New York Red Bulls » Chris leitch

Red Bulls 0 – 2 Dallas. Chin up folks.

Dave Martinez — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:19:25 +0000

Hey everyone,

Put the noose back in the closet. And dont reach for the shotgun with the toe attachment. The season doesnt end on one bad game. I promise.

Lets put the game in some perspective

+ They are walking injured
+ Depth for this game was none existent
+ It was their first away fixture.

Here is another thing to consider – look at the starting lineup(s):

Borman—————-Altidore———–Echeverry
———————–Reyna————————
————-Stammler———Ubiparipovic————
Van Den Bergh–Goldthwaite—–Leitch———-Sassano
———————-Conway——————-

OR:

————Altidore————Echeverry————–
———————Reyna—————————-
Borman————————————-Sassano
————–Stammler——-Ubiparipovic———
Van Den Bergh——Goldthwaite—————Leitch
———————–Conway———————-

2 formations, 2 rookies, 1 sophmore, 1 new forward, 1 key missing forward, and a make shift backline. That is what Dallas beat.

Van Den Bergh having to play the backline shows you just how much havoc these injuries and a ridiculous red card are causing. Freeman, and Brunner are still weeks away. Parke is irreplacable at centerback (at least until they officially sign Innes). The midfield will continue to have a youthful look until the backline gets back into shape and Dane Richards returns from injuries.

But breathe folks.

Angel will be back.

Parke will be back.

And they will be that much more complete.

Heres this weeks game recap:

MAN OF THE MATCH

Kind of hard not to say Kenny Cooper. His mere presence creates an indominable distraction. And kudos to the big man for doing his homework and attacking the Red Bulls soft middle defense.

If there was one for the Red Bulls, you can make a strong argument for Jon Conway. Maybe even Woly for bringing some passion to the attack.

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH

49 seconds in, Arturo Alvarez showed his form. Much like Cooper, he did his homework, aggressively attacking the middle of our defense for a beautiful slam into the net. The Bulls never recovered. How can you? A minute into a road fixture, and giving away a valuable goal spells 90 minutes of trouble.

WHAT THE?! MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Did you catch that beautiful Conway save one on one against Arturo Alvarez? I thought he would be cooked. Good job by our 6′6″ goliath for stopping that shot cold.

*Runner up – Reynas header in the box, which ricocheted to John Wolyniec, who took a shot straight on net, and somehow missed the entire frame.*

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Though he played stronger than last season (for a second straight game), Chris Leitch got burned on both goals. And its tough to look past that, no matter how hard you play.

*Runner Up – Danleigh Borman – who showed us all he is just a rookie.*

Share your thoughts. And please, dont cry. There is alot of time left to do just that. But hopefully, it wont be necessary.

Jorge Rojas, Vinotinto Vet, and Chris Innes – Trialists

Dave Martinez — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:37:45 +0000

Who says we need to pilfer Chicago for all our acquisitions?

Jorge Rojas, 30, a Venezuelan National veteran with 78 caps to his name, and the infamous Chris Innes, former captain of the bankrupt and dying Gretna FC of SPL, are now on trial with the Red Bulls.

I knew there was a reason I waited till the 13th hour to put up my season preview . . .

Jorge Rojas, whom, if I recall correctly (should google this), assisted and scored a goal in 2 games against Haiti recently, is a left back or left wing – two positions we have coveted for quite some time. If everything falls into order, Rojas would be our starting left winger, moving Dave Van Den Bergh to the CAM role, and Claudio Reyna could join Seth Stammler for a devastating twosome in front of our defenders.

Now that is a step up!

As for Innes, he is actually participating in team training as I write this. He was a major reason for Gretna’s spell in the SPL from ‘05 – ‘08, being largely credited for the ascension into the big leagues of SPL, and being largely credited for their demotion (but only because he was injured during certain spells).

Though Goldie and Leitch played admirably against the Cows, a person of Innes reputation and credentials should be afforded the opportunity to see what he can do. Sure, people downplay the talent or talent level of the SPL, but how many do the same to the MLS? Who know – Chris Innes may be that missing piece to the puzzle that will create the formidable backline we have been dreaming of.

IMAGINE . . .

With these signings (cross those fingers!), they will have a team that could take them to the Cup.

——-Angel—-Altidore——–
———-Dave VDB————
Rojas——————–Richards
——–Reyna—Stammler——-
—-Innes—-Parke—-Freeman—
———-Conway—————

Appetizing no? DVB, as displayed Saturday, has no fear of taking a shot. He will be backed up by Magee. Reyna and Stammler will compliment a solid and experienced backline, which will make 1st year starter Jon Conways life much easier. The wing play, when healthy, will be some of the best in the league (backed by two solid rookies in Borman and Sassano). And with those starting three, we can have a bench with Goldthwaite, Leitch, Mendes and Brunner.

Not bad at all (especially in a league notorious for very little quality depth).

Looks like we may be flexing that allocation money-muscle after all!

Red Bulls 2 – Cows 0

Dave Martinez — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:57:29 +0000

What a great night to be a Red Bulls fan!

An early surge that included a beautifully placed Dave Van Den Bergh strike to the bottom right corner, and the mess that resulted in a Goldthwaite tap in was all we needed to take this one away from the Cows.

And btw – it seems that the idea of filling out the stadium on one side is working – the atmosphere was excellent. And major props to the EMPIRE SUPPORTERS CLUB for doing what they do best – singing songs and making noise.

But lets get back to the topic:

MAN (men) OF THE MATCH:

This one is a tie. Kevin Goldthwaite and Chris Leitch had tremendous games. Watching Leitch shut down Schelotto to the point of ineffectiveness, and the bite Goldie had on the pitch (punctuated by his goal) reassured this Bulls fan that not all is lost.

And it also answered one of my Preseason Preview questions – Osorio, in this first game, is making alot of the talent currently on the squad, against a team with a win under its belt already.

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH

The Goldthwaite Goal. And how not? Sure, DVB set the tone for the night with his laser guided (though not laser fast) shot, but that Goldthwaite goal was deflating. It made every corner, every set piece, that much more dangerous looking to the opposition, causing them to fall back. Psychological victory indeed.

WHAT THE?! MOMENT OF THE MATCH

This weeks WHAT THE?! moment came in the second half. Juan Pablo Angel lines up for a well deserved PK shot . . . and Hesmer turned him aside. And it was a good cracker if I do say so myself. Oh well. Much like Haleys Comet, I dont plan on seeing that again for another 75 years . . .

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Sinisa Ubiparapovic. Honestly, he looked lost. Lack of playing time? Maybe. But his passes were really mind benders. I was with a complete soccer novice tonite, and she actually leaned over and asked me “Why did he just pass it to the other team?” I said, “It was a mistake.” To which she replied “Another mistake? He did the same thing 2 seconds ago . . . ”

EDIT: In fairness, Sinisa did catch Schelotto by surprise with a tricky turnover that led to the first DVB goal.

It hurts the mind. Hence, Special Ed Player of the Match.

OVERALL:

Fun time, great atmosphere, and an excellent exclamation point of a win. Look out Dallas . . . you are next.

Red Bulls v. Columbus Cows Game Preview

Dave Martinez — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:17:38 +0000

OVERVIEW:

Welcome to game 1! We are dealing with some injuries, starting up to 2 rookies, and are beginning our season a week ahead of everyone else. Good times.

The Cows are in town, headed by Schelotto, Moreno and Gaven.

Let the Mini Clasico Begin!

CURRENT STANDING:

We havent even played a game yet.
But whatever. Here goes:

……………………….PTS
Chicago ……………..4
Columbus ……………3
Kansas City …………3
New England ………..3
New York …………..0
D.C. United …………0
Toronto FC …………0

INJURIES:

Jozy Altidore – Day to Day – Bruised Knee
Hunter Freeman – 6-8 weeks – MCL
Dane Richards – 3 months – MCL

PROJECTED LINEUP:

=======Angel====Echeverry=======
Borman=====Reyna=======Sassano
====Van Den Bergh==Stammler======
===Goldthwaite==Parke===Mendes===
==========Conway==============

BEHIND THE SCENES:

+ This game is referred to by many as the “Mini Clasico” with respect to the legendary River/Boca derby. This is based on the fact that Juan Pablo Angel was a River Plate player, and Schelotto, a Boca Legend.

+ Reports out of Montclair are that Jozy Altidore has hurt his knee. He is questionable for the season opener. This now makes three Red Bull players whom have succumbed to injury preseason, including Dane Richards and Hunter Freeman.

+ Red Bulls / Metrostars have never scored a complete three point opening game in their history.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Borman and Sassano v. Hejduk and Migliorenzi

The rookies take on a fierce tandem tonight. Hejduk is a stifling defender that will, as always, cause fits throughout the game. Migliorenzi has had a good preseason and is said to have matured greatly.

Borman will most likely be on a short leash if he shows a lack of pace – expect Dave Van Den Bergh to either move in, or Magee to come off the bench if this is the case.

Sassano has the tremendous task of replacing the speedy Dane Richards. Though he did show signs of brilliance this preseason, he must do it consistently against this tandem.

Echeverry and Angel v. O-Rourke and Marshall

With Altidore out, and two rookie wingers ready to start, Angel will have to rely on his creative skills more so than the ability of the wings crosses to net himself a goal. Former Metro O’Rourke and young stud Chad Marshall will be playing an extremely physical game with Angel for the full 90. The target will consistently be on him.

That is where Echeverry will be needed. Assuming he gets the nod over Wolyniec or Magee, Ech needs to create enough of an offensive distraction to free Angel from the assured abuse he will receive.

Schelotto v. Mendes

Nuff said. Schelotto is a crafty veteran with a deadly, pin point accurate cross. Mendes is a young defender learning his expanded responsibilities on the right side of a three man back line. It can be a recipe for disaster, or a proving ground for our young back. Cross your fingers.

PREDICTION:

Red Bulls end their winless home opener streak, taking the Cows to Pasture, 3-2.

Goals by:
+ Dave Van Den Bergh
+ Juan Pablo Angel (2)
+ Guillermo Barros Schelotto
+ Eddie Gaven

Red Bulls 2008 Preview and Predictions

Dave Martinez — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 03:35:46 +0000

RED BULLS PREVIEW – 2008

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!

A Tale of Two Halves . . . .

Dave Martinez — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 02:19:36 +0000

YUP. ITS A TIE FOLKS.

So much for pouring on the pressure.

That lasted one half. The first one.

And clearly, the second belonged to New England (at least, quality goal scoring opportunity wise).

Now, with a tie heading into Gilette, our backs are truly against the wall.

What is it about us playing against the Revolosers?!??!

Jeckyl and Hidden

So, who are we is my question?

Are we the first half juggernauts?

Or are we the second half clueless, grasping at straws, desperation in our eyes football squad?

Before the game, I really tried to drive home the point that TONITE was a night for GOALS! And the first half really drove home the point – Me and Bruce Arena, seamingly, eye to eye on strategy! But then the second half? Oof.

2 Big goose eggs.

Jozy put it best. At halftime, he was asked for his impression on their strong play. He simply said, and I am paraphrasing, “We didnt score so it was all for nothing.”

BRUCE ARENA

BRAVO on the gameplan

BOOS all around for the substitutions.

Sinisa in for Doe? What happened with Mathis?

DVB for Leitch – well . . . what can ya do . . .

But then . . . Mathis for Reyna? In the 85th minute?

Mathis needs some ball time to get something done. He should have been in for Doe. And Reyna could have been subbed for Vide, Drop Kovi in the dominant central mid position.

EDIT: Got another idea for a change at this point. Mathis in for Doe. DVB for Leitch is an unfortunate given. But then, why not Mendes in for Reyna, move Stammler up to Dema’s spot, Dema to Reynas. I dont know. Just did not like the change sequence.

We need the same spirit of the 1st half, in BOTH halves of the next game. If not, we are looking at another early exit.

And if we are in need of a goal yet again, PLEASE do not hesitate to press the CLINT MATHIS button. Because throwing a rookie into a match and expecting a win just isnt logical (unless that rookie is Dane Richards).

SO NOW WHAT?!

We are off to Gilette folks. And we have a week to think about it.

===================================================

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Claudio Reyna held down the middle of the field, and contributed to key defensive stops / step ins.
GAME GOAT: The Substitutes. Sorry. What else can I point at as a negative besides this? Substitutions were not what we needed at the times they were executed. I cant name Arena goat since, besides these subs, he was on the ball.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Matt Reis robs Francis Doe. That was the game.

DO YOU LIKE POLLS?!?! SURE, WE ALL DO!

Dave Martinez — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:33:27 +0000

I WANT YOUR VOTE!

5 questions, 5 polls – MVP, Least MVP, and Predictions! Thats what we want from our loyal readers!

Let me know what your feelings are, and results will be tallied and analyzed later.

PEACE PEOPLE!

============================

UPDATE: I AM CLOSING UP POLLING TONITE (10/24). SOME RACES REMAIN CLOSE, SO GET IN YOUR LAST VOTES, AND ILL UPDATE LATER.

Now what? Lets get your opinions . . .

Dave Martinez — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:18:43 +0000

With the playoffs secured, a known opponent set, and nothing to gain, I ask you my loyal readers . . .

What should RBNY do with the next game heading into the playoffs?

We have seen similiar situations in the past – and every coach handles it differently.

Would you put in your best starters?

Or would the scrubs come out to play?

Lets hear whatcha got to say! And if you want my opinion? Read on . . .

SCRUBBA DUB DUB, THIS IS THE RUB!!!!

Look, plain and simple – we have had players that carried the team on its back all season – AND THEY DESERVE A REST!!!!

Juan Pablo Angel
Jozy Altidore
Jeff Parke
Dane Richards

Then there are role players whom have suffered for our gain, whether through injuries or benchings, much like . . .

Dema Kovalenko
Hunter Freeman
Carlos Mendes
Wolyniec

If I were in the coaches boots, i would have three things on my mind.

#1 – My major players need a rest.

#2 – My injured or little used players need more pitch time.

#3 – My weekly tinkering of the line up has caused alot of uncertainty in our starting 11.

MY SUGGESTION?

We have a meaningless week ahead of us.

We have had some excellent lineups, and some horrid ones.

First move – Identify your starting 11. ELIMINATE THAT CONFUSION!

My opinion?

=======Angel====Altidore========
Mathis===Dema===Reyna===Richards
DVB====Parke====Mendes==Freeman
=========Waterrues (tentative)====

Mathis floats towards the middle, creating somewhat of a 4-3-1-2, or 4-3-3. DVB pushing up a bit more freely than Freeman.

And Waterrues? Well, that is tentative mainly due to this
- If Conway can put up stellar performances in this next game WITH a depleted squad, I am sold. If not? Well, we have lived by the Walrus, we would have to die by the Walrus.

THEN WHAT?!

Now that you have indentified starters, ask yourself, whom needs the rest most?

Angel, Altidore, Mathis, Richards, Parke

Next question – which starter needs more time on the pitch to hone their game?

DVB – 1 more game at Left Back wont hurt em.
DEMA – He has been out so long, he needs time to shake the rust. (he wont be available due to yellows)
FREEMAN – See Dema
MENDES – Been sat on the mystery injury/doghouse tour since that conway goal. He needs time.

I know Altidore is injured, but the way he has been getting hacked – please, save him his legs and sit him on the bench.

SO . . . .

Given the above, this is what I would propose.

======DOE====WOLYNIEC========
==UBI===VIDE===MATHIS======SCHOPP
DVB===MENDES=====STAMMY==FREEMAN
=========CONWAY=============

Let Ubi press, lets see what Schopp can do, and most of all, lets try those secondary options, as they face off against a hungry Los Angeles Team.

EDIT: Schopps presence will allow Freeman more movement towards the attack, and DVB can concentrate on honing his D skills.

===========================================

But thats just the opinion of one blogger in this world we call “THE WEB.”

What do you folks think?

EXCLUSIVE – PT II : Jozy Altidore Interview

Dave Martinez — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 23:21:42 +0000

Interviewing Jozy

So the games were over! After I received a thorough beating in FIFA 08, we went off to chat a little bit about gaming, his soccer future, as well as the current state of the Red Bulls and more. Enjoy!

FIFA 08

DM: So, first of all, congrats on being the cover boy for FIFA 08! How does it feel?

JOZY: Its great, definitely an honor to be (cover boy) on a game that I’ve followed for so many years, you know, especially being along side Ronaldihno and Ochoa, two great players . . . its a real honor.

DM: So, after that thorough beating, I suppose you have played FIFA for a long time?

JOZY: I’ve been playing FIFA since roughly 96.

DM: I remember playing with pure National teams back then . . . USA, Argentina . . . any old school fav’s?

JOZY: No not really, I dont remember man, I would mostly play European teams . . . like I said, Ive been playing a long time.

DM: And what did you think about your characters portrayal in FIFA 07 as compared to 08?

JOZY: I was in 07?

DM:Yea, you were actually added on later to the game in most newer versions. I think you had like a 50 rating.

JOZY: Look at that. And in one season I made up 18 points!

DM: So your happy with the way your character came out for this game?

JOZY: Oh absolutely, I am happy, and its fun. I am a threat, constant, every 90 minutes. . . . I love it. Im happy.

DM: Yea, and from your earlier display, JP Angel is always sitting there at the slot waiting to get those rebounds!

JOZY: Yea, its gonna be a really good combination.

DM: Yea, really good combination.

THE PAST YEAR

DM: So tell me Jozy, its been a crazy year. I mean, look at where you are now! I remember you coming in late last year, debuting against DC, then Columbus, and now you are here, cover boy for the new FIFA. What has this last year meant to you?

JOZY: Oh its meant the world to me. Its been a rollercoaster year of highs and lows, its been great. Actually, this is just the beginning. I want to still go alot longer in my career, and do alot more big things.

DM: Absolutely. A good example of that was the Under 20’s (World Cup). What was your experience with the Under 20 like?

JOZY: Great. It was a great experience at the World Cup. To play with the best people, my age, I took alot from it. I loved it.

DM: I am sure that in this time, you had some words with Adu about his future, considering that he was looking at the move overseas, and in turn, yours. Did he have any friendly advice or insight. for you as you begin development, and growth in the international scene?

JOZY: He just told me to stay up, stay on top, and keep playing well. And as for him, you know, I am very proud of him. He has come a long way. He is in Europe now . . .

DM: Yea, he got a goal a week or two ago . . . .

JOZY: Yea, playing for a great team.

HIS DEVELOPMENT WITH RBNY

DM: Absolutely. So you are showing tremendous growth with the team this season. What would you contribute that to?

JOZY: Red Bull has been very supportive of me, being patient with me . . . . and they are very confident of my abilities, on and off the field. That along with the support of my family and teammates has really helped out my growth.

DM: More specifically, this season, there has been a noticeable difference in your first touch and finish. Which coach, player, person, what have you, has contributed most to this?

JOZY: Well I think John Harkes has been huge helping me throughout (my development). You know, he helped me man, along with Claudio and Juan Pablo. I mean, you see everyday in soccer . . . if that first touch is good . . . if you have a good first touch on half the plays, it will leave you in good goal scoring positions. Those guys have helped me alot.

DM: Absolutely, and funny you mention it, but I was going to ask specifically about Mathis, Reyna, Angel – how have they helped you in your development and in the development of this team?

JOZY: They have been huge. They know alot about the game. They are veterans of the game. They just explain to me all the little things I need to do to be effective. You know, with that, I use those tools to improve upon my game

DM: Hows your relationship with the organization, Coach Bruce . . .

JOZY: Oh, first class relationship with all my teammates, coaches, players, trainers, workers, office workers, water boys, altar boys. *chuckles* Nah, I am good with everybody. I love this organization. That is my home right now, and hopefully will be for a little bit longer.

DM: Ok, some quick questions for ya. Who is your favorite person to hang with on the team?

JOZY: OH MAN! Dane Richards is my boy man. Champion lifestyle, we both live it!

DM: Favorite place to play?

JOZY: I’de say Giants Stadium.

DM: Really?

JOZY: Seriously. I dont have a problem with it. The fans are starting to file in. Its really not a bad atmosphere.

CURRENT STATE OF RBNY

DM: Well, turning our attentions to the season on hand, you guys started off on fire. Then you cooled off significantly. Then emotions ran high again for the Beckham game, only for us now to be mired in a 7 game winless streak. What do you attribute that to?

JOZY: Well, we have had alot of injuries. We are finally getting healthy again, and I think, when healthy, this team is one of the better teams in the league. Now, come the playoff time, its what alot of people are worried about. We are worried about these last three games, but we are also worried about getting our place ready for the playoffs and what we will go up against.

DM: Sure. Now having your destiny in your own hands against TFC, does it bother you on any level to have backed into the playoffs the way you did, or is just being there enough?

JOZY: Not at all. I mean, us being the playoffs right now without having a win is due to what we did early, you know. Opening the season was huge for us, I mean, beating a bunch of top teams like Dallas and Houston, and those big wins came into play . . . now. Had we lost those games or dropped those games, right now, we wouldn’t be in the position we are in right now.

DM: So there really isnt much of a preference for an opponent?

JOZY: No no preference. To me, every team is about the same in the league. Some play better together, you know, as others do better than others. I mean, I think we can beat any team, any time . . . .

DM: I can imagine . . . On an off note, alot of us Red Bull fans are afraid your leaving us bro . . .

JOZY: I am not going anywhere really. I am comfortable right now with Red Bull and there is no rush for me to leave this great organization.

DM: Well, one more question before our times up . . . playoff predictions?

JOZY: Playoffs? Um. I think, you know, if Red Bull . . . if we sit down, and really come together . . . and really realize what we have at hand here with the playoffs . . . . . I think, you know, I wouldnt be surprised if we win the MLS Cup

DM: Yes! That is what we want to here man! Jozy, thanks again, a great interview. We appreciate your time.

JOZY: Anytime man . . . .

===================================================

In the end . . . .

Need I say i was impressed? Jozy is 17 by number only. And we are lucky to have him on our side (club and country!).

I hope you all enjoy the write up and the interview. Leave any comments below (btw, I know alot of you are getting filtered – dont worry. “they” are working on it)

Pick up FIFA, head to the last home game of the season, OCTOBER 13th v. THE WIZARDS, and lets give the boys a proper pick me up before the playoffs come along!

FIFA 08 DEBUTS TOMMORROW!!!! SUPPORT JOZY!!!!

Dave Martinez — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:27:26 +0000

OCTOBER 9th IS HERE!!!!!

AND FIFA 08 IS READY FOR YOUR GAME CONSOLES!

JOZY ALTIDORE IS ON THE COVER, SO NEW YORK BETTER REPRESENT!

. . . . And as for me?

Well, I may have a couple of surprise interviews, and some more EA related stuff to share. Tune in tommorrow night for more.

EVERYONE ENJOY!

. . . . . And when you are all good enough, maybe I can set up a FIFA tournament and REALLY teach you all how to play . . . . .