ESPN will be broadcasting a huge showdown between the US and a surging Costa Rica at Estadio Saprissa. You want to know how hardcore this game is? Look no further than United States Legend, Eric Wynalda, who gave his take of the game on Facebook:

USA vs Costa Rica tonight at 7pm (west coast). By far, the hardest place to play in our region. Gotta get in, get it done and get the hell out of there before they start throwing batteries inside of baggies full of calves blood. (yes that really happens.)

You feel me? This one is going to be a doozy.

And this game also promises to highlight some of the Metro Bulls Alumni. Lead by Coach Bob Bradley, the team may feature some time with Ricardo Clark (who will be filling the injured Maurice Edu’s spot), Michael Bradley, Tim Howard, Marvell Wynne and Jozy Altidore against a strong Costa Rican side. It’s like cheering for two of your favorite teams at once (or something like that).

Catch the game tonight, 9:30pm (pregame) on ESPN2.

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

I will be at the game tonite, so don’t expect my usual running commentary. But for those that would like to use this as the games forum, feel free to comment on the action.

While we wait for the game, here is some stuff to look out for tonight:

MATCH UPS TO WATCH:

Amado Guevara v. Juan Pietravallo
Marvell Wynne v. Jorge Rojas

HAPPENINGS

Will Dave Van Den Bergh make a cameo off the bench?
Will Mbuta and Kandji find themselves in the starting 11?
Will the Red Bulls be able to solidify their playoff position?

So, I will rely on y’all to do my job for me! If not, its ok – my reviews are pretty thorough!

Take care everyone. Enjoy the game. I look forward to the commentary.

All in a days work for our Olympian – Jozy Altidore.

The US beat Canada 3-0 yesterday with a little help from some Red Bulls, past and present.

Jozy was big all night, drawing attention and potential scoring opportunities, even getting robbed point blank by a lucky, diving Mountie – of – a – goalkeeper.

Marvell Wynne was MARVELLOUS (I know thats been overused, but so what!). I definitely missed the speedy son of a gun as he was breaking necks, creating chances, and causing fits for the right side of the Canadian squad.

Of course, Gaven and Freeman also did their parts to get us to this point in previous games.

But the night truly belonged to Jozy. Its a beautiful thing to watch him continue to grow into a football threat out there. And it will be even better next season when we are cheering him on from across the Lake we call the Atlantic.

Olympics, here we come!

Olympic Qualifiers begin!

USA v. CUBA in our backyard! Hey you never know . . . maybe the next Maykel Galindo will appear at our door steps!

This is going to be fun.

And guess what folks? We have representation!

Freeman and Altidore are the perceived locks for the starting line up. Well earned and well deserved.

Former Bulls Marvell Wynne and Eddie Gaven are also figuring to play roles (I think we could have had all these guys AND Dunivant under our current cap, dont you?!).

Wait . . . thats 4 ex metros, and the percentage of that . . . . oh never mind.

Dont miss the game folks! Its going to be a fun start to a tremendous qualifying tournament.

And I will be wearing my Mathis jersey and USA Skully for good luck!

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!

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 . . . . .