Dave Van den Bergh was never going to be a Red Bull, due to some family issues he was having. Dallas, Texas is the home of his wifes family and friends, and so, the issue seemed logical; no matter what Red Bull could do, DvB was as good as gone at the conclusion of the 2008 campaign.

But hold the phone. After DvB assisted on the FC Dallas game winner over his former team, the Walking Dutchman shared his thoughts with the boys and girls over at BAS, including some candid words about his final months as a Bull:

“I’m sorry for the coach and the players that stayed behind. I wish for them to be doing just as good if not better than last year. But on the other hand, I think I had talked to them four months previously before I got traded. There were opportunities for them to re-sign me. They didn’t jump on it. After a while you kind of get what you aim for.”

As if his role in the game winning goal wasn’t enough of a kick to the stomach, this tidbit of information hit the Bulls fan base like a ton of bricks. As I have said all season, the left wing has been a black hole this year. Where there was once consistency, there is now confusion. Khano Smith, Danleigh Borman, Jorge Rojas, Mac Kandji, and Alfredo Pacheco are all players that have at one point or another seen time on the wing. And that is just off the top of my head. Sure, Van den Berghs game was not pretty, or fast, but it was effective. He represented a rare breed in this league; a left footed winger with an excellent touch and cross, with the ability to be dangerous from set pieces. And judging by his comments, no one knew it better than Dave.

So what do you think of this little bit of wisdom? Were you always skeptical of the story? Did you bite hook, line and sinker? Share your take with us.

Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Feel my pain, and witness Dave Van den Bergh, wearing similar colors to the Red Bulls training outfit, but somehow, representing a different team. This seems wrong.

*Thanks to the folks over at FC Dallas TV for the link. Much appreciated.

PS: Read the Spanish newspapers reporting this, and check out his monicker. His nickname on the Red Bull radio broadcasts, is “El Fantasmita” or “The Little Ghost.” Gotta love it.

Please don’t kill me, but . . . .

3rdDegree out of Dallas is reporting the imminent trade of Dave Van Den Bergh for long time Coach Osorio target, Dominic Oduro, and the 11th round draft pick in this years SuperDraft.

I guess I will have to go back to the artillary arsenal and suit up again.

THE FAN IN ME

I have to start off with the praise, so well deserved after a season with such success. DVB has been this teams work horse of 2008, taking the youngsters under his wing, and shouldering the offensive burden when Angel was being double, triple and quadruple teamed. Where there was a leadership void, DVB came in to fill it. It was his clutch performances, and non-stop commitment on the pitch that made the Bulls so successful in the postseason. He anchored a team of rookies, no names, and retreads to the MLS Cup Final, and that is not an understatement.

The fan in me will miss DVB if this deal has truly come to fruition. Much like Mathis and Howard before him, I love players that give their all for their club each and every game. He developed a repore with the fans over the course of a year that made it feel like he has always been here, guiding the ship. Well, the two year love affair appears to be over. And his accomplishments can never be diminished, and will never be forgotten.

THE REALITY

The reality of the situation is much like I said in the last post, but with a new twist. Yes, the Bulls did this for budgetary reasons. Yes, they did it because of his age. And Yes, they did wait for his stock to be at its absolute highest to trade him, regardless of how the fans felt. That is business my friends. But the tipping point is Dominic Oduro. Juan Carlos Osorio has had his sights on Oduro since last season. When the opportunity came to further put a stamp on this team, he did so, sacrificing one of his most reliable players to do it.

Now, the trade shapes up as a swap involving not only the players, but a 15th and 11th round choice, and both sides find themselves well served. FC Dallas has been desperate for a left sided attacking threat. The rest of the league has solved that issue, and the Red Bulls are the only ones that have depth in the spot, so in all likelyhood, taking away the possibility of an outside option, Dallas had to look the way of New York to complete its attack. Being that the case, the Bulls ask for the player they most coveted, along with to a first round draft pick. Why would Dallas do this? Because they are riddled with youngsters, and can afford the luxury of trading the draft options away. Why wouldn’t Red Bulls consider and pull the trigger on such a trade, especially in a year where the draft seems to be fairly deep?

As a fan, it hurts to see a leader go. As a business man, I can make sense of why this was necessary.

THE BIRDMAN, DOMINIC ODURO

Now, who is Dominic Oduro? Up until this past season, the 24 year old has been Dallas speedy offensive bench option. When Dallas sufffered through countless injuries, Oduro took advantage of his playing time and shined with clutch goals, and excellent team play.

Much like Dane Richards, Oduro has been blessed by speed. But also like Richards, his finishing, though ever improving, has always been a point of contention. In 9 starts, and 25 appearances, Oduro managed 5 goals and 2 assists; a respectable feat for the young man. 2007 saw him notch 29 appearances, again, as an off the bench, late game threat. Not exactly an unknown commodity or a risk, but the Red Bulls will be offering Oduro something he never truly owned; starting time.

If capable of the responsibilities, he compliments this team in more ways than one. For instance, last seasons squad relied heavily on Dane Richards. Once he was benched or injured, there was suddenly no speed on the pitch, and tactics turned very slow and predictable in the process. Oduro compliments the wingers speed, and is able to compensate for the loss of a Richards if necessary.

He also scored clutch goals as the Dallas season progressed, which is important considering the fact the Bulls are trading away their version of Mr. Clutch. Oduro isn’t afraid to challenge people, and blow past them with his blazing speed. Add to all this the fact that he is 6 feet tall, and a great target on corners, and you have more areas to check off that the Red Bulls needed improvement in. If the trade shapes up the way it seems, then the Bulls and Dallas walk away happy.

MOVING FORWARD

Taking all this into consideration, the Bulls have opened up pandoras box, and bought more questions to the forefront. For instance:

+ Is Oduro’s acquisition a clear sign of the end of Mac Kandji as a Bull?
+ If not, is Osorio going to do something that is completely foreign to the MLS and perhaps institute a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3?
+ What will be the focal point for the SuperDraft acquisitions at #’s 11 and 15?
+ Will this lineup be able to compete and succeed?
+ Who will fill the void of DVB’s leadership?
+ How much more will the team now rely on Pietravallo and Rojas?
+ Is the team now “too young”?

Again, I must mention that Jorge Rojas is a viable option off of the wing. I will never forget when he first came into the league, and set up a beautful heel pass that lead to a goal by none other than Van Den Bergh and how impressive and telling that one move was. I am willing to buy into the fact that the Vinotinto Captain was simply worn down from a very competitive, non-stop year. This seasons more rested version may do the about face that DVB did from 2007 to 2008. But will that be enough? Can this lineup survive?

——–Angel—–Oduro——–
————–Ubi—————
Rojas——————-Richards
——Sassano—Pietravallo—–
—Goldthwaite-Petke-Boyens—-
———–Cepero—————

Only time will tell.

Personally, I am torn between my brain and my heart. My heart says “Who will be able to fill those shoes offensively and in the lockerroom?” My brain says, “This is a good trade for a guy who’s stock can not possibly go any higher. The Bulls pulled the trigger when the pulling was good, and got a player and draft picks that they so coveted.”

What do you think? Share your hurt, pain, happiness, or tears with us, as I am sure the opinions will be flying.

- Life Vest? Check. Hey, you may want to drown me.
- Bullet proof vest? Check. Because bullets are everywhere in Jersey and New York.
- Military boots? Check. In case I have to fight back.
- Now, where is my jockstrap? Oh, there it is. Check. And thats for the dirty fighters!

Ok. Now I am ready for you.

Trading Dave Van Den Bergh is not the end of the world. SBI reports that both DVB and Mike Magee are on the Red Bulls trading block, heading into the SuperDraft. And I say? So be it. Here is why.

We can start with the money issue. Once again, a year has passed with a very minimal change to the salary cap structure. Concessions were made by eliminating the reserves division, but that will cut into the prospective roster depth. Therefore, no matter what, the teams are still squeezing their wallets to get the best value.

Dave Van Den Bergh enjoyed a phenomenal season with the Bulls last year, and earned his place as the hardest working footballer on the pitch, week in and week out. He transformed himself from a 2007 after thought to a 2008 hero. His goals weren’t always the prettiest, but they were clutch. And his attitude on the pitch rubbed off well on the rest of the players.

But let’s face facts. A couple of thousand dollars can be the difference between bargaining power for a well skilled, fairly known South American player or a player with high risk, and possible low reward. It is the nature of MLS business; bargain shop, and get the best for your buck. The Red Bulls barely paid DVB half of his salary the past two seasons, with Kansas City supplying the funds for the rest. Suddenly, you are talking about a 100k+ hit on a cap that can not afford to waste space.

Not that an investment in DVB is a waste, but it is certainly money that can be spent elsewhere to further strengthen and reinforce a squad, rather than bringing in retreads to relive last years regular season nightmares. This team needs an infusion of new blood, without sacrificing the on the field product.

If DVB were to exit stage left towards FC Dallas, the Bulls have the luxury of a more than competant back up in Jorge Rojas, at half the price. The extra money can be put towards finding that missing piece that has been searched for since the Guevara days; a quality attacking midfielder. And with the market in its current shape, opportunities may arise to aquire quality at a bargain (look at Kansas City recently resigning Claudio Lopez as a NON – DP).

Now, the team made it to the finals last season, but please, don’t forget the futility that mired the season leading up to it. They were uninspired, for the most part, and over matched. Though making the Cup is an achievement, by no means does that make the team an immediate contender. Like the NFL in playoff season, the Red Bulls decimated opponents by getting hot at the right time. This doesn’t put them on the level of a Houston or New England, who are expected to be there. Red Bull has to make a deeper investment in their on the field product to achieve such a lofty status.

Can the team worsen without Van Den Bergh? Surely. Juan Pietravallo, though fairly difficult to judge as a late seson addition, did have his share of problems on the squad, and he is playing at a guarenteed 190k a year. But, in Van Den Berghs case, there are people who would be able to fill the spot with a fairly small adjustment period, a lower price tag and most importantly, a younger age range. He is almost at the middle of the wrong side of 30. Yes, he performed last year. Yes, we know the kind of impact he may have. But to make such a long term commitment at a pivitol offensive position makes this a tougher call than sentiment would dictate.

You know my stance, and I am fully armored . . . so . . . what do you feel? Is Van Den Bergh untouchable? Or is that an Angel Only status?

So I put it in your hands. And the response was the most highly one sided votes in “weekend poll”s short history. Overwhelmingly, Red Bull fans not only believe Dave needs to be resigned; they think its a top priority. 62% call him a top priority signing, while 34% feel he should be signed, just so long as it doesn’t spend the team out of contention. That is 96% of our overall readers, nearly unanimous in their outcry that Van Den Bergh must return. Wow. I should have just asked people if eating is necessary to life – would have gotten the same reply.

If his agent is looking for leverage, point him this way.

Dave Van Den Bergh is on the verge of that lovely age of 33 this coming season. It is an age of worry for many. But Red Bull fans see things differently. DVB has shown a tremendous growth and leadership the past two season, and players like Schelotto and Blanco will tell you, MLS is the fountain of youth for certain older players. It is possible that the Red Bulls lock into DVB for 2 years, and still reap the benefits of his skill, without incurring too much damage. And if you read into Ives analysis, it seems that he is looking for a similiar deal to his previous one.

All things considered, the readers and fans have spoken; Sign the Dutchie to the Red Bull Side!

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Ownership changes.

Name Changes.

Cursed playoff history.

Stadium Issues.

Disrespect.

You name it, this franchise has gone through it.

And it took a goal post to change our fortunes. Four times.

For one magical night, the stench of disappointment was swept away by the sweet smell of victory. In an irony only Metro Bull fans would appreciate, the New York Red Bulls are your 2008 Western Conference Champions.

Believe it.

That means they are heading to the CONCACAF Champions league.

That means, THEY ARE HEADING TO THE MLS CUP!!!!

In typical Osorio style, the game took an immediate defensive tone. Andrew Boyens, out with a bad break, took a seat for Carlos Mendes, who hasn’t played centerback for the Bulls in nearly a years time. Diego Jimenez and Kevin Goldthwaite lead this merry band of pasted together backs. But the true inspiration from the back came in the form of the goal post. 4 key saves by the post would be enough to turn any atheist to a believer. The Red Bulls had some luck on their shoulders this night, as they withstood a devastating assault, and came away with a victory.

The Red Bulls converted early on one of their two or three chances on net, as Jon Wolyniec, who has been playing like a man possessed, beat Russell down the side, found an Angel dummy that skipped by to the foot of Dave Van Den Bergh for the big in. From their on out, it was 11 in the back as the Bulls played rope a dope till the very last minute of the game.

Congratulations to Coach Osorio and his squad. No one thought they would find themselves in this position and they deserve all the accolades that come with this victory.

Now its on to Los Angeles – and the key question on everyones mind? WILL DAVE MARTINEZ GET A TICKET TO THE BIG GAME!

Ok. Maybe not. But its on my mind!

LETS CELEBRATE! Share your comments with us on this great victory.

INANIMATE OBJECT OF THE MATCH

The Goal Post. Thank you for choosing sides with the away team.

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH

Dave Van Den Berghs goal. What a great presence of mind to track that ball, stay with the play, and calmly put it in the back of the net. Lets hope DVB never becomes a Salt Lake player, because with the goals he scores there, he would be dangerous.

WHAT THE *!#& MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Winning. Just winning. 13 years of suffering, and mediocrity in the leagues largest market is over. What a feeling.

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Jamison Olave. In a big spot, all alone, a mere 15 yards from goal, the centerback shanks a shot FAAAAAR left. Rio Tinto is Red Bull Land, what can I say?

PREDICTION OF THE MATCH

I did say that in these kind of games, real life odds don’t matter. Case and point? Law of averages would say that, after 8 confrontations and 0 victories, Real Salt Lake would be the winner. Not so fast. Sports is all about bad breaks and curses.

” “Maybe that’s soccer . . . or voodoo,” midfielder Kyle Beckerman said glumly. “I don’t know what it is. It should have been the other way. We should have got all that voodoo stuff for us. It’s at home, right?” “

Join us at TORB as we track this unique matchup between Eastern Conference foes – Schelotto and the Crew await the Red Bulls! (and Ill let ya know if I am going to LA!)

img credit: steve wilson @ AP

So here I am, wide awake. And with that, here are some tidbits from the RB universe you may have missed:

+ Well, after licking my wounds, I must give props where it’s due; Matt Mbuta’s goal celebration was worth the price of admission. Awesome stuff. Check him out on the Goal of the Week!

+ And as long as we are keeping things light around here, Mike Magee is getting some love from his hometown paper! Check out the interview here. If anyone deserves some recognition, its Mike Magee. Finally at 100%, he is proving all the doubters wrong.

+ RBR reports Van Den Bergh participated in light training today – a huge lift me up for a team that seems lost without their veteran left mid. Anyone else tired of seeing Rojas wasted away on the wing? Yea, me too. They are forecasting a return for the opening of RSL’s new stadium, just in time to alleviate the hurt of international call ups.

+ Speaking of which, Dane Richards has been called up (if healthy) to the Jamaican National Squad. His play has matured so much the past year, and this is a deserved award for the speedy winger.

+ But before this gets too happy and cute, here is some salt on the wounds – Conor Casey is the MLS Player of the Week. Ugh.

+ Speaking of the game, Brian Lewis got some dooooozy quotes from the team and Coach post game – check this out.

+ And finally, for all interested, there is now a football dating service. I am not kidding. Enjoy. Good night.

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.