. Off the field, anyway. Good luck, Claudio.

Red Bulls Preview: Game 1 @ Village People

After yet another off-season of change, the Red Bulls will kick off the 2007 season tomorrow at the Erector Set in mid-Ohio in the least-compelling match of opening weekend. The forecast is for snow and cold, so perhaps we'll get to see the yellow ball, if not too many yellow-clad Crew fans. Here's a line-by-line look at what to expect in moo-ville tomorrow night:

The Columbus forwards vs. the Red Bulls' defense:
Jason Garey and Andy Herron vs. Marvell Wynne, Seth Stammler, Carlos Mendes, Todd Dunivant (and Ronald Waterreus). Garey and the newly-arrived Herron (14 goals combined in '06) are dangerous, but the back four for NY should be able to withstand their pressure. Look for Herron to challenge Mendes and Stammler with slashing runs up the middle. Wynne may be asked to push forward often, which may leave spots on the left wing for Columbus to attack. Advantage: New York

New York's attackers vs. the Crew's defense:
John Wolyniec and Jozy Altidore vs. Marcos Gonzalez, Ezra Hendrickson, Rusty Pierce (and Andy Gruenebaum). Columbus' 2006 keeper injury woes were legend, and Gruenebaum had a 1.00 GAA in two starts last season. Hendrickson and Pierce are MLS greybeards, with 364 league appearances between them. The Woly and Jozy experiment commeces. Jozy got bigger in the offseason, and Woly (presumably) got grayer. Will these two mesh well enough to hit the net often? That's the big question.
Slight Advantage: Columbus

The Midfields:
Frankie Hejduk, Eddie Gaven, Ned Grabavoy, and Danny O'Rourke vs. Dema Kovalenko, Claudio Reyna, Dave van den Bergh and Clint Mathis. Loads of familiar faces on both sides of the ball here. Unless the injury bug bites him in his first MLS start, Reyna should be able to control possession for NY. Gaven and O'Rourke will still want to prove that NY made mistakes by sending them away. My suspicion is that VDB will be the difference maker here. Anything that Clint provides is a bonus. Advantage: New York

The Coaches:
The Sigi vs. Bruce matchup provides a battle of the bellies par excellence. Seriously, these two are among the most experienced coaches in MLS. One of them (though he's done everything to suppress expectations) has pressure on him to perform. The other... coaches in Columbus. Advantage: Columbus

Intangibles:
Reyna! Mathis! Wynne! Altidore! New York offers the past and future stars of the National Team. Columbus has Hejduk, whose mojo will be disrupted big time by the freezing temps. If attendance tops 10K in the horrible conditions, I'll fall over. Advantage: New York

Prediction: The two clubs will kick the ball around for 90 minutes in more of an attempt to keep warm that play attractive soccer. A classic, late Woly goal provides the difference. NY 1-0.

The Tube
Six MLS matches highlight the weekend's viewing opportunities, all times ET. Enjoy!

Saturday, April 7
9:25am: GER: Hamburg-Stuttgart, GOL
10:00am: EPL: Reading-Liverpool, FSC
11:30am: ITA: Reggina-Inter Milan, GOL
12noon: EPL: Portsmouth-Man. United, FSC
2:00pm: ESP: Real Zaragoza-Barcelona, GOL
2:15pm: EPL: Wigan-Bolton, FSC
3:30pm: MLS: Colorado-DC United, ABC
4:00pm: ESP: Atletico Bilbao-Valencia, GOL
5:00pm: ITA: Catania-Roma, FSC
6:00pm: MLS: Real Salt Lake-FC Dallas, DK, FSSW
6:00pm: ITA: AC Milan-Empoli, GOL
6:00pm: MEX: Monterrey-Atlans, GALA
7:00pm: MLS: Columbus-New York, HDNet, MSG2
8:00pm: COL: Millonarios-Tolima, GOL
8:00pm: MEX: Chivas Guad.-Tigres, TF
8:30pm: MLS: Chicago-New England, DK, CSNC, TV38
10:00pm: MEX: Necaxa-San Luis, GALA
10:30pm: MLS: Chivas USA-Toronto FC, FSC

Sunday, April 8
9:00am: ITA: Lazio-Messina, FSC
11:00am: ESP: Sevilla, Racing Santander, GOL
1:00pm: GER: Werder Bremen-Nuremburg, GOL
1:00pm: MEX: Pumas-Club America, UNI
3:00pm: ESP: Villareal-Atletico Madrid, GOL
5:00pm: ARG: Velez Sarsfield-Boca Juniors, FSC
5:00pm: URU: Nacional-Rocha, GOL
7:00pm: MLS: Houston-LA Galaxy, TF
7:00pm: COL: Quindio-Atletico Nacional, GOL
7:00pm: JAM: Portmore United-Boys Town, FSC

MLS Preview: 20 Words or Less

It's hard to believe that the long, dreary MLS offseason is about to come to a close. I'm so glad that the league is kicking off with a full slate of matches, compared to years' past when a only a pair of teams played on opening weekend. In an effort to provide a short and sweet taste of what's to come in 2007, here's 20 words or less on each MLS club, listed by the fictional single table that so many crow about...

Top of the Heap
Houston Dynamo: The returning champs are the class of the league. They play attractive ball, and will repeat in '07.

DC United: Emilio, Gomez, and the newly-acquired Fred lift the four-time champs to the MLS Cup once again.

Superliga '08
LA Galaxy: Beckham notwithstanding, a re-energized Donovan and newly acquired Jaqua will make LA tough to beat. Cannon+LA=weird.

Chivas USA: El Lobo will lift the goats higher this season. Sophomores Klejstan and Bornstein will power Chivas to a playoff series win.

Tough to Face
Chicago: The Devil will make the difference this summer. Mapp and an experienced defense will make Bridgeview a tough place to win.

FC Dallas: The offensive firepower of Ruiz, Cooper, and Mina will provide the scoring, but the midfield is a question mark.

New England Revolution A bit of a step back without Dempsey. Who knows whether Shalrie Joseph will produce? The core is still strong.

A Year Away
New York Red Bulls: The club has improved, but the big question is offense. Look for van Den Burgh to step up. Playoffs again for NY.

Moribund
Kansas City Wizards: We're still waiting for the new ownership to do something to improve the franchise, which lost Josh Wolff. Boring.

Colorado Rapids: New unis and new digs does not a compelling club make. Nico Hernandez is a good player on a poor team.

Columbus Crew: HeyDude and the young'uns on a club that's years away from making serious noise. We miss you, Eddie G!

Relegation (just kidding)
Real Salt Lake: Adu will bring pop, but RSL won't get the production from Hall-of-famers Pope and Kreis to win often.

Toronto FC: Fan support will carry the northern newbies to a last place finish in season one. Esky will be a sparkplug at BMO.

Everyone's in first place for a few more days! Enjoy opening weekend, everyone!

Show us your....WHAT?

Allen Hopkins at ESPN Soccernet is reporting that former Metro Clint Mathis is heading back to the swamp to be the Red Bulls' striker of the, um, what? Future? Mathis, who's fat and 30, has played with LA, the Metro, RSL, and Colorado is his eight-year MLS career. He's scored 52 goals in 182 appearances, though last year he hit the net two whole times in 25 appearances for the Rapids.

While Red Bull's Jeff "I Scored in the World Cup... for Portugal" Agoos has told the media that the club has been "searching the world" for a striker, the notion that Cletus is the answer up top with Jozy Altidore is laughable. Mathis' best years in MLS were spent with the Metros from 2000-2003, when he scored 33 goals in 67 appearances, including his league record 5-goal match vs. Dallas on August 26, 2000. With Mathis' help, the 2000 Metros won their only playoff series and came up a single goal short reaching of the MLS Cup. Mathis, whose memorable goal vs. South Korea at World Cup 2002 was clearly the pinnacle of his career, has always been a bit of a head case, and unless Bruce Arena can summon the Mathis of that long-ago summer, Cletus' new stint in New York will be met with hoots of derision from the NY fans and cheers of glee from Red Bull rivals.

The proof will be in the pudding, but giving Colorado anything for Mathis (save a case of Coors Light) may turn out to be a horrible decision for the RBFO. Wow. Just wow.

Things You Love About...

Big, big ups to the creative guys at ESPN for new their MLS promotional spots, which can be seen here. Soccer snobs have long thumbed their collective noses at MLS, and the Boys of Bristol have wisely decided to focus their MLS message to the more casual sports fan. The "Things You Love About..." campaign rightfully supports the argument that MLS soccer, just like the big American three sports, offers great examples of what all sports fans want to see: Power, defense, pressure, contact, accuracy, teamwork, quickness, athleticism, and desire. By telling the viewer that "you're a fan, you just don't know it yet," ESPN is putting MLS in a smart, positive light. The messages are compelling invitations to experience MLS for the first time. Hopefully, ESPN viewers will take the bait. Good show.

US 3-1 ECU Good/Bad/Ugly

The US is a perfect three for three under Bob Bradley after Landon Donovan led the Yanks to a 3-1 win over '06 World Cup participant Ecuador at the New Sombrero in Tampa on Sunday. Donovan scored three different ways against Ecuador... off of a poor clearance in the first minute... on a 40-yard breakaway in the 66th... and a 20-yd rocket off a DMB feed two minutes later. Here's a quick review of the match, Eastwood style.

Good
The aforementioned Donovan: Took hold of the US effort and willed his team to win. For a guy that's told US Soccer his focus this year is on his club team, he's giving the Nats everything he's got. Donovan has tied Brian McBride for 2nd all-time on the US scoring list with 30 tallies, just four behind Eric Wynalda.

Michael Bradley: Entered at halftime and did a great job managing the US attack, which was scattered in the game's first half. His slow, steady possession helped frustrate the speedy Ecuadorians, who wilted after Donovan's two second-half goals.

Brian Ching: Got kicked in the nose in the first half, but got himself right back on the field and had a chance or two at goal before being subbed out in the 73rd. A real warrior.

Benny Feilhaber: Went 90 minutes at d-mid in his first US start. Tons of upside potential. Worked great with Bradley.

The Fed: Ecuador was a great scheduling choice. They're a good South American squad that gave the young (and not-so-young) Nats fits in the first half. Good speed and sharp passing made them a strong test for the US as they get ready for Gold Cup and Copa America.

Bad

The US D-Wings: Cherundolo and Bocanegra were torched frequently by the young and speedy Ecuadorians. True, the temperature on the field (120 degrees) was a bit warmer than Germany and England, but our d-wings did a lot of chasing, especially on Felipe Caicedo's goal. Caicedo, who's only 21, had a terrific match for the South Americans.

Ugly

DaMarcus Beasley: He's still working his way back into shape, and had a great feed to LD for the US' third goal, but Beaz had a few howlers in the match. It's been a year since he played his best, and while he's all but inked-in for WC 2010, here's to hoping he gets his groove back.

Dave O'Brien: Got smacked-down by Arena for comparing Oguchi Oneywu to an NFL Linebacker. Went off on a ramble out how the Yankees' spring training site was nearby. Continually noted the score and time, although that info is constantly available to viewers on the screen. As Run-DMC once noted... "You talk too much... home boy you NEVER shut up!"

By the way, the first person who can explain what Wynalda was talking about re: MLS' "Game First" effort wins a prize. Looking forward to more roster experiments this Wednesday vs. Guatemala at the Deep Dish in Frisco.

Fashion Show

It was a big week in MLS, even without any meaningful games going on. There was an upbeat article on the front page of the marketplace section in today's Wall Street Journal, and the league's second and third sponsorship deals were announced, with an interesting competitive backstory included.

As you may know, Chivas USA owner Jorge Vergara is also the director of Omnilife, a Mexico-based nutrition products and supplements company. Once of Omnilife's biggest competitors is Torrance, CA-based Herbalife. Chivas USA shares the Home Depot Center with... the LA Galaxy. As you can see, Herbalife is sponsoring the Galaxy kit. A nice story, and a nice $4 million (approx.) annual check to LA for the sponsorship. The Herbalife deal almost defrays Beckham's annual salary. Almost.

As for Club Canada, Toronto stadium sponsor BMO has stepped up to sponsor the Toronto FC kit for the club's first season. No word on the dollars behind the deal, but with TFC reaching its season ticket cap of 14,000, hopefully the club was able to pry additional dollars from BMO, the Bank of Montreal. Sponsoring Toronto FC. Weird.

The US will be wearing a new, blue pajama top (I agree, Bruce) during their matches against Ecuador this Sunday (noon et, ESPN2 and Galavision) and Guatemala on Wednesday (9pm ET, ESPN2 and Galavision). Meh. The shirt really looks like it was picked off the sale rack at Target. Come on, Nike, you can do better than that.

BTW, Northern NJ-based US fans, you're invited to join me and 25 other Garden Staters at the Sportz Bar in East Hanover on Route 10 West on Sunday to watch the US-Ecuador match. It's a trial run for those who can't escape to the city to watch at Stout Pub. Drop me a email if you'd like to come, or just come on by.

Thanks for Digging

Big Ups to D at the DCenters for his investigation into exactly what it takes MLS to update its teams' online rosters on MLSNet. I'm currently in the online media world myself, and I feel their pain, but yeesh.

Red Bull-a-Rama

Dan R and the gang at MetroFanatic always do a fantastic job bringing the fanatics closer to the players at Red Bull Media Day, and this week was no exception. Check out short and sweet interviews with Reyna, Wattereus, Parker, Stammler, Altidore, Laventure, Kovalenko, Wynne, Vide, Wolyniec, and Regan. No one does it better. Thanks, guys.

Watch Party: FIFA DATE

Here's what's on the tube, while you're dodging NCAA Hoops (all times et):

SATURDAY, MARCH 24:
8:30am: INTL: England U-21-Italy U-21, FSC
11:00am: INTL: Brazil-Chile, FSC
2:00pm: EURO: Spain-Denmark, TELEM
2:30pm: EURO: Estonia-Russia, FSC
4:30pm: EURO: Norway-Bosnia, FSC
7:00pm: MEX: Atlante-UNAM, GALA
7:15pm: COL: Bucramanga-Dep. Cali, GOL
9:00pm: MEX: Chivas-Morelia, TELEF
11:00pm: MEX: Necaxa-Club America, TELEF

SUNDAY, MARCH 25:
1am: MEX: Monterrey-San Luis, GALA
Noon: INTL: USA-Ecuador, ESPN2, GALA
2pm: MEX: Toluca-Chiapas, UNI
3:00pm: ARG: San Lorenzo-Independiente, FSC
3:30pm: INTL: Mexico-Paraguay, TELEM
5:30pm: ELS: San Salvador-ALianza, GOL
6:00pm: JAM: Jamaican Cup Semifinal 1, FSC
7:30pm: COL: America Cali-Cucuta, GOL
8:30pm: JAM: Jamaican Cup Semifinal 2, FSC
9:30pm: CLUB: Marathon (HON)-Alajuelense (CRC), GOL

The New New World

There were ripplings from Chicago to DC to Houston yesterday across the US soccer scene, ripplings that signaled change in soccer's new world.

In Chicago, US Soccer announced its 24-man roster for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador (March 25, Tampa) and Guatemala (March 28, Frisco). Unlike Bob Bradley's January US camp, the roster includes young Americans that have plying their trade abroad, like former U20s Benny Feilhaber (Hamburg II, GER), Frankie Simek (West Ham, ENG), Michael Bradley (Heeerenveen, NED) as well as Jay Demerit (Watford, ENG), who left Green Bay, Wisconsin for the dream of the EPL, and reached it. Euro stalwarts Beasley, Dempsey, Howard and Onyewu will be in camp, as well as an old guy with the initials KK that I thought had retired. Throw in some MLS'ers old (Conrad) and young (Clark, Cooper), and you've got the new US team: a little youth, a little experience, and a lot of potential for success. Results against Ecuador and Guatemala or not, simply having this group in camp together will pay dividends this summer in the Gold Cup and Copa America.

In Houston, the MLS Cup champs survived an early barrage against Mexican powerhouse Pachuca, then used a second-half surge (Ching, Wondolowski) to win 2-0 in the first leg of the clubs' Concacaf Champions' Cup semifinal matchup. The second goal, scored in the 83rd minute, gave the Dynamo a huge boost heading south of the border for the return leg on April 5th. I'm sure there were many who expected the MLS side to get swamped by the Tuzos, but remember that Houston (nee San Jose) is a championship squad that has been playing together, and winning, for many years. The Dynamo will be even fitter in three weeks, so here's to hoping that they can shut the door and move on the finals.

In DC, Chivas Guadalajara took a 1-0 lead in the second half of their semifinal opener with DC United on a header by Mexican national-teamer Omar Bravo. Chivas was able to penetrate the DC defense frequently on the sloppy field, but wonder acquisition Emilio scored his fourth goal of the competition in injury time off a corner kick to give DC the 1-1 home draw. Chivas will certainly be favored to beat DC at Estadio Jalisco on April 3rd, and based on last night's play, they probably won't disappoint the home crowd.

Still, two MLS vs. MEX club matches without a loss is a significant achievement. A series win over a Mexican opponent in this competition hasn't happened since the KC Wizards beat Santos Laguna in the 2002 quarterfinals, and would signal a new day in the MLS/FMF rivalry.

Over the next few weeks, US soccer may certainly prove to be a new, new world.

We Are. We're Not. We're Confused.

OK, so Bruce Arena, after telling reporters on Wednesday that a Red Bull DP signing is likely this or next week, decides today that "We're not ready yet." Now fans of any team know the challenges in finalizing player signings, and to date the RB front office has put up a strong unified message. So what happened this week? On Tuesday, Herr Red Bull noted that a second DP signing was unlikely this year. Then the Arena tap dance. Were the recent Zidane sightings in the city just a Frenchman's holiday, or were there significant talks with the retired World Cup champion? Was the club in talks with Liverpool's Robbie Fowler? Tin Delgado? Did Arena get a call from his boss reminding him that the truly big signing comes next year with the opening of Red Bull Park?

And what of the stadium site, which has been cleared and is awaiting vertical construction. A posting on Metrofanatic tells of a change in the construction company which will push the opening to 2009. Though there's less drama this off-season than last year with the ownership change, I can't wait for the season to begin, already.

Good Show
The season did begin in earnest for DC and Houston this past week in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and both teams' showings (Olimpia 1-4 DCU, Puntarenas 1-0 HOU) offer hope that both MLS sides will move on to the tourney's semifinals, where Mexican powers Chivas and Pachuca will surely await. Two MLS-FMF matchups will certainly add spice to this summer's SuperLiga, in which DC, Houston, and Chivas will take part.

Thumbs Down
MLS rosters in February are filled with also-rans, but that doesn't mean the MLSNet should ignore the clubs' roster pages. Relying on fan and news sites for up-to-date roster changes is embarrassing. The official team sites should be the first place where fans go to learn of player additions and cuts. The same goes for MLSNet's "Competitions" page, where today one can find news of the Galaxy's loss to Saprissa in last season's CCC, and no mention of this year's tournament. Not good.

TV Time
February is traditionally the sports doldrums, but there's plenty of soccer to watch this weekend. Enjoy.

All times ET:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24th
9:25am: GER: Bayern Munich-Wolfsburg, GOL
10:00am: EPL: Charlton-West Ham, FSC
11:30am: GER: Hamburg-Eintracht Frankfurt, GOL
12noon: EPL: Watford-Everton, FSC
2:00pm: ESP: Real Sociedad-Dep. La Coruna, GOL
4:00pm: ITA: Atalanta-Palermo, GOL
6:00pm: MEX: San Luis-Jaguares, GALA
6:15pm: COL: Tolima-Dep. Cali, GOL
8:00pm: MEX: Necaxa-Chivas, TELEF
10:00pm: MEX: Atlas-Atlante, GALA
12mid: MEX: Tigres-Veracruz, GALA

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25th
9:00am: ITA: Catania-Inter, FSC
9:00am: ITA: Roma-Reggina, GOL
11:00am: ENG: Tottenham-Bolton, FSC
11:00am: ESP: Getafe, Sevilla, GOL
1:00pm: ENG: Blackburn-Portsmouth, FSC
1:00pm: GER: Schalke-Bayer Leverkusen, GOL
1:00pm: MEX: Pumas-Cruz Azul, UNI
3:00pm: ITA: Cagliari-Lazio, FSC
3:00pm: ITA: Milan-Sampdoria, GOL
5:00pm: ARG: River Plate-Racing, FSC
5:00pm: MEX: Club America-Santos, TELEF
9:00pm: U-20: Mexico-Costa Rica, GOL

On a THURSDAY?

Ok MLS, let me get this straight. You prod a second-tier European club to pull another pre-season tour of the States to take part in the '07 All-Star game. You schedule the event at a spanking-new soccer-specific stadium. You tell everyone how excited you are... and then you schedule the game on... a Thursday?

I know there won't be much TV sports competition on Thursday, July 19th to compete with the MLS All Stars' match with Scottish power Celtic at the Big Wang in Colorado, but there's something a little bush about holding the game during the work week. Yes, I know that MLB and NHL put their all-star showcases on weeknights, but for the most part, MLS matches are played on the weekend, and the All-Star Game should be as well.

Of course, the Thursday date fits right in with ESPN2's regular MLS timeslot this season. Keeping in mind the busy July soccer calendar:

The US Open Cup Round of 16 (Tue Jul. 10)
The Copa America Final (Sun. Jul. 15)
MLS All-Star Game (Thu. Jul 19)
The U20 World Cup Final (Sun. Jul. 22)
The start of the SuperLiga (Tue. Jul. 24)

...and that's a lot of "meaningful" games in a very short time frame. Maybe Thursday night isn't such a bad idea. Hopefully the game will take some viewers away from that repeat of Scrubs NBC'll have on. Of course, if you haven't seen it, it's new to you...

A Winning Weekend

Kudos to the US U-20s and the MNT for picking up good results this past weekend. Of course, the U-20s entered their final qualifying match knowing that they had already qualified for the World Cup this summer, but a loose, relaxed, and talented squad blew away host Panama 5-0 to win the group.

There were signs of a hopeful future in the MNT's 3-1 win over Denmark at the HDC. Strong individual performances by Chicago's Justin Mapp, Chivas USA's Jonathan Bornstein, and FC Dallas' Kenny Cooper were the difference makers. Here's hoping the win provided some confidence to the team for the upcoming Mexico match (Feb. 7th in Phoenix).

Hats Off in Panama

The US U-20s are one win away from this Summer's World Cup after a 4-1 trashing of Haiti last night in Panama City. Harvard University's Andre Akpan scored a hat trick in the rout, that was blemished only by a Haitian pk in the 73th minute that was nearly stopped by US keeper and RSL draftee Chris Seitz. FC Dallas's John Wallace scored the other US goal in the physical match, where Trinidadian ref Lee Davis handed out seven yellow cards (only two to the US) . RSL's Freddy Adu captained the US Squad, but NY Red Bull forward Jozy Altidore didn't leave Thomas Rongen's bench. Guatemala tied host Panama in the nightcap, leaving the standings this way after one round:

(Top two nations qualify)
Team, Pts, GD
USA, 3, +3
GUA 1, 0
-----------
PAN 1, 0
HAI 0, -3

A win vs. Guatemala tomorrow night (6:30pm ET, GolTV) will clinch a spot for the Yanks in the U-20 World Cup, to be held in Burnaby, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Victoria, Canada starting on June 30th. Already qualified for the 24-team tournament are European nations Spain, Scotland, Czech Rep., Austria, Poland, and Portugal, and Asian countries Japan, North and South Korea, and Jordan. The host nation will take part as well, of course.

Guatemala will surely prove a tougher task than the Haitians, but here's to hoping for a smooth and safe qualification for the Gnats. Go get 'em!

Stop. Quallie Time.

Panama City's rickety, boisterous Rommel Fernandez Stadium will be the site of the U20 World Cup qualifying tournament for the US, Haiti, Guatemala, and the host canaleros starting tonight when the US faces Haiti at 6:30pm ET on GolTV.

Although US Forward Andre Akpan has said that "the situation with the forwards is kind of shaky," the talented and deep US squad should be one of the top two clubs to advance to this summer's U20 World Cup in Canada. After Haiti, the US plays Guatemala on Friday and the hosts on Sunday. The top two nations in the group .

The Goose is on the Loose
New York-area soccer fans should head to Stout Pub on 33rd Street in Manhattan on Saturday to watch the US take on Denmark at 5pm, then stay to hear future Hall-of-Famer and Red Bulls coach Jeff Agoos answer questions about this year's upcoming campaign. As of this writing, the Red Bulls have yet to announce any free agent signings (Reyna, Wattereus, Ronaldo, hello!) so look for the New York fans to press Mr. Agoos about what to expect from Red Bull, and how it felt to score on Brad Friedel in the 2002 World Cup. While you're there, consider joining the Empire Supporters Club for the upcoming season. You'll be glad you did.

A Liga That's Super?
The MLS-FMF summer tournament was announced this past week, but something with the "SuperLiga" just doesn't seem right to me. If the object is to create battle-tested MLS squads and determine North American club soccer supremacy, then shouldn't some of these matches be played South of the border? I'm sure that the Houston-Club America match at Robertson Stadium will be pro-America, but MLS sides should face the full wrath of Mexican fans to earn respect. Playing all the games in the US just doesn't feel right.

Only 8 in USOC?
Yes, the summer schedule should be crowded. Yes, MLS clubs will be challenged with domestic players taking part in the Gold Cup, Copa America, and the U-20 World Cup, but cutting down the number of sides taking part in the US Open Cup isn't the answer. A recent US Soccer memo noted that only eight MLS teams will compete in this year's tournament. All 12 US-based teams should take part in the longest-running soccer competition in the country. There's been much written and debated about the value of the USOC, as US Soccer has been remiss in marketing the tournament properly. However, omitting top-level clubs isn't the answer. A thumbs down to the league on this one.

It's Going Down

The mainstream media has picked up on the buzz that's been percolating for weeks now, that global-uber-persona David Beckham will be leaving the microscope of European soccer for the beaches of sunny California. The Times of London, ABC News, and ESPN Soccernet are all reporting what was first mentioned yesterday morning on the Fox News Channel, that Beckham will sign today with the LA Galaxy for $36million over four years and will join the MLS club this August after the La Liga season ends for Beckham's current team, Real Madrid.

Earlier this week, Galaxy owner AEG sold its DC United club for $33 million, so Uncle Phil Anschutz won't be dipping too deep into his piggy bank to land Beckham, who has already has a soccer academy based at the the Home Depot Center, LA's home field.

Beckham has played stateside a few times over the last few years; for England in their 2005 tour to New York and Chicago, and with Real Madrid in Utah last summer for their match with Real Salt Lake. Beckham even picked up a shovel at the RSL stadium "groundbreaking" project that has since stalled.

Should this news pan out, prepare for the inevitable "It won't matter" columns from the nation's blowhard fifty-something sports editors who constantly deride soccer. Prepare for Frank Deford, a big soccer hater and interviewer of Beckham for HBO's RealSports program a few years back, to state from his high horse that Beckham's arrival won't move MLS into the nation's sports consciousness.

Say this about the "new" MLS: the league is making waves during a traditionally quiet off-season period. Beckham's arrival may prod other teams to open their wallets for some quality talent. They're no denying, however, that an LA Galaxy squad with Beckham and Landon Donovan will clearly be favorites to win the MLS Cup in DC in November.

The Deuce is Loose

Congrats to Clint Dempsey for winning his work permit from the British Home Office. Dempsey should be introduced at Fulham's Craven Cottage today as the latest Yank to join the English Premier League. Go get 'em, Deuce.

Kicking Off the Year

The best year for soccer in the US is always the one ahead of us in the first days of January. There's so much going on, it's hard not to be excited, even if the games have yet to begin.

1) The U-20's are Ready: U-20 coach Thomas Rongen took a look at lots and lots of talented teenagers before selecting his twenty-man roster for next week's U-20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Panama City. On the roster are Freddy Adu, New York's Jozy Altidore, Clifton, NJ's Danny Szetela, and Euro-based Nats Robbie Rogers (Heerenveen), Johann Smith (Bolton), and Preston Zimmerman (Hamburg). Missing from the squad are talented FC Dallas midfielder Dax McCarty, who didn't seem to meet Rongen's plans, and former Metro Michael Bradley, who wasn't released from Heerenveen. The Nats will play Haiti on Jan. 17th, Guatemala on Jan. 19th, and finish up with host Panama on Jan. 21st. The top two squads will qualify for the U-20 World Cup in Canada starting June 30th. USSoccer.com's Roster Spot video series took a great look inside the most recent U-20 camp, and listened in on Rongen discussing player strengths and weaknesses with assistant coaches Dave Dir and Brian Maissoneuve.

2) The Senior Team is Sweating: Interim coach Bob Bradley's camp is in full swing ahead of the Nats' January 20th match vs. Denmark at the HDC. USSoccer.com is doing another great job with a blog and podcasts from the US camp.

3) AEG Divests DC United: Uncle Phil is down to just three MLS club's after this morning's sale of the four-time MLS Cup champs to a group led by real estate magnate Victor MacFarlane. The new owners, "DC United Holdings" ponied up a record $33million for the franchise, which is hoping to build their own home and move out of RFK Stadium in the near future. The new owners, which include former Duke basketball stars Bryan Davis and Christian Laettner, will keep wisely keep DCU President Kevin Payne in place. The sale, the sixth in MLS since 2005, leaves the league closer to single-team ownership.

Current MLS ownership by club:
Chicago: AEG
Chivas USA: Jorge Vergara/Antonio Cue
Colorado: Kroenke Sports Enterprises
Columbus: Hunt Sports Group
DC United: DC United Holdings
FC Dallas: Hunt Sports Group
Houston: AEG
Kansas City: OnGoal, LLC
Los Angeles: AEG
New England: The Kraft family
New York: Red Bull
Real Salt Lake: Dave Checketts (Sports Capital Partners)
Toronto FC: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

For those counting at home, that's ten owners for thirteen clubs, a much, much better outlook than just a few seasons ago.

4) Drafty in Indy: MLS' 2007 draft will be held this Friday, and the mouse networks are stepping up to the plate with an hour of live, first-round coverage on ESPN2. Allen Hopkins will host as he did last year on FSC, and draft previews can be had on From the College to the Pros and 3rd Degree. Top Drawer Soccer has a diary from draft hopeful Greg Dalby.

5) Red Bull additions: BigAppleSoccer has reported that former US National Team and jersey boy Claudio Reyna may be coming home to play for New York. BBC Sport notes that Reyna may return stateside for "family reasons." While the oft-injured Reyna may not prosper on the unforgiving Giants Stadium turf, having that wealth of experience at d-mid would serve the Red Bulls well. Also, one-time Dutch national-team keeper Ronald Waterreus may be an imminent Red Bull signing. There's no denying that the 34-year old Reyna and the 37-year old Wattereus will bring some pedigree to the Red Bulls' roster, but one has to wonder if there are more "in-prime" players that Arena the Bruce will add to the Taurine Army. Stay tuned.

Silly Season

Step right up! Step right up and guess who'll be on the Red Bulls' 2007 roster! Take a guess! It don't cost nothing!

We're only two weeks away from the opening of the European transfer window, when Sporting Director Bruce Arena will begin to spend Herr Mateshitz's dollars on talent designed to pack the swamp come tax day vs. the Moo Cows. Who'll be the lucky enlistee to the Taurine Army? If you believe anything you read, here are some of the names being bandied about (thanks to Metrofanatic):

Figo
Ronaldo
Wanchope
Reyna
Nedved (!)
Wattereus
Eskandarian
de la Pena
"Miloy"

With two Desginated Player slots available, Red Bull fans should expect nothing less than a BIG name. Two even. After all, since Arena arrived, all we've been hearing is "it's all about next year." Well next year is almost here, and after eleven mediocre seasons, a hefty chunk of salary cap to spend, and the trade of club MVP Guevara, New York fans should finally, FINALLY get a superstar (pardons to Mr. Matthaeus). Make our day.

Of course, adding a superstar won't create team chemistry. The current roster is without these ten 2006 Red Bulls:

Forwards
*Edson Buddle (trade w/Toronto)
*Youri Djorkaeff (retired)
Jordan Cila (retired)

Midfielders
*Amado Guevara (trade w/Chivas)
*Chris Henderson (waived)
*Danny O'Rourke (Expansion Draft)
Peter Canero (waived)
Mark Lisi (retired)

Defenders
Steve Jolley (waived)

Keeper
*Tony Meola (waived)
*2006 starter

If history has proven anything, to be successful in the NY market, the Red Bulls must be quick out of the gate. Another 1-1-6 start won't provide much buzz in the market, so Arena must get his stars signed early, and have the majority of the roster complete when training camp starts in late January. Arena's strength is building a cohesive team, so here's to hoping he and his mighty band of UVA alums can get the job done.

RIP Lamar Hunt, and thanks for what you gave us.

Tee hee, Club America. The Red Bulls only lost to Barca by three goals!

Go get 'em, Bob Bradley. Here's to hoping you're on the bench in South Africa in 2010.