From BAS:

“I have been tremendously happy in this country,” he said. “I am still very grateful to this franchise for the opportunity that they gave me to play for them. But at the end of the day it hasn’t been an easy year. I have never experienced anything like this. . . . We’ll see at the end of the year. I guess we’ll sit down and we’ll come to a conclusion.”

You can sense the frustration in Angel’s statement, and ultimately, you have to understand it. This season has been so utterly futile that even I get frustrated BLOGGING about the friggin’ team. Imagine being in the center of that sewage storm?! You can not blame him for thinking past the Bulls, but at the same time, it would be an absolute travesty knowing how he sacrificed his body, week in and week out, on the concrete jungle pitch of Giant Stadium, just shy of a brand new, beautiful, Kentucky Blue Grass laden field for one last solid hurrah. It just doesn’t seem right.

So I leave the question in your hands; do you want to see Angel return for the 2010 season?

Should Juan Pablo Angel return for 2010?(trends)

Dave Van den Bergh was never going to be a Red Bull, due to some family issues he was having. Dallas, Texas is the home of his wifes family and friends, and so, the issue seemed logical; no matter what Red Bull could do, DvB was as good as gone at the conclusion of the 2008 campaign.

But hold the phone. After DvB assisted on the FC Dallas game winner over his former team, the Walking Dutchman shared his thoughts with the boys and girls over at BAS, including some candid words about his final months as a Bull:

“I’m sorry for the coach and the players that stayed behind. I wish for them to be doing just as good if not better than last year. But on the other hand, I think I had talked to them four months previously before I got traded. There were opportunities for them to re-sign me. They didn’t jump on it. After a while you kind of get what you aim for.”

As if his role in the game winning goal wasn’t enough of a kick to the stomach, this tidbit of information hit the Bulls fan base like a ton of bricks. As I have said all season, the left wing has been a black hole this year. Where there was once consistency, there is now confusion. Khano Smith, Danleigh Borman, Jorge Rojas, Mac Kandji, and Alfredo Pacheco are all players that have at one point or another seen time on the wing. And that is just off the top of my head. Sure, Van den Berghs game was not pretty, or fast, but it was effective. He represented a rare breed in this league; a left footed winger with an excellent touch and cross, with the ability to be dangerous from set pieces. And judging by his comments, no one knew it better than Dave.

So what do you think of this little bit of wisdom? Were you always skeptical of the story? Did you bite hook, line and sinker? Share your take with us.

Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Reporters yesterday were able to “ask the question of the week,” getting a few words in with Don Garber about the rumors of a potential sale of the team by Red Bull.

From Big Apple Soccer:

“This isn’t even a story,” Garber said. “It’s not for sale. It’s one of those things that comes out; some guy in his pajamas sitting in his kitchen and says ‘What kind of story can I write before they have a big announcement?’ It’s crazy, absoltutely untrue. The team is not for sale.”

This just goes along with Brian Lewis previous report of the rumors fallacy. So that’s that, right? Right?

The problem with a rumor like this is the following; no one will admit to a thing if it was true, and no one will be there to blame if it wasn’t. So this particular rumor will most likely be filed under “Cold Case.”

Osorio recently spoke to BAS and offered some insight into the coaches mindset:

There are no automatic choices in this team. Probably there is one or two. . . .. For the time being, my message for everybody is that you need to earn your spot. They also know that I am not afraid to play the guys who I think deserved the chance.

Well, that explains the lineups this year, no? Osorio has made 8 signings this season, and only two of those acquisitions fielded the starting 11 this past week, and that was under situations of duress (Boyens and Jimenez). He was making a major statement with their benching; I don’t care who signed you – you perform, you play.

On the one end, it is a highly commendable thing for a Coach to do. On the other hand, was the 31st game of the season, a playoff game no less, the place to take a chance? Will it be enough to light a fire under their collective behinds? Is the risk going to be worth the reward? Or will Rojas and Co. rebel against their coaches decision?

Quite the risk indeed.

The other thing we hear loud and clear from this quote is Osorio’s satisfaction with the team performance of the previous game;

Rotating the team is part of my thing that I believe in. Basically what happened on Saturday, it paid off for us.

What was it that paid off again? I think he was referring to the benchings. But the only barometer to use in measuring the effectiveness of his decision will be the result for this weekends playoff clash. A 1-1 draw at home, in the playoffs, is nothing to celebrate, no matter what pieces were used.

And about the rotating of the team thing: STOP! Players enjoy continuity! The weekly uncertainty with the lineup is enough to make a team want to pack up its bags and go home. Sure, benchings were in order to get a point made. I understand that. But let it be the last punitive lineup decision you have to make. Promise the team some comfort and continuity if they earn it. A defense needs the time to gel. Ditto with the midfield. If they have more time to play and recognize each other, you will have a more cohesive unit to feed the strikers, who will suddenly become effective. Rotating the team around, this late in the season, is a bit of a no no.

Then again, I am just a blogger.

This is the Red Bulls coach. And as the year has progressed, we have gotten to know him better. With the blessing of potential Hall of Famer, Jeff Agoos, we may see another year of his style. But will these measures be enough to take the Bulls to the next level?

In the post game reactions from this Friday’s debacle, I found this revealing quote over on BAS from Coach Osorio:

“I think that we did not compete today and in the end we got what we deserved. We matched them up and played the same system that we have been playing. It came down to the players. I don’t think any of the players can really look me in the eyes and tell me that they played today.

This means nothing moving forward. I cannot wait until the 15th of July where we can sign some players and make a very competitive team. At the moment I think that all of our players have had a chance to really shine and stake a claim. I think a lot of them have failed to do that.”

Wow. That’s cojones! And he is absolutely right. Players have been given golden opportunities, and have fumbled time and time again.

Andrew Boyens comes to mind. Each week is a heart attack watching the lanky Kiwi dive, step, and kick his way into and out of trouble. Ever since he has been injected into the defensive scheme, there have been two glaring effects; the 3-5-2 has gone out the window completely, and the lack of communication between Parke, Goldthwaite and the Kiwi is, at many points in a match, costly. I suppose its the fact that the aforementioned names are all naturally CB’s, and that may lead to communication issues I am sure. But Boyens really is the square peg in the round hole of this defense. Observe the reactions of Goldthwaite, Parke, even Mendes or Leitch when something breaks down in the back – fingers are almost always pointed at Boyens.

Reluctantly, I have to include Mike Magee in this one as well. Magee is a player that Coach Osorio see’s that “something” in. But, when given the opportunity to take a spot and make it his own, he has fallen well short. Granted, he basically has not played ball in over 2 years – after such an extensive layoff, a longer adjustment period should be expected. But his opportunity was now. And he hasn’t been able to capitalize on it (unlike in 2005 when he filled in the larger shoes of Amado Guevara quite nicely, leading towards the playoffs).

And who can debate that Oscar Echeverry hasn’t been given the chance to stake his claim on this teams starting strikers? Jozy Altidore has been traded. Juan Pablo Angel has been limping his way through the season. He is paired up with a guy that has been a right wing for 2 seasons. Its almost like the perfect storm of soccer is aligning itself for Echeverry to capitalize on, and he is watching it all pass him by.

Again, one can make the argument that he is coming back from injury. And in the current MLS clandestine medical records bylaws, who knows how bad a player is really injured anyway. But that was over a month ago now. And this is a solid veteran professional we are speaking of. With the wind to his back, he hasn’t been able to play his way into a starting spot. Sad.

So, much like Coach Osorio, we too await the 15th and hope that a few changes can be made to improve this floundering club. And, of course, we hold out hope for a bench warmer saviour (Ubiparipovic anyone?).

But with that said, and in the interest of fairness, 2 of the three men cited in this entry are Osorio signings, right (just sayin’ . . .)?

Heres to more Jorge Rojas level acquisitions!

An Argie? A Red Bull? Ill be the first one on line for that name on my jersey. Better do well . . .

Anyway, this is exciting stuff! The Bulls are listing the 5′9″ Argentine as a defender, but he has been known to play some defensive midfield. Rojas is practically secured as the new CAM (which would fill our attacking needs in a major way). And a pending Gabriel Cichero signing would be just what the doctor ordered – a syrum for the common mediocre season.

Its as if my prayers had been answered. From the day of Jozy’s departure, its been my mantra – We need three impactful signings for all three sections of the field.

Booyakasha.

Though Pietravallo is still an unknown quantity to me, the three signings in general fill needs this team desperately has to fill. Osorio is really using that Colombian charm to bring us some talent (bravo – if all three are signed, I will forget the offseason ever happened!) Much props.

Again, is this enough? What are your thoughts?

Red Bulls face DC United this week, in what is always a highly contested and battled game (Saturday 7:30 on MSG and HDnet).

Unfortunately, we are limping into the Lions Den, and the scent of blood is definitely in the air. Claudio Reyna is still injured. According to BAS, he received an epidorel shot to his hamstring, and was pain free for the first time in forever. But he is still expected to miss the next two games with his herniated disc either way.

One DP. Down.

Juan Pablo Angel is also expected to miss two games with his herniated disc. The difference? Juan has two discs that are giving him problems.

Two DP’s. Down.

Seth Stammler has been a beast, filling in Dema Kovalenko’s old slot with the team nicely. But guess what? The Herniated Disc Monster has taken him down as well.

Three excellent players? Down.

Oh and Jozy is gone to.

Four.

Now DC United is knocking on the door, showing signs of life after two consecutive and decisive wins against Chicago away and TFC at home. Luciano Emilio is beginning to awaken from a seasons long slumber. And they are starting to show signs of cohesion again.

Meanwhile, the Red Bulls continue to ride a wave of mediocrity, with a record just over .500. An ugly win last week against Chivas can be a start of something good, but it will take more than just solid defense and counterattack to match DC.

An injury plagued Red Bulls squad has stayed in games nearly all season by the skin of their teeth, waiting for the right moment to strike, and hope that would be enough for a win. DC has been underachieving most all season, struggling to find chemistry with their newest pieces. If ever there was a statement game for either team, this would be it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Erik Stover.

Taking a look at his “resume,” there are definitely pro’s and con’s to the hire.

PROS

- Familiar with the Red Bulls and Metrostars, spanning the course of nearly 10 years, starting from our inception.
- Managed Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego
- From Red Bull Reader “Stover’s background includes facility and event management for both sports and entertainment.”
- He has experience in San Diego as they tried to lure in a vibrant soccer community to the Stadium for games, culminating in a successful near sellout of a meaningless Mexico/Venezuela match in 2007. His hope was to bring the infrastructure to be the most conducive for soccer.

CONS

- “Not an avid soccer fan” – but has grown to respect the game
- An Ives source claims he knows “nothing” of football.
- Part of a very restrictive and soccer-ignorant NJSEA for 9 years.

Again, from Red Bull Reader: “Stover will oversee all of the business and commercial aspects of the team. In addition, Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio and Sporting Director Jeff Agoos will report to Stover.” Well, what does this all mean?

Here’s the Rub . . .

It is clear that Salzburg is worried about one thing – their Harrison investment. The team need only achieve respectability until the final piece of the prize is erected.

Erik Stover, who is in part credited for a soccer “revival” in San Diego, will be asked to do much the same here on the East Coast through his knowledge of infrastructure and maintenance. And though Agoos and Osorio will continue to have control of the teams players and movement, they still must report and respond to Mr. Stover. The idea seems to be “keep the soccer minds in place, and hire an infrastructure expert to ensure our future.” So be it.

The fact is, if Agoos and Osorio are responsible for the on field product – they will be held responsible for the teams performance. When reading between the lines, Stover is mainly there to oversee the teams direction. Most of his responsibilities lie in Harrison.

I wouldn’t make any more of this signing than it is. Most team Presidents and General Managers are in and out of positions within 4-5 years. I think Stovers job is to simply stabilize our Harrison project and make sure the on field product doesn’t suffer in its stead. And that is the type of leadership this team needs for the near future.

Best of luck Stover. You have a lot of retractors, and a lot to prove.

And one more thing? Welcome to New York.

I had no choice. I naturally had to walk him. But all I was thinking was “hurry your ass. Get Dexter to his favorite spots, and run back up.”

Naturally, in this rushed state, my old lady neighbor just happened to be downstairs, and decides today, of all days, she would stop, get down on one old knee, and play with my attention starved canine.

Lovely.

So while Dexter was clawing up her dress like a kitten on a scratch post, I had to sit there with a face of patience and a plaster smile to hide my hurried state. Needless to say, I missed some great action (about 30 minutes worth!). But what can I complain about? A 3 – 0 win against Atlas is all I needed.

Thank you for your indulgence. Now here is the latest from Red Bull Landia:

+ FORMER BULL UPDATE: Defender Eric Brunner, the former Red Bull 2nd round draft pick, has had quite the week! After rejecting a reformatted contract with the team, which would have involved in excess of a 50% paycut, he quickly found employment on struggling USL-1 squad, Miami FC.

More over? He scored a goal today with the United States U-23 team. But I guess he had to – the first Turkish talley was practically an assist for Brunner, who simply ball watched the Turkish attack to their goal. Still. A goal is a goal, and it was quite a good header (wasn’t Osorio looking for a player with good aeriel skills?).

By the way, the US eventually lost 3-2.

+ INJURY UPDATES: BigAppleSoccer has the scoop on the latest Bulls injuries heading into this weekends showdown against the Chicago Fire.

Reyna and Etcheverry saw their first practice time since their respective injuries but are still doubtful for this weekends action. Seth Stammler is still receiving treatment on his back and may be a week or two away.

+ Jozy Altidore was not named to the USMNT squad facing England. As this camp features European based players, it isn’t much of a shock. But I would expect Jozy to get his shot against the BiCeleste of Argentina for the Giants Stadium show down.

+ Osorio and Van Den Bergh will be out for the Chicago game. Send Marrufo a thank you card Section 8 . . .

+ RECOMMENDED READING: I have to hand it to Frank Giase of nj.com. What a great score with Bruce Arena. And the veiled shots at RBNY Management are as clear as day. Click the link and take a read. Ridiculous.

+ Shameless Self Promotion: I am always doing something. This week, as many already know, I sat down with Jimmy Conrad of the Wizards to get his views on the game, media and life. Check it out on the offsides main MLS page.

+ Eric Brunner, our 2nd round pick and first pick in the 2008 draft, has decided to forgo the meager amount of money that befits a developmental player and will begin exploring options in “USL and Europe” according to his agent (SBI has the scoop). Who can blame the kid? When you are promised something, and more than half of it is being taken away from under your feat, what else are you to do?

What I find interesting in this whole ordeal is this – Osorio has already earned quite the reputation as a defensive teacher and implementor. And somehow, he feels that Andrew Boyens would be a much more fruitful endevour than Brunner. What can it be about Brunners play that has made him this expendable? What makes Boyens a better prospect? (besides a few more inches in height).

Its sad to see a draftee go, but he has left the door open for future negotiations.

+ BAS is reporting that Reyna and Stammler will be no goes for the Galaxy game Saturday night. This is a devastating blow to our winning chances. With a sure bet of a 4-5-1 lineup, who will be our midfield destroyers? Ubi and Van Den Bergh? Throw on top of this storm of maladies the fact that Jozy may be sat due to “fatigue” and you have a concoction for disaster. What once looked like a hopefilled game is turning into a nightmare.

+ The Hunter Freeman interview concludes this weekend, with his thoughts on MLS, player salaries, foreign players and some predictions. Thank you all for your kind words. The interview and response has been a blast.

+ And for my preview of this weeks Galaxy game, check out, as always, ASR (first to break the Brunner story!).