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“You are subscribed to NYRedBulls mobile list. Be the first to learn the identity of the new DP on 7.14″

Then you are one of the lucky ones. July 14th not only coincides with the number on Henry’s back; it is also Bastille Day in France (you know, that day the Eiffel Tower is lit up with fireworks?).

The party is coming to New York my friends. And one guy is going to have to work extra hard to get the jerseys ready on time.

Really.

But I do find the entire ordeal rather humorous. Like meat in a shark tank, we are all smelling blood, and are determined to be the one to snag the big meal ticket.

Let’s take a little stroll down media lane, and see what the hubbub has been all about the past couple of days . . .

Let’s start where the recent avalanche began: Boston.com and Mr. Frank Dell’Apa (a reputable reporter by all accounts):

At best, this unnamed source does seem to have deep Red Bull connections, considering they are reporting in more detail the role Henry would play in the Red Bulls organization. And Mr. Dell’Apa is a seasoned reporter who is not known for perpetrating rumor without a basis in reality. Clearly, from his mouth, this holds weight, but in fairness, how else would a World Class striker be assumed to be used other than as a player with promotional duties in this growing league? Not much of a stretch, is it?

By the way, Frank? Henry is 32 buddy. But even the best make mistakes sometimes.

This report leads to today’s Daily News feature by my man Michael Lewis of BAS:

The headline sure grabs you, but there isn’t a direct quote on the confirmation, rather “inside sources” are cited, as is the case with Dell’Apa’s article.

This opened the doors for ESPN.com to address the hearsay . . . on their front page.

And here is their short write up on the story via ESPN New York that followed:

To add more fuel to the fire, Sports Illustrated got involved and said that Henry’s agent may have leaked information, confirming an agreement has been in place for nearly three weeks in a surprisingly well kept secret deal:

But at the end of the day, where are we really? In the same place we were when we started it; guessing, wondering, and chasing. That is, until MLS confirms the deal. And we all know how long that can take.

Red Bull Nation has been rocking with transfer rumors, rumor killers, and a ton of other notes, so lets dive in like a fat kid’s face in cake.

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- THEFRIENDSOFJOEVIDE.ORG – Former Red Bull Joe Vide has been diagnosed, at the age of 25, with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer also known as Hodgkin’s disease. With the help of Jeremy Hall and his family, he has set up a fundraiser to pay his medical bills, as he doesn’t have the means to properly treat the disease. One would expect that the MLSPA would jump in and cover his costs, but that is a story for another time.

A quick story on Joe Vide. I had the opportunity to meet Vide when he was a rookie, alongside Hunter Freeman at some PR event. I didn’t recognize Vide, but found myself speaking about the Red Bulls with him, when I slowly realized who I was speaking to. But up to that point, he was the most cordial, kind, well spoken individual you would want to meet. I respect the hell out of someone in his position, as a professional athlete, who doesn’t lose his connection with the people, and carries himself so humbly. Please visit the website, and do what you feel is right.

- AND RED BULLS ARE JOINING THE CAUSE . . . which is pure class. Make it out to the Seattle Sounders game this coming weekend, and join the Red Bulls as they auction off a game worn Juan Pablo Angel jersey, and the rest of the starting 11 from the match, with all proceeds going to Joe Vide’s foundation.

All raffles will be taking place in SECTION 127, where, aside from the auctions, you can leave Vide a well wishing message of recovery.

Do your part.

- NOW, ONTO MORE TRIALISTS . . . With the unfortunate state of affairs surrounding Kevin Goldthwaite, who’s career may be over due to injury, the Red Bulls have a gaping hole in their depth chart. That hole may be filled by 10 day trialist and bad looking 26 centerback, Cleber Antonio de Oliveira. And I don’t mean bad talent wise . . . I am talking about Bad Clubber Lang style. On his face alone, I think I would run the other way if I saw him in a dark alley. Red Bull better hope opposing strikers feel the same way; that is, if he makes the team.

- ZE ROBERTO – Look. We all know the story. Red Bulls owner Dietrich Mateschitz has been eyeing the midfielder for some time, and the Ironbound would be perfect for a Brazilian All Star. I reserved all opinions till I watched him this weekend, and I have to tell ya – Roberto’s still got it. A blazing run from the midfield answered my questions on his fitness and speed. And his ability to find the open man did the rest. If the Bulls secure Ze Roberto, even at the $5 million asking price that has been bandied about, it will be a great investment for the team, and community. This Argie is down to have a Brazilian come on board. Especially one of his caliber.

- Angel to Veracruz Mexico?! Not quite. Veracruz President Mohamed Morales stated he had reached out to Angel, and that their was mutual interest in having him come on down. Angel himself killed the rumor today. From BAS: “I wouldn’t read much into it.”

- CONGRATS CHRIS ALBRIGHT! As an aspiring father who wants to eventually field an entire soccer team of boys with the last name MARTINEZ, I have to say, my jealousy is only surpassed by my happiness for Chris Albright, who welcomes his third child into this world. Liam, TheOffside sends you the warmest and best wishes as you take your first steps to manning the Red Bulls backline. Best wishes to you and your family Chris!

Salou got a taste of the American game at Red Bull Arena against Santos in the home opener, enjoying a strong game alongside fellow forward Macoumba Kandji. And though they seemed to enjoy their partnership on that day, the relationship may get a bit thornier as the season progresses.

In light of this recent action, Kandji did himself a major favor this weekend against Seattle. Had it not been for his game winning goal, a murmuring and impatient fan base would have clamored for the insertion of Salou over the younger Kandji for this weekends Chivas USA in a heartbeat. Hey, they still may be. Remember, Kandji was brought in with a high price tag and an equally high ceiling of expectation. And up to this point, though he has shown flashes, his tenure in New York has not lived up to that lofty expecation. Has he been a failure? Absolutely not. But he hasn’t been a superstar either. The signing of Salou may change all that. It will create a competition for the starting forward position that push both men to earn their position, and it will be one to watch all season.

Salou was impressive in his home debut against Santos. In that one game, he exhibited how he could use his massive size and equally massive stride to break his way through defenders, drawing attention, and freeing up space in the process for attack partners to exploit. He is a more seasoned commodity, who has at times in his career been a focal offensive point to dangerous and successful sides. Clearly, Hans Backe would not have made the signing had he not seen a necessity. Salou will see pitch time. And just how much may depend on the play of Macoumba Kandji.

And what of the roster space? The Bulls currently have Juan Pablo Angel, Kandji, Salou, Chinn, Agudelo and Wolyniec on the roster. That is a lot of forwards for a 4-4-2. And with roster constraints being what they are, one of these guys may be left without a job. If they do decide to cut from the forward position, it would look to be a hometown favorite; The “Staten Island Ronaldinho” John Wolyniec. That is, unless there are other places in the roster where Soler and company see a glut, but I don’t see that being the case.

In the overall scheme of things, this was a much needed change for the team to make. Think to yourself, when was the last time this team had a healthy and talented competition for playing time at the forward position? Angel has been a main stay for three years here, taking up one out of an available two forward slots (if that), leaving the likes of Oscar Echeverry, Mike Magee and, John Wolyniec to contend for the final spot. Hardly an inspirational bunch (well, excluding Woly of course). With Salous addition, and the emergence of Chinn and Agudelo, the Bulls are looking at one of the most competitive and talented forward pools to man the uniform ever. This year, there will be no complacency in the attack. And that being the case, many a player will be effected by the new atmosphere, for better or worse.

Share your thoughts on the matter below. Who will stay? Who will go? Does Salou deserve a start over Kandji, or does Big Mac retain his spot?

Per league policy, contract details are currently unavailable.

The US youth standout and Red Bull Academy alumn has been the talk of the preseason, performing well alongside Juan Pablo Angel up top. But as I addressed earlier with the Luke Rodgers story, there is quite a glut at the forward position already, compounded by the addition of Ibrahim Salou. It will be interesting to see where Agudelo would fit into Backe’s crowded striker corp. Did he make enough of a good impression to earn some playing time? Or is the league much closer than it appears to reforming the reserve league?

Either way, the Bulls have not had this type of excitement surrounding a home grown youth player since Jozy Altidore, a former Generation Adidas alumn himself. And his addition will not push anyone out of the roster. What will Agudelo’s addition mean to the team? Let me know, after the jump.

Sutton’s statistics are nothing impressive really. 34 appearances and 33 starts with TFC over the past five season, compiling just 7 shutouts and a rather unimpressive 10 wins, 20 losses and 4 ties in the process.

Wow. Does that winning percentage wreak of 2009 or what?! Ok, ok, he did better than the team did, but still!

Sutton’s late addition comes on the heels of fan favorite Danny Cepero’s release, which will make the veteran keepers job that much more difficult this season. Bouna, though reliable and a solid stud when healthy, does have question marks surrounding him, and it will be up to Sutton to supply a steady presence in the backline if and when the Senegalese big man goes down. If he doesn’t measure up, bet the house that Cepero’s cut will be his measuring stick.

And by the way, salary information is currently unavailable.

On a side note – the Bulls now have 4 – yes, count them, 4 – TFC originals on the squad; Greg Sutton, Kevin Goldthwaite, Andrew Boyens, and Carl Robinson. Did someone hire Trader Mo as a consultant or what?

What do you think of the tradeoff? Is this the foreign keeper that has been rumored about for some time? Or are the Bulls still searching for a number one keeper, and entertaining the idea of a three man spot for the netminders? Is Sutton the right choice for the job? Share your thoughts with us below.

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From the RBNY presser:

“We continue our commitment to bring top-caliber soccer matches to Red Bull Arena,” Red Bull New York managing director Erik Stover said in a statement. “It’s a great opportunity for us to host two top quality teams and for new people to see and experience Red Bull Arena.”

Check out the entire release at Big Apple Soccer.

The Czech Republic will be sporting their first team against Turkey, “seeking revenge” for their past loss, according to their coach, Vladimir Smicer. Sounds like it will be a bit more than a friendly.

Tickets will be going on sale February 24th.

What do you think of the first international game at Red Bull Arena? Sure, it isn’t the USMNT, or the USWNT, but they will have some world class athletes on display for sure, and the bad blood will make for some great footy. Share your thoughts with us.

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“The Red Bull Arena Job Fair” in the Bulls’ Corner of Red Bull Arena will offer a chance for people to fill one of over 500 part time positions in the stadium. The event will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 3-8 p.m. at the Arena, located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, N.J.

From their press release (in it’s entirety at BAS):

The Red Bulls along with stadium partners – Delaware North, Securitas and ISS – will be recruiting for positions in the following areas: Kitchen staff, box office representative, security personnel, concessions personnel, retail staff, stewards, heavy duty/light duty cleaner and many other positions

“We are looking for a wide variety of candidates who all have a singular mind-set of providing outstanding customer service at Red Bull Arena,” Red Bulls managing director Erik Stover said. “There are a number of exciting opportunities to become a part of our team and we’re looking forward to offering these opportunities.”

Staff members from each organization will be on hand meet with potential employees and interviews will be done throughout the evening. If you are planning to attend, bring a copy of your resume and other key personal information

Red Bull Arena can be easily accessed via the PATH trains (Harrison Station) or NJ Transit (to Newark Penn Station and PATH to Harrison Station).

Slow down.

The French striker, who has been suffering through a tough season at Barcelona (2 goals in 12 appearances), finding little playing time and few successes, publicly stated that his contract with Barcelona runs through 2011, and that he may actually see it through.

From L’Equipe:

““There is nothing concrete with New York. For now, I’m linked with Barcelona until 2011.”

Can it be? The foregone conclusion wouldn’t be suiting up in a Red Bulls kit this season? To all of you who feel this way, I have a message for you too.

Slow down.

Much like Oka Nikolov, I feel this is just another way of posturing in order to increase his negotiation strength. It is a rare thing for a follower of MLS to see a player challenge the grain, but this is Thierry Henry; if he wants to play hardball, you damn well better believe he is going to do it.

So take him at his word or don’t. But believe me when I tell you, this process is still in it’s infancy. And there will be alot more drama to come.

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