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!

“Attacking Midfielder is NOT a Priority”

Straight from the horses mouth. Just ask SBI.

Juan Carlos Osorio believes that the combination of Reyna and Magee will be more than capable of handling CAM duties. And I really hope he is right.

But the one thing that REALLY bothered me about the whole piece? Well, here it is:

The logic boils down to Osorio believing that if he can secure a tough, ball-winning defensive midfielder who can pass well, score a few goals and provide an effective link between the defense and the attack to play alongside Seth Stammler and behind Reyna, that Reyna or Magee will have the freedom to create and distribute effectively.

Sorry . . . but isn’t that the exact description of Dema Kovalenko? Makes you wonder if that cap space we are spending on two yet to be named’s is worth it.

YOUR TAKE:

Todays poll . . . Should CAM be a priority for the Red Bulls moving into the 2008 season. Let your voice be heard . . .

“(Kovalenko) would stab his grandmother in the eye for another bowl of porridge.” – Ray Hudson, American Soccer

Talk about heart in a season that lacked it at times.

Talk about leadership and hustle when the bricks were down.

Talk about Dema Kovalenko, Red Bull.

Real Salt Lake, and Dave Checketts have scored a big one here. And there team is looking especially improved. Now, with the leadership of Beckerman and Dema, and the fire of those new Argies, we will definitely be seeing a different, more aggressive side.

Meanwhile, Red Bull get a draft pick. You tell me the year when you guess it, because I have no clue when we can use the damn thing. I dont know about you, but I am starting to feel the squeeze of the regular season fast approaching. And if we are to sign just one more player, we would need it to be someone who makes an impact. But I am getting ahead of myself.

As a matter of fact, before we even continue our analysis, here is a little poll, for my own curiosity. . . . .

Now, back to the breakdown . . . . .

So there are plenty of ways one could look at this situation. Since I always wear my heart on my sleeve with this team, I am telling you that i am completely flabergasted and against this trade. But lets look at it from the other side of the coin first.

PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ME WOULD SAY . . . .

+ Dema is an aging commodity. Sure he plays aggressive football, but the more harm he puts his body into, the less his career will last.

+ We are fairly deep in the CDM department. Stammler has shown great signs this offseason, enough to make this trade possible. Claudio Reyna and rookie Luke Sassano would round off the CDM trio, which will surely rotate throughout the season. Dema isnt needed anymore. Period.

+ He was always a walking time bomb. Lets get real – can we risk some of his antics while we make a run at the cup?

+ Combines the money left in his contract (114k this year alone) and add it to the Mathis, Schopp, Quaranta and Waterrreus money pit! We are going to sign someone BIG!

BUT I DONT AGREE!!!!!

Look. Lets break this down.

+ You cant buy a guy with his heart and drive. He cant live without playing. A few months ago when he was injured, he was quoted, I believe again on American Soccer, saying as deadpan as one can be “I cannot be two months without soccer.” HOW DO YOU REPLACE THAT?!?!

+ This is our current midfield:

Claudio Reyna
Dave van den Bergh
Dane Richards
Sinisa Ubiparipovic
David Roth (INJURED draft pick)
Luke Sassano (draft pick)
Danleigh Borman (supplemental draft pick)
Michael Palacio (supplemental draft pick)

We are super thin and unproven right now. CDM, we have Reyna, Stammler, Sassano rotation. Wingers? DVB and Dane Richards, followed by BLAH. And at CAM? Ubiparipovic. Coincidentally, he also is backed up by BLAH.

We can afford to give up Dema for Peanuts? Really?

+I realize this is a money issue. But there havent been any major signings. So what happened to that Schopp, Quaranta, Waterreus, and Mathis money? Did it suddenly evaporate into thin air? Unless we are making a blockbuster international non DP signing, preferably in the CAM, I dont get the moves.

+And in this league, age, aggression – it doesnt matter. We need a workhorse willing to throw his body on the line out there the way Dema always has. Who is going to step up to that challenge? Well, candidate #1 is Seth Stammler. And I believe in him. But he has large shoes to fill.

+ And above all, this trade, of a highly respected team veteran, creates more uncertainty. Dane Richards in trade rumors. DOE has been waived (for now). Mathis is gone. And rookies abound at training camp. I wonder how the team feels about all this flux?!

THE FUTURE WILL MAKE ALL CLEAR

Ide like to believe this is a salary cap dump for one last signing before April. Like I said before, it has to be of a CAM caliber so Ubi can be the sub, and Reyna can stay as a CDM.

With only a few weeks remaining, we need the core of the crew to shape up now and use the month of March to gel into a fine oiled machine. Continuity is the one thing this club has gotten none of over the past 3-4 years in particular. Though trading Dema doesnt help that situation, we need to stop giving away the few pieces that we actually possess.

This is the challenge ahead of us. And only time will tell if this deal will hurt or save the Bulls season.

Expect a few fireworks before the ball drops. Because the Osorio wheeling and dealing isnt over quite yet. Or do you think they are chopping heads for nothing?

There really is alot to take into account going into Gilette this weekend.

First off, the New England team we saw exiting Giants Stadium with a draw is not the team we will see in Gilette. Thanks, once again, to the horrible playoff rules of this league, the first leg of the home and home is render meaningless, since all the visiting squad has to do is pack the box, play defensive football, and hope for the best. New England did that. And they escaped our home turf in excellent position to strike. Escaped is the key word. And Reis was wiping his brow all night long . . .

Hey, Steve Nicol did say he could neutralize our midfield. I am guessing he was right.

THE LINEUP

Though we looked strong out there, I would be less enthusiastic than mlsnet was in their description of last game – RBNY DOMINATE IN TIE. Lets relax a bit shall we?

Though we once again were playing some variation of a 4-4-2 meets a 4-3-3, I think something more traditional would do the trick.

A clean and even 4-4-2, something where Reyna and Dema could run the middle a bit if necessary.

=========JPA=======ALTIDORE=========
MATHIS===DEMA=====REYNA=====RICHARDS
DVB=====PARKE======STAMMLER==FREEMAN
===========CONWAY=================

Mathis needs to start. It takes a good 10 minutes to get his motors going. He can be subbed if he isnt efficient by the second half. he can drift middle, as always.

DVB can have more room for an open attack.

Stammler in, because of his strong play against New England. I know I have been a Mendes mark all season, but Stammler has earned the spot at this point. After a strong showing, the defense should not be tampered with.

And all in all, look at the balance on either half of the field. I think its a threat on either end.

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN

Conway barely faced any shots last game. An early bombardment by the home team may be enough surprise to throw us off and take an early advantage.

And what if Waterreus is healthy? Then whom starts?

New England will be much more fluid in attack, and daring in their chances. This will not be a reply of Saturday for damn sure.

Our guys are in a situation where they may have been put to sleep by the opposition. Its like Brazilian football – they lure you in, let you believe you are doing well, . . . . meanwhile, they plot and scheme on the next counter attack, and the minute your guards are down and you are bored out of your mind . . . . BAM! Jogo Bonito.

We cant think we will face the same defensive minded Revolosers this weekend.

We have to be better than that. And we have to be on our toes. Constantly.

KEEP UP THE EMOTION

Did you see Coach Arena jumping out of his seat? Must have been the first time ever for most of us. We need that from our leaders, both on and off the field. Play with passion, but play smart.

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

I will have more as the week goes on, but after 48 hours or so of sulking, its time to move on, and find solutions.

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.

HERE WE GO AGAIN

FSC: 7:30pm. YOU GOTTA GET IN THE GAME!

For the third time in five years, we face off, in the postseason, against another strong New England team.

For the fourth time this year, these two teams will collide. And the Revodouchers have the season advantage, with 2 wins and 1 tie.

So, as I always love to say, THROW HISTORY OUT THE WINDOW.

The Bulls have an excellent chance at an upset.

Don’t believe me?

Check it . . . booyakasha.

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

EXORCISE THE GHOSTS OF GILLETTE!

There is something about playing in that Northern stinkhole that really does us in.

Clear example? Look no further than last game. We more than held our own, in fact, dare I say, we dominated many periods of that game. But an innocent 40 yard back pass catches Conway sleeping, game over.

Luckily tonites game is in our house. And I hope to see a bunch of you there tonite, nasty weather and all!

We need an explosive effort for the win tonite. A dynamic assembly of defensive smarts coupled with opportunistic offensive play. Watching the DC/FIRE game last night, it seemed that this is what they were missing. If Chicago loses that series, its all their fault. With a one goal lead, they decided to sit back and take the win. But what will happen at DC, with a healthy Emilio and friends heading their attack?

My point is simple – we have to score first, and continue to put on the pressure, but not at the cost of our defense. We need to be DYNAMIC out there.

And this will be the only way to exorcise our Gillette Demons. A multi goal effort tonite, coupled with smart defensive play, will make a trip to New England a little less daunting.

I know. Its so easy for me to say “I want a perfect performance.” But this is New England. And we have the fire power.

BRING OUT THE GUNS

Sure, they have Twellman, Joseph, Noonan and company. But our attack is nothing to sneeze at!

The Incomperable, Every Award Holding, Greatest Acquisition in our clubs history, Juan Pablo Angel. Rising star in the US and Beyond, Jozy Altidore. We have the speed and attack of a Francis Doe and a Dane Richards. And off the bench? Our miracle man, Clint Mathis, and fan fave, John Wolyniec.

Of course, Michael Parkhurst, John Avery, James Riley, Shalrie Joseph, Matt Reis and the rest of their squad will be guarding the gates. Tenaciously. But we have the tools, more so than any other year, to find the seams in their attack and create opportunities.

The last game killed me. We played so well. Hell, we OUT PLAYED THEM.

In that game, we saw that this team is more than capable of taking on New England IN New England. Tonite, our attack needs to make a statement so we nullify their suppossed “home field advantage.”

MY PROJECTED LINEUP

==========ANGEL======ALTIDORE==========
DOE===========================RICHARDS
==========DEMA=======REYNA============
DVB=======PARKE=======MENDES=====FREEMAN
=============CONWAY==================

With everyone being healthy, and having a core here that has played together for longer stretches in the season, I think this would be our best option.

Doe will add a difficult element for New England to cover. He can be the difference between a blowout and a horserace. If Does on fire, Angel and Altidore open up. If not, well, we make the Revs lives easier.

Of course, the other option would be Dema at the Left flank, and either Stammler or Vide by Reyna. But, I think offense is important this game. Give Doe a Go! (ooh . . . . time to make t-shirts!)

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

PREDICTION:
You want optimism? RBNY 3 – 1 REVOLUTION. Come on boys. We need a big win tonite.

1 – Altidore
1 – Angel
1 – Richards

. . . . and an own goal. hahahaa

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?

FINALLY!!! LET THE KVECHING OFFICIALLY CEASE!!!

PUT ON THAT HAPPY FACE!!!

WE ARE MARCHING INTO THE PLAYOFFS!

AND THE SKIES ARE LOOKING BRIGHT!

More aimless “pie in the sky” Red Bull Championship dreams? YOU BET!

But this time folks . . . we are gonna be positive with GOOD reason.

Check it out . . . . .

Tonites post, and the post that will follow, will focus on THE POSITIVE BABY!

And here are the reasons why . . . .

WE ARE IN THE FRIGGIN PLAYOFFS . . . .

. . . . And there are no secrets. We have a known opponent. We have known dates.

OCTOBER 27th @ 7:30 – GIANTS STADIUM

And Here are the faces of evil . . . .

SO WHAT IF WE ARE ZERO FOR THE CENTURY AGAINST EM!

SO WHAT IF THEY HAVE HAD OUR NUMBER!

HISTORY?! FUGGEDABOUTIT!!!!!

Look. Though New England has, at its core, a team which knows each other back and forth, including key standout figures in each section of the field, we are not going to be running into a brick wall here.

As the season has progressed, we have thrown a hundred new looks to our line up, and have been able to produce a respectable overall season record.

That says something.

Last nights game was a good showing of our versatility. Was I the only person watching, noticing the tendencys on the field look less like a 4-4-2, and more like a 4-3-3?

And we beat a team that, for the most part, has excelled throughout this season.

Point is – we have been winning this season, in a way that no other team really has – through many different looks, many different gameplans, and with INCONSISTENCY as our CONSISTENCY.

Yet the team has held together – like glue from a Bulls hoof.

AFTER EVERYTHING! All the second guessing, agony, pain, injuries, rumors, pressures . . . . man, we are THIRD in our CONFERENCE, 3rd seed overall, and poised for a playoff run.

If that isnt something, I dont know what is.

Is it enough to beat a New England with Home Field Advantage?!? You know what? I think it is.

We are a resilient bunch. Coach Arena, Reyna, Mathis, Angel . . . all people who have looked into the eyes of adversity this year, and tore down disbelief. And they will be able to do it again.

Especially against a New England team that WILL expect the same old same old. We are different. Hungrier. More versatile. Better.

FREEMAN IS BACK (and so is the back?!)

Our defensive wingbacks have been a HUGE question mark all season long since the departures (which seems to have been so simultaneous) of Wynne and Dunivant.

Freeman helped stabilize the loss of Wynne. With a few early crosses and opportunities, he immediately had 75% of RBNY fans on his side – this guy was worth it!

Then, the “west nile virus” of our season, INJURIES, reared its disgusting head, exposing our back 3rd even further.

No wing backs. A huge question mark at goal. And a revolving door in the central defense.

Freeman is back. And last night against KC, he showed alot of promise. Up and down the field, playing key roles in the structuring of the defensive end AND throwing up first touch passes to the midfield that seemed to flow better than what we have seen . . . . from other backs. Who will go nameless.

So PART of our problem is nearly solved! Check off Right back!

Left? Well, DVB seems to be doing a great job! Check that off too!

Reyna is down, so that makes room for Mr. Versatility, Seth Stammler, to partner off with Dema, which hence gives CARLOS MENDES his CENTRAL DEFENSE POSITION BACK!

And that puts a smile on all RBNY fan faces.

Now how about that goalie situation? Well, a few more games like tonites, and someone may get his just dessert . . . .

ALTIDORE TAKES SOME BIG HITS, KEEPS TRUCKIN

Garcia takes a yellow for sniping Jozys stomach with a kick. Jozy gets the smack down all night to his knees. Jozy keeps truckin.

The KC game feautured our young 17 at the left wing. But lets face it. He was playing up all night.

And his boy Angel? He was playing the #10 and playmaking behind 17 and Doe.

So what am I saying? Playing out of position (sort of), coming back from an injury, and STILL YET TO GET HIS FIRST CAP WITH THE MNT . . . our man Jozy is playing strong, and that, along with Angel, Doe, Mathis, DVB . . . those are alot of options for New England to try to shut down.

We are getting healthy at the right time. And maybe Jozy was right . . . It may have been the injuries all along
This can be the beginning of a beautiful run . . . .

20,083

I should have saved that “BECKHAM EFFECT” article till this week.

20 thousand people?! Wow.

If that isnt a reason to be positive, I dont know what is. The power of limited marketing, eh folks!

All kidding aside, word is spreading folks. And we are growing. Little by little.

Ill tell you what . . . . I didnt see 20,000 for an important end of season KC game last year . . . . PUT ON A HAPPY FACE!!!

. . . . . . . . PLAYING THEIR BEST . . . . . . .

DAVE VAN DEN DERGH - Awesome. Shores up our Left.
DANE RICHARDS – Awesome. Shores up our Right.
JUAN PABLO ANGEL – Awesome. Playmaking and goal scoring in one Colombiano.
JOZY ALTIDORE – Awesome. An excellent understudy to Juanpi and excelling everyday.
CLINT MATHIS – Awesome. Career comeback year.
JEFF PARKE - Awesome. Quiet but consistent. And that is a quality we always look past.
DEMA KOVALENKO – Awesome. We have been missing his ballsy play for a long time.

And you know what else? The spare parts are really something, especially now that the season is coming to an end.

JOE VIDE. Though he has had his lapses, his play alongside Reyna has been one of our seasons best.
CARLOS MENDES - Whether at central defense or defensive mid, the man can play, and adds depth to our line, when Stammy isnt commanding that middle.
STAMMLER. Please. I dont even have to explain. He does everything.
MARKUS SCHOPP. Who is this guy? I dont know, but that is alot of experience riding the bench. Gotta be good for something right?!
FRANCIS DOE. Spark plug? The mans got it. If not a starter, he will be explosive off the bench.

NAME OF THE GAME?! POSITIVITY MY LOYAL READERS!!!!

We overcame Kansas City, and, in a sense, controlled our own fate, to finish third.

Our teams individual parts are making an impressive whole – somehow I feel that, through the chaotic lineups, this merry band may have just learned to morph into any form . . . play together . . . and win.

We have an MVP candidate.

A healthy competition in nets.

A defense which is beginning to gel (regardless of that KC games glaring blemishes here and there).

We have offensive weapons.

Defensive hard heads.

And a seasoned, experienced coach at the helm.

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

The next two weeks will feature a ton of tinkering, x’s and o’s that we havent seen in a while. But just keep your heads up boys and girls! Things are looking good . . . .

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 . . . .

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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!

So, I am separating this into two parts.

Part I will feature FIFA 08, and the actual playing of the video game v. Jozy, review on its features, some trash talkin in between, and other stuff . . .

Part II, is the actual interview, where we discuss everything from gaming to the U-20 WC, to the current Red Bulls situation and more

So without further ado . . . . .

PART I

– Jozy and the Game

Here’s the setup . . .

SETTING: ESPN ZONE, Times Square.

So me and my partner Coki (photographer and brother supreme) had the pleasure of getting our backsides handed to us by Jozy Altidore. And yes, there was trash talking.

Here is the scene: Jozy on the far left couch, Coki on the far right. And the teams are selected . . . . In classic Argie style . . . .

NOTE: If I had started the game, there woulda been a game of rock, paper scissors – I ALWAYS play with RBNY!

So the scene is set. Boca v. RBNY.

FIFA 08 – Observations and review

I have been playing FIFA since 1993. And this is the most impressive overhaul of the system I have seen in a long time.

Right from the start up menu, they have changed the look of the game. Its modern, sleek, and has excellent navigation.

Acool wrinkle to the game? While the game is loading, you can run around with a player and shoot on net in an open field. Just practice shots. Cool way to pass the 7 second waiting time . . .

Right away, the amount of attention to detail is what really grabs you.

- There are sparse crowds for smaller teams, or meaningless games.
- The pitch is vibrant and alive. You can see everything.
- The game play, including player touch and shooting ability, is much closer to real life than the unrealistic bounces of past FIFA games. The shots go where directed, but expect the defense to stand up to attacks 9 times out of 10.
- Even player speed bursts have been improved upon – you dont go from 0-60 with a click of a button anymore. I prefer this. Especially when it eliminates cheezy goals. It forces you to build your midfield game and find the holes.
- This game is all about the subtelties that have been missing for so long. Dont expect to take a run down the midfield without a defender taking out your legs. And if your on the corner? Read that defense – it seems to be the only way to get a goal. FIFA 08 stresses strategy over cheezyness – a big improvement in my book.
- BTW, 4 English leagues and the Irish have joined in the fun this season as well.

FIFA 08, though a tad more complicated, does get the realism right. And it makes for excellent “chess match” strategy futbol.

I didn’t like the fact that the controller was once again tampered with. But, the adjustment to the current set up doesn’t seem to involve too much transition.

Once I have the game in my hands, and play it some, Ill have something a bit more indepth. But THIS was one hell of a first impression . . . . just working off the asthetic, I would give it a 9 out of 10 stars. But I’ll give more of an opinion on it later.

BACK TO THE REAL GAME

So some light trash talking . . . .

(ALTIDORE: Uh oh. This guy is doing his lines!)
*”Doing his lines” is common FIFA lingo for setting up his formation*

and off they go . . . . .

Now my only guess is that Coki (pictured above), making changes in the beginning of the game, must have given Jozy the impression that he can play. That would be the only explanation for the serious tone the both took when the game started.

But that quickly changed. And it looks like Jozy has been practicing . . . .

6th minute – Jozy strikes!!

“OH! JAUNPI!!!!,” was heard across the room as Angel netted one home. As a matter of fact, Jozy loved the goal so much, he tried to get JPA’s attention by calling out his name across the room. But he was on a phoner. Oh well.

From there on out . . . . domination.

Now you know your getting schooled when an American player, USMNT caliber no less, breaks out the “OLE”’s . . .

Pass from Leitch to Reyna . . . . “OLE” . . . Reyna to Richards . . . . “OLE” . . . . Richards to Altidore . . . . “OLE” . . . . Alti to Van Den Bergh . . . . “GOOOOOOL!!! YEA DAVE! He can SHOOT!”

The best part? The crowd behind us, chiding him on.

“Jozy let him score! We feel bad!” Gotta love it.

And the game went on like that.

At 2 – 0 . . . . “Man you’ve been beat already! Give up!”

I got a chuckle out of that one.

My brother conceded at the half . . . . Jozy 4 – 0 Coki. Ouch.

TIME TO AVENGE THE FAMILY FIFA NAME . . .

Playing Altidore, mind you, is like playing a machine . . . the guy swarms you, 3 at a time somehow, and you are left with absolutely no breathing room.

With that said, I open my big mouth. Having played since ‘93, I figured I could do enough to slow down those Jozy engines . . . .

“Hey Jozy, my turn. And I can play . . . unlike my brother.”

Words I will live to regret.

Ole
Ole
Ole
JUANPI GOOOOOL!!!
Ole
Ole
Ole
VANDIE SCORES
ole
ole
. . . . oh my god. 3 – 0.

I guess it runs in the family. 4-0 at the half . . . . and I conceded as well. The Jozy lead RBNY dismantled BOCA. Twice.

At which point, the quote of the night . . . .

“I am the best player in FIFA history” – Jozy Altidore.

What can I say? Not my night? Yea . . . . Ill go with that line. I DEMAND A REMATCH! (well, maybe one day . . . . )

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SOME NOTES OF INTEREST

-Who knows who asked, just found this interesting…….

“Has Bob called you for the Switzerland game?”

“Nah, no one has called me.” not spiteful, mind you, just not really caring. I think he is comfortable where he is at now, and realistic of where he fits in the USMNT plans.

- Playing against Jozy and hearing OLE every two seconds . . . man . . . how do the MNT players handle that?!?! The schooling gave me a new admiration for that chant.

- Losing to him 3 – 0, someone asked “What happened to Boca Jrs?! (my team)” and Jozy asks “Boca? Whos Boca?” Classic.

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ANGEL v. ALTIDORE

Angels team – Barcelona (An ex River player using Leonel Messi?! Amazing . . . )
Altidores team – Arsenal (man does this kid love that team!)

Believe it or not, JPA really held his own! I didnt catch the final tally. But it looked fun. Enjoy the pics . . . .

ALTIDORE SCORES!

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In Summation . . .

I love the new FIFA. I will have to do a more in depth review when I get the game. Its that good.

Jozy is a GREAT player. And that includes the virtual realm.

And my impression of him? Everything you have heard from every reporter, and every person who comes into contact with Alti – whether it be coaches, fans, players – they all crow about one thing, and that is his maturity. And they are all right.

Jozy is well collected, positive, has a great outlook on life, and seems just about ready to climb any obstacle to be the very best. He has an excellent support staff around him, rooted in his family, and extending throughout the organization.

And having a chance to interview him gave me even more respect for his accomplishments. You really do forget your speaking to someone that is ABOUT TO TURN 18!!!!!

Amazing.

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The Interview will be up later tonite or early tommorrow morning. In the meanwhile . . . Enjoy the read and review!