He was a pioneer for United States soccer. Following the “Golden Era” of American Soccer from 1990-1995, Reyna was one of the first youngsters to emerge as a steady bridge from the old guard to the new. As a matter of fact, he was groomed to surplant Tab Ramos (Metro Legend) as the midfield general. And did he ever.

He was a member of four World Cup teams, from 1994 – 2006. He was part of two Olympic teams, in 1992 and 1996. He also became the first American to Captain a major foreign team while playing in the Bundesliga (Wolfsburg, on loan from Bayern Leverkusen). Afterwards, he went on to Captain three other name sides – Glasgow Rangers, Sunderland and Manchester City. Not an easy accomplishment. Especially when your the first.

He was the first American to achieve first team status in the 2002 World Cup All Tournament Team. His play quickly made him a beloved figure throughout Europe – especially in the English and Scottish circles. This opened the doors of the European market to American field players, where traditionally, goalkeepers were considered America’s only valuable or risk worthy export.

After his international retirement in 2006, the idea of giving back to his country and playing at home in a MLS seemed the logical thing to do – especially since he is a Jersey boy, and his life time Coach, Bruce Arena, was manning the ship of the New York side. But we all know how that tale has turned out. Turf became an issue. Tempers between coach and player flared. Health was a constant concern. Many have even said that Reyna hasn’t been the same since that huge Dane Richards collision last season. Whatever the case, his time as the Red Bulls marquee Designated Player have been marred by injuries, missed games and crushed expectations.

Sadly, Reyna leaves the Red Bulls experiment much like Youri Djorkaeff before him – limping, and in a cloud of controversy. Red Bull fans have spent the better part of 16 months lamenting the fact the coveted DP slot had been filled by a walking injury case.

Nevertheless, though Bulls fans still feel the sting of this signing (27 appearances, 0 goals), and its failed potential, Reyna’s legacy as “Captain America” will subdue any negativity related to his New York stay. He was a trailblazer for a country shunned by the footballing community. He paved the way for future Americans with his talent and exploits. He will live on as one of the greatest, most valuable players in the history of American Soccer. You can count on that.

Reyna is holding a press conference today at 2pm to make all of this official. I will get you the details as I find them.

Ives is clarifying things, as always. The Bulls won’t be using the DP slot this season – mainly due to salary cap constraints. But they plan on using it on a marquee player for the opening of Harrison next summer.

So don’t fret – that DP slot isn’t going anywhere – its just taking a nap till next season.

George Welcome, if good and affordable, could make a valuable impact. Maybe some other forward decides to try out Jersey for a change. Who knows. But until then, erase your DP dreaming – its Dane Richards at forward with Angel for the rest of the season. Thats my bet.

So – are the Red Bulls wise to save the DP for next season? Have recent additions compensated for our lack of depth up top? Or are you livid that the Bulls arent going to at least jab a finger in the eye of Chicago and make a run for McBride? Share your thoughts.

I have to credit ESPN with this gem. Though Ives also says he was the first to report.

Reyna is gone folks. For reals.

So the question now remains – what of the DP? Well, depending on who you ask, the Bulls will either use the DP slot to address the gaping hole that is our forward lines, or MLS will not allow this to happen, instead sending the DP back to where it came from (Chivas). You can only imagine I am rooting for the former.

So, what are your thoughts? Is this a long time coming? And how to use that extra DP slot hmmm (I am sure Martha has a Colombian somewhere that may be worth a look)?

(working on a potential DP article already. I will have to leave my knee slapper Edson Buddle story till tommorrow)

#1 – A park in the middle of New Yorks infamous Chinatown district was packed on all ends by thousands of footie fanatics dying for a glimpse of some of their favorite stars.

#2 - I got to see TiTi Henry, Robbie Fowler, Kalou, Reyna, Altidore, Angel, Jason Kidd, Barbosa, Baron Davis and and the infamous Steve McManaman play some footie from about a half foot distance. Excitement? You know it.

#3 – Claudio Reyna scores in New York! And I was there!

#4 – Jozy and his official send off before becoming an international star in Spain.

#5 – Dave Disco Berger screwed up my pictures with Jozy and Reyna – all in one day ( oh you know Im messing with ya! ).

Overall, the “Showdown in Chinatown,” which barely received any media what so ever, was an enormous success. Before even finding the park, the number of Le Bleuz jerseys I saw walking in one direction let me know the way. People were climbing gates, standing on vans, making human pyramids – anything to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars.

Who says New York City doesn’t love it some footie?

Though everyone seemed to be there for Henry (obviously), alot of other players definitely left their mark as well.

Kalou wowed the crowd with his handling of the ball, pulling off some cheeky moves, and playing around defenders like they weren’t even there.

Baron Davis was a lovable clown. All smiles, kicking the ball all over the place, and even scoring a goal to the delight of the crowd. Its worth noting as well how many people were begging him to join the Knicks . . .

Jason Kidd, suprisingly, has some skill on the ball. But Steve Nash took the cake, rocketing a shot top corner for his blue squad and ending the game with that cracker. What can I tell ya? Point guards make great CAM’s!

And what a thrill it was for me personally to see Savarese, Jozy, Angel and Reyna playing on the same field, at the same time, on the same team. A Metro dream come true.

Here are some videos from the event. Pics will be up later on tonight. Share your experience with us as well!

Reyna Scores on a PK

Henry Being Henry.

Reyna speaks to CNN about the event.

Run out of school kids. This one will be fun.

The Steve Nash Foundation is a non-profit charity organization dedicated to the aid of under served children. This event will be in support of their work in Paraguay, Arizona and Uganda. (to contribute to their cause, click here).

Steve Nash, the best point guard in the NBA, and avid soccer fan, is bringing in a couple of familiar names and faces with him as well! English greats Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler will be teaming up. Jason Kidd, and Baron Davis will lend there services. And how can you top off this event without having one of my favorite d-men Gregg Berhalter represent!

Head down to the Nike Field on Chrystie Street in Chinatown. I will meet ya there!

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.

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.

Before anything, I would like to address this major issue: I HATE ALLERGIES. Last year was the first year I had ever gotten em, and I hate it even more this year. Absolutely hate.

But on the bright side – I did catch 6 bluefish and a striper this week. So spring is good for something. Fishing rules.

Here’s the news folks:

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+ The Red Bulls are doing a really cool thing for their Memorial Day weekend game against Chicago. Coinciding with Fleet Week, RBNY has announced their “Tickets for Troops initiative. They are looking for community business who would be interested in buying tickets in blocks of 30, which will then be given to our troops for that game. The day would feature events honoring our troops throughout.

And this guy pictured above is the infamous Red Bulls super fan Johnny Toro. Johnny, over at RagingBullNation, has set up the groups first fundraiser this year, properly dubbed “Spend a Day with Johnny Toro.” For five dollars, your child will be able to enter a raffle to actually spend the game with Johnny Toro, who has been the fan face of RBNY since they took over. Along with this, they will be giving the lucky kid 4 tickets to the Chicago Game, a cow bell and “his/her very own bull horns (just like Johnny’s).” All proceeds will be donated to the USO in memory of Johnnys father, Gennaro (Jerry) Russo.

For more information and other same day events, click here

+ FC Barcelona, home of Leo Messi (or former home of the Portuguese Nat – Deco), has agreed to a five year deal with Major League Soccer and SUM (Soccer United Marketing), the marketing branch to the MLS. And this is probably the reason:

“In 2006, the FCBarcelona USA Tour, managed by SUM, registered the highest average attendance for any club tour in U.S. history, averaging 80,734 in three matches, and is the only one among those tours featuring three or more games to sell out every stadium”

And speaking of which – this is a clear enough signal that Barca will be coming back to New York for August – which is excellent, since I have 4 tickets garunteed 6th row baby! Ok, enough gloating.

+ We have injuries heading into the KC game - Reyna has a strained calf, and Seth Stammler has a herniated disk in his back. Though we did well against the Galaxy without our midfield destroyers, Kansas City presents a much more dangerous attack. I hope Sassano and *a name here* can handle the job.

+ Ives is also reporting that Brunner may be close to a deal with Miami FC. One has to wonder the price tag associated with the deal. I mean, can Miami FC actually have a better price tag than the Bulls?!

+ Bruce Arena will be in the building with Kansas City this week – as their tv commentator. Who woulda thunk it?!

+ And finally, The Offside Podcast is up, and Im on this week talking a little MLS. If your interested, peep this link.

+ 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!).

As I said after the Dallas game, chin up! The season is just getting started, and the boys are weathering the storm with effectiveness (save one set play goal by New England last week, the Bulls would be 3-1).

It wasn’t the prettiest game. But it was a win.

OBSERVATIONS and HIGHLIGHTS

+ Nevermind the historical stats – the fact that, in 3 games without Angel, Jozy Altidore has scored twice – that is a sign of growth. Especially in a game like this. He was practically ravaged on the pitch, and kept ticking, waiting for the right moment to pounce. 2nd half, he was like a different player – a striker who knew his time was coming. And it finally did. (yes, I regret not putting him into my fantasy team this week). He drew a PK, drew a yellow, and drew alot of attention. Still, he managed to find the net.

+ Kudos to one of my sentimental fav’s, Mike Magee, coming into the game late, and finding the back of the net on a Jozy drawn PK. He looked genuinely happy to be out there, and played a livly game with his precious minutes.

+ Claudio Reyna had an excellent game, and from what I understand, he was named the “Giants Stadium” Man of the Match. Good for him. I hate giving the same “little things” review, but Reyna has a way of stringing all of it together, and keeping the play as fluid as possible. An admirable performance by this teams leader. (btw – I HATE Nick Garcia for denying him his first goal. He deserved it.) And did you miss the way he fed Parke around the 65th minute? Should have been in.

+ We may be a better team with Magee and Reyna on the pitch, at the same time.

+ Jeff Parke nearly scored one, and he definitely saved a few for us in the back. More and more, he is becoming the leader of our back three (which is exactly what you want from your d-mid)

+ John Wolyniec leaves his heart out on the field. In many ways, he can show Jozy a thing or two about creating fluidity through passing between forwards. Sure, Jozy gets all the credit for drawing that penal, but Woly may have showed greater poise and versatility (particularly in the first half).

+ It was nice seeing Joe Vide again.

+ Red Bulls 19 shots, SJ – 5. Game over.

MAN OF THE MATCH

This was a toss up. Reyna had a strong game. And Jeff Parke is always an unsung hero. And Jozy was the definition of perseverance. But this week, I am allowing sentiment and admiration of hard work to take over. John Wolyniec was up and down the pitch, making all the right passes and plays, even feeding Jozy on a beaut of a goal. Like I said before, Jozy can learn from the ol’ vet. Good job Woly.

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH

Can anything beat Jozy drawing the PK? If something can, tell me.

WHAT THE?! MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Nick Garcia, where did you come from? Did you just appear on the goalline, Star Trek style, beam me down Yallop?! How did you manage to keep that Reyna goal out of net? What the #$*&@ happened there?!

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Ryan Cochrane, for serving this game up on a silver platter for the starving Bulls. The goal had to come in at some point – I mean, how many corners did they have already?!