Yes. Celades turned down the States for Asia. What a metaphor for modern times. But let’s steer clear of the politics, shall we?

Since Kitchee hired Spaniard Josep Gombau as their technical director, he has been enticing his countrymen to head on over and join Kitchee in this growing league. Celades was one of the many Spaniards to accept the offer, joining counterparts Francisco Javier Pérez, Ubay Luzado, Baruc Nsue and Sergio Aure – all Catalans.

In the words of Joel Lindpere, it seems that Albert Celades was looking for one more “adventure” in his life. This would definitely classify as one. But it does strike me that the attacking mid would flat out reject not only the Red Bulls, but several first and second division Spanish clubs, only to be enticed by the Super League.

Should Red Bull fans be insulted? On the face of it, maybe. But when you take into consideration the group of teams in the rejection pool, it paints the picture not of a rejection of MLS, but as an individuals choice to play in a completely foreign environment, with some of his countrymen in tow. In that sense, how can anyone’s ego be bruised by the move?

Share your thoughts on this surprise signing in the comments below.

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But not tonight.

The retiring Albert Celades opened up seams that this team has been searching for since the first half of the Seattle opener. Mac Kandji finally found the finish to match his step overs and fancy footwork. And Juan Pablo Angel netted the type of brace everyone has been waiting to see this season. In other words, the team finally meshed. The result? A 5-0 thrashing of a playoff contender.

Though Petke suffered a sprain in his quad early on in the game, forcing the first appearance of Argentine centerback Walter Garcia, his words in our previous interview rang true to me; this is not a bad team. They are an underachieving team. Sure, there are some good pieces to build upon for this team, but it will take a proper coach to get the desired results. With tonight’s win, maybe Richie Williams makes that case for himself. Only time will tell.

So the chapter has finally closed on Giants Stadium, and mercifully, on 2009. And what a way to close it out.

Red Bull Arena, you are right around the corner . . .

I will have a game preview up for tomorrow most likely, but after a horrible and turbulant flight, all I want to do is hit the hay.

I am now in Houston Texas for Wrestlemania (and for that Booker T Legends of Wrestling event, the Ring of Honor Event, and the induction of Stone Cold to the Hall of Fame).

Forgive what will be my lack of posting. Either way, I will do my best to update the site as much as possible.

For a bit of RBNY news, Brian Lewis at the Post is reporting the possibility of Celades and Carlos Johnson debuting this weekend – what a coo!

And also, big ups to our boy Jozy Altidore for his hat trick, along with former Metros Tim Howard and Michael Bradley who are really holding things down at the National Team level.

Its good to be Metro Bull.

Ill be back tomorrow! Time to take a nap!

Before we get into the status of Alfredo Pacheco and Albert Celades, I have to highlight this spectacular video. Pacheco has been an intergral part, not only in Salvadorean football, but for his club FAS in their domestic league; so much so that they gave him a going away party! Check out the video and watch Pacheco get showered in some love.

And speaking of Pacheco – did you guys catch him this past weekend? I hope you had DVR because the big guy will be a huge pick up for the Red Bulls.

He is a large defender who really shut down the left side of the field to the point where the United States really had no avenue to exploit. He played physical football the entire way through, surging with the ball when he could, and shutting down defenders more often than not. Dangerous on both ends, he will surely provide the cross this team has been missing on that left side since Dave Van Den Bergh.

I for one can’t wait for his arrival.

And what of Albert Celades? Well, Brian Lewis at the Post reports that Celades has indeed secured his P-1 Visa. After another trip to Spain, he should be ready to roll against the Chicago Fire this week.

Here are you RB International Call Ups.

Jorge Rojas – Venezuela – The Vinotinto play the Albiceleste of Argentina this weekend. I will definitely be taking this game in.

Andrew Boyens – New Zealand – Boyens takes off to Bangkok for a friendly game against Thailand.

Carlos Johnson – Costa Rica – The recently signed defender will be repping his country this weekend against Mexico.

That can mean as many as 5 starters will not be available for the home opener. And who will be made available that wasn’t for game 1? Khano Smith will have a score to settle, as he debuts against his former team. But that is about it.

Here is a potential line up for the season opener:

———–Angel———-
——-Oduro————–
Smith—Sinisa—–Richards
–Pietravallo-Stammler—–
—–Hall–Petke-Mendes—
———Cepero———–

or

———Angel———–
Smith—-Ubi——-Richards
—Pietravallo-Stammler—
Hall—Petke–Mendes—Goldie
——–Cepero————-

Share your thoughts below.

The El Salvadorean National Team, headed by Coach Carlos De Los Cobos, have an extremely important World Cup Qualifier this Saturday against the mighty USA. Of course, a match of this magnitude would require a ton of training, team unity and the best available pieces in order to be properly prepared and competitive. The problem is, the team hasn’t trained at all. They have used their “team unity” for other purposes.

The Salvadorean nationals went on strike last week. Why? Because they were promised bonuses, and they remained unpaid. With their most recent 2-2 draw against TnT, one would think this couldn’t have come at a worse time for their World Cup hopes. This week, though, it seems everyone is back on the same page. The strike is over, and they have a week to prepare for the regions best team.

With only a weeks training, and no VISA in sight, RBNY fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the Salvadorean Captain this week (just not against the Revolution). Alfredo Pacheco has been called in for the game and is expected to play some hefty minutes (Check out the game this Saturday on ESPN2 at 9pm eastern or DVR it since you will be watching the Red Bulls!).

This news comes only 24 hours after the Post reported Albert Celades was resolving VISA issues in Spain, and would be probable for this weekends New England clash.

Just based on this weekends poll, I know that this tandem couldn’t get here any sooner for you all. Share your thoughts on these developments.

It’s Business Time Folks (and this video is for you Andrew Boyens).

Tonight, the Red Bulls debut against Drew Carey’s Seattle Sounders. 20,000 emo kids will be screaming about the inequities of life in between Sounder chants, so expect an electric atmosphere.

I will be at Nevada Smith’s tonight in the city (74 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003). Drop by, say hi to some of the ESC folks, and grab a beer with us.

If not, you do have other alternatives:

#1 – Watch the game on ESPN2 tonight at 9pm.

#2 – Escuchen el partido en espanol por radio WADO 1280. Tienen un stream por internet en esta direccion.

#3 – Follow along with our game tracker, as Travis will be liveblogging the game on the MLS Offside homepage.

And while your at it:

Metrofanatic has a fantastic look into the Red Bulls record all time against expansion teams.

I’d like to thank everyone for the SEATTLE v. RED BULLS BATTLE OF THE BLOGS entries. I’ve never seen Drew Carey more . . . ummm . . . compromised.

Now, let’s hope I can deface her blog with a win tonight!

Thanks again everyone! And come down to Nevadas . . . have a drink, sing some songs, and have a blast! IT’S ON (once again) LIKE DONKEY KONG!