Don't stare directly into his eyes... just ask Carlos Mendes.

Holy hell, have you seen anything that terrifying in your life?  I’m damn convinced that this petrifying gaze is what led to the Red Bulls squandering a 2-0 halftime lead.  I think he might have broken into the locker room during the break and started wreaking havoc, terrorizing the players.  But then again, maybe not…

Of course, I’ve yet again jinxed another team I love.  New York’s loss to Chivas de Guadalajara Tuesday night marked the end of Hans Backe’s undefeated run in the preseason. But for one half, it seemed as though the streak would live to see another day.

Man, if I wanted to see one of my favorite teams collapse like that, I’d probably re-watch some footage from the 2007 Mets September debacle, then probably cry myself to sleep.  All things considered, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world, far from it.  Here’s a team that’s in the middle of their season facing off against a team that’s only a few weeks into preseason.   I stayed up to watch the tape delayed game and I was rewarded with my first real look at the team this year, and I was impressed at times with some of the play, and not so impressed at other times.

First off, what was with that pitiful crowd?  I’m not exactly sure how many people actually showed up, but it the stadium looked empty, like Nassau Coliseum empty.  Now I’m not so pompous as to think that the Red Bulls deserve a much bigger crowd, but you’d think with Rafa Marquez in the building that more fans would file in.  I laughed a little when listening to the post-game interview with Juan Agudelo.  He claimed that at one point it seemed like the crowd was on their side.  Yes Juan, all seven of the Red Bulls fans in attendance could definitely be heard in full force.

Dane Richards had a strong game before his ejection in the 85th minute.

On New York’s second goal, just 10 minutes later, Richards again found himself in the middle of the action, this time playing the role of provider.  After having his first cross attempt blocked, Richards struck the ball out of the air and into the box, where an eager Agudelo was waiting to head it past the keeper.  Agudelo put himself in the right position and won the physical battle with his defender to make sure he would come out on top.  It was a nice delivery and even nicer finish that put the Bulls up 2-0.

Unlike the first two preseason games this year, Backe did not completely replace his lineup at halftime.  Instead, he only made five changes to the starting lineup throughout the game (only trialist Teemu Tainio was replaced at halftime).  The Red Bulls played a decent second half, but the home team got on the board in the 71^st minute, and that’s when the wheels started falling off.  The Red Bulls were under more pressure and began to buckle.  Eventually, Chivas was able to net the equalizer courtesy of a Carlos Mendes own goal in the 80^th minute.  Just five minutes later, Richards picked up his second yellow of the match, sending him to an early shower.  Finally, New York’s demise was complete after Jorge Mora headed in the winning goal deep into stoppage time to give the hosts the victory.  What a way to lose a game that started off with so much potential.

After the game, Backe said that although he was disappointed with the result, he was happy with the overall quality of play. “I think we should not be happy, but should be satisfied by the first half with two goals, the defending shape was excellent and I think if I look at the second half also, the defense did well. I don’t think (Chivas) created that many chances but they were very effective when they got these three goals. Overall, I’m satisfied with the effort,” Backe said.  Of course, I’d be inclined to agree with him.  There were some great things that happened on Tuesday, and if Backe’s happy, I’m happy.  Question is, were you happy?  What did you think of the game?  Did you catch the Telemundo broadcast?  (If not you can watch the entire thing on the Red Bulls website).  Lemme know what you think in the comments below or on Twitter.

What grade would you give the Red Bulls performance against Chivas?online survey

Midfielder Robert Pires is out, a heavy blow for the Spanish side. But to make matters worse, their attacking duo of Rossi and Kahveci are also expected to be sidelined. In Rossi’s case, sidelined for two games with an injured ankle.

Rossi? Injured? AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. Isn’t that just the worst news ever? A rolled ankle, that may have him missing the first two games? AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. Where is my friggin violin?

Anyway, in light of the good tidings surrounding Rossi, things have looked up for our boy Jozy. With their two primary strikers riding the bench, Jozy may actually start the first game of Villarreals season. A game like this can mean big things for our young striker. A good couple of performances can mean more pitch time as the season unfolds. The question is – will Jozy be ready for some of the best competition in the world? Share your thoughts.

img credit: daylife.com

Let me begin by saying – this is completely based on the team as currently configured. I know April 15th is right around the corner, and 2 signings can change everything, but this is the current situation.

With that said . . .

Lets begin with a Haiku . . .

Red Bulls 2008

We place all our hope
Into Osorio’s plan
May he guide wisely

SEASON PREDICTION:

12 wins 11 loses 7 ties (3rd in the East, 43 pts., Semi Final finish)

KEY ACQUISITIONS:

Juan Carlos Osorio (new head coach)
Zach Thornton
Oscar Echeverry
Eric Brunner
Luke Sassano
Danleigh Borman

KEY PLAYERS RELEASED:

Dema Kovalenko (you will be missed)
Clint Mathis (ditto)
Ronald Watterreus
Markus Schopp (not exactly KEY, but . . . )
Santino Quaranta (ditto Schopp)
Joe Vide (underrated, well trained CDM who will also be missed)

SEASON PREVIEW:

Nuts and bolts :

We left you last season at yet another brick wall performance against the team I love to hate – The New England Revo-losers.

There were our glaring weaknesses on display, for all to see. Lack of wing play. Mediocre play from our defensive wings. Absolutely no service to the most dangerous forward tandem in the MLS. And a big fat 0 on the goal side.

The list began to be compiled – we need an attacking mid, we need a left back, we need more service from the wings. We need, we need, we need.

So, in an attempt to better our course, we dumped Bruce Arena after a less than glorious reign as coach. In comes Juan Carlos Osorio, magic man who brought the Chicago Fire back from the dead (though I am sure there was some guy named Blanco who helped out situations). And all hopes were heaped on his shoulders.

The signings have been slim. The cuts have been drastic.

And here we are, days away from the first game of the season.

How much have things really changed?

The Stars

As previously mentioned, we feature the Dynamic Duo of MLS forwards – Jozy Altidore and Juan Pablo Angel (dont ask me who is Robin . . . ). Maybe 10 years ago, having that was enough to win an MLS Cup. But in this parity ridden league, you need strength on all ends.

In comes Captain America, Claudio Reyna. Reyna enjoyed a less than stellar year, with reports of a tumultuous relationship with Coach Arena making matters worse. Pile on injuries to this mediocre stew and you have Claudio Reyna, 2007.

2008, however, carries a more positive tone. Reports early and often have praised Reynas play on the field, where he is being asked to play a bit of CDM, his natural position, and CAM, the categorical opposite. And it seems he has been excelling in both areas, even if this display wasn’t quite visible in Carolina (last two games were sleepers, but he did play well in the first).

These are the teams stars, people who we will be relying heavily to carry this team.

The New Comers

Um. Zach Thornton and Oscar Echeverry. So we have depth at goal and the attacking spot.

Besides them, there is this years slew of draftees, headed by Luke Sassano and Danleigh Borman, both who may see time on the pitch as starters. Borman showed some magic in his crosses preseason. Sassano, grit. It will be interesting to track their development as the season commences.

But the most exciting new comer is Juan Carlos Osorio. He takes the cake. And he is carrying this teams expectations squarley on his shoulders.

Keep an eye on

Jon Conway. If anyone on the team is in the position of making this team float or flounder, its Conway. A life long career back up, many Bulls fans are skeptical of his ability to maintain his cool under pressure, come up with the big save, or simply maintain concentration on the pitch. Displays like last years Mendes back pass, or more recently with the mystery goal TFC’s Cunningham scored in the Carolina Cup that was in Conways hands, have fans begging for answers and hoping for the best. This will be Conways job to lose – all season long.

We’ll win the league if…

We avoid injuries, sign a key defender (Chris Innes), or a solid CDM to allow Reyna the CAM position (Lider Marmol). With them, and a healthy Dane Richards and Hunter Freeman, we will have the depth and talent to succeed.

We’ll be in trouble if…

We run into injuries. Why? Our depth cant take it. We will already be without Dane Richards till Summer. Ditto Freeman. We can not afford to plug in holes with rookie players. One more injury, and we will be looking at the Chris Leitches and John Gilkersons of the world to patch us up (in fairness, Leitch has looked ok this preseason).

The Beckham Factor

Will still be strong this season. If he stays healthy.

You might not know . . .

+ Play by Play of NY away games are done in studio, away from the field action.

+ Jozy Altidore had an offer from Reading as an immediate starter – and he rejected it.

+ Our only trophy? The La Manga Cup – a Soccer Resort in Spains club team preseason tourney

+ The logo featured above is the 2007 logo. I couldnt find the new, non-streaky one.

+ I am a Gemini!

Welcome to the first installment of Bulls Abroad. This segment will feature achievements by Metro Grads throughout the world, highlighted usually by one individual.

And who better to highlight than Michael Bradley.

CLUTCH GOAL KEEPS HEEVENVEEN IN IT

Bradley is making everyone look bad. Down a man after a red card, Bradley does what he does best – stay cool under pressure, and play opportunistically. Of course, once again, he was in the right place at the right time . . . and he nets the winner for his club.

CHECK IT OUT HERE! RIGHT OFF THE TEAMS SITE!

This was his fourth goal all time with the club, second in as many months.

His play of late is really doing alot to secure his position with the USMNT. Plus, I think he sorta knows the coach. Dont quote me on that though.

HOWARD HOLDS THE FORT, 1-1 tie with CHELSEA

For anyone who watched this game, I have to say, my highlight was watching our boy Timmy turn away a Lampard shot just shy of the post. He stood on his head, taking ten shots on target, 16 overall.

With the tie, Everton stays ninth in the top ten, headed by Howards heroics (say that 5 times fast)

IN OTHER NEWS . . . . .

Our boy, who is two times better than a #10, Mr. Amado Guevara, has been on a nice tear down South, with 4 goals the past three weeks. Think anyone up north is taking notice?

Ive been a proponent of his for a while. But then again, if DC signs Veron, and Gomez becomes available . . . . that would be interesting. Amado v. Gomez. Should be one hell of a debate.