MLS has undergone a pretty drastic transformation right before our very eyes this offseason, one that has left me asking, “Where have all the stars gone?” alla Hershey’s Cookies and Cream commercials circa 1998.  Many of the league’s big name stars have hit the road for various reasons, leaving behind an opportunity for many of the leagues budding young talents to take their place.  Players such as Juan Agudelo and Fredy Montero will have a golden opportunity to further their growth and become bonafide stars in the MLS.  But let’s take a look at the damage so far, shall we?

Now, instead of trying to put all these names into a poetic paragraph, here’s a list I compiled of big name (though not necessarily at the top of their game) players that are no longer in MLS:

• Guillermo Barros Schelotto (CLB)
• Freddie Ljungberg (CHI)
• Nery Castillo (CHI)
• Brian McBride (CHI)
• Robbie Findley (RSL)
• Edson Buddle (LA)
• Jonathan Bornstein (CHV)
• Jaime Moreno (DC)
• Taylor Twellman (NE)

Robbie Findley and Edson Buddle will be taking their talents to second division teams in Europe, good career moves? Yikes, cheers gentlemen.

Remember what a big deal was made last year about the second meeting between the Red Bulls and Fire? 5 DPs on the pitch for the first time ever (that ironically never happened courtesy of Thierry Henry’s injury)?  Well, that same meeting today would feature but two, Henry and Rafa Marquez.  Whether you liked them or not, these names were the main attraction for their respective teams and, in some respect, for the league.  This is a list that consists of Designated Players, National team stars, All-Stars, League MVPs, and all-time leading goal scorers.  Now that the league is left bereft of all these big names, it will be interesting to see who steps up to take the spotlight.

And in a story that fits in with the theme of stars on the move, Juan Pablo Angel is officially a member of the LA Galaxy.  The stake has finally been plunged through the collective heart of Red Bull nation after being on life support for the few months.  JPA became the final piece to the DP trio in LA, that features Landon Donovan and David Beckham.  The only question now is, “How much does he have left in the tank?”  After being signed Angel had this to say about NY, classy as usual: “I want to take this opportunity to show my appreciation for the Red Bull supporters, me and my family will always be grateful for the love and support they gave us. I also want to thank the organization for allowing me to be part of their club. I spent four great years in New York and I will remember my time there fondly.”  I’m really interested to see how he fares with his new team and wish him nothing but the best.  Hopefully, I’ll be on hand at RBA when he makes his triumphant return.  Until then, one final salute to perhaps the greatest Red Bull to put on the uniform.

And then Michael Lewis of BAS came along and doused cold water on the affair, deading the rumor in it’s tracks.

But it got me to thinking. What the hell is going on here and why exactly has this offseason been plagued with so many wild stories?

From Raul to Maldini, Figo to Henry and back, this particular offseason has had more stars connected with the team than the remix of “We Are The World.” Even Oka Nikolov, who was reportedly in talks with the Bulls and FC Dallas, was considered a lifer for his club, and news of an impending transfer came as a shock to their footballing community.

Why is this happening? I think the answer is multifold. Red Bull Arena may be a good starting point. If you haven’t seen the progress that has been made at the new Mecca of East Coast Soccer, check out Nate’s work over at ASN. He had a guided tour with Carlos Mendes, and let me tell you – the pictures are absolutely breathtaking. RBA is making waves across the footballing world. Whenever ownership decides to put money where their mouth is, in the capital of the world no less, the possibility of a transfer becomes more palpable, even to the Galacticos of our day and age. And the accompanying ad campaign, which kicked off earlier this month, continues to shine a bright light on this long awaited moment.

All of this excitement has caused quite a stir. And like chum in a shark tank, player agents swarm in packs when they smell money in the water. Red Bull Arena is a clear flashing of the green, and the current CBA talks, rumored to include an extra slot for a designated player, creates a strong leverage in negotiations for agents to play off of. So when you are looking at a football living legend like a Thierry Henry or Raul, what better bargaining chip can exist than a team in the media mecca of the universe with a growing purse in an ever shrinking economy? Not many, and that is the appeal to New York and MLS.

Now, I am not saying Henry to the Bulls will not happen, since he himself has spoken very freely of his desire to play out the rest of his career in the States. Nor am I saying that all of the rumors are unsubstantiated. Take the Paolo Maldini rumors for instance. Maldini had nothing to gain in linking his name to the Bulls, so who’s to say the Bulls did not reach out and show some interest and got flat out rejected? It could have very well happened. Or maybe it was just the Italian media doing what they do best; perpetrating juicy rumors.

But validity aside, I find these transfer rumors to be a rather flattering take of how far this club and this league have come over the years. The past two seasons, Americans abroad have made a great name for MLS, culminating in the stellar performances of Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore in the Prem this season. Even smaller scale players, like a Michael Bradley or Brad Guzan, have represented both country and league well overseas, creating a more enticing environment for European clubs to explore the States. Their play has piqued curiousity in American football and with it, the interest in playing Stateside.

The effect is already being felt. Here is a hypothetical to prove the point. Bottom dwelling Portsmouth plays in the Prem, the Worlds most respected league. Yet people would never in a million years connect them with a star transfer like a Thierry Henry or Raul. In fact, the mere mention of said player and said bottom dweller in the same sentence would likely produce more laughter and cynicism than weight and substance. Yet somehow this minnow in the American ponds can command stronger credence as a candidate for a World Class player than the bigger fish in the vast Prem ocean. All of this done without a brand player, in a relatively young league, and on a team that is named after an energy drink! If that does not signal progress for the American game and the league in general, nothing does.

Now, back when David Beckham was taken on by the LA Galaxy, similar rumors became a common place affair for the West Coast flagship. Edgar Davids, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo – you name the star, they were linked to the team. But the difference between now and then is that they were solely based on the presence of Golden Balls. What is impressive about the Bulls rumors today is that it hasn’t been caused by one multimedia superstar, or some overblown gimmick; it has been built upon the growth of the league and the teams investment into their product.

Red Bull definitely has the soccer world buzzing. So expect more of this nonsense heading into the 2010 season, and look at it all through the eyes of a skeptic. The mere fact that it took me almost an entire week to address the Raul rumors should speak volumes on my stance. Be hopeful, be positive, but don’t be a sucker. And who knows – maybe when this is all said and done, George Weah will finally pack his bags for a move to New York.

Ya. I said it.

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My Tweets Are AWESOME!
www.twitter.com/DAVEREDBULLS

If you would like to participate, click this link!

The setup for this is pretty damn cool. Working off of a 3-4-3 formation, the Bulls are asking you to choose the absolute best amongst the following:

Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Juan Pablo Angel, Rodrigo Faria, Clint Mathis, Giovanni Savarese, Adolfo Valencia, John Wolyniec.

Midfielders: Mark Chung, Youri Djorkaeff , Roberto Donadoni, Eddie Gaven, Amado Guevara, Tab Ramos, Seth Stammler, Dave van den Bergh,

Defenders: Kevin Goldthwaite, Steve Jolley, Carlos Mendes, Jeff Parke, Mike Petke, Eddie Pope.

Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Tony Meola, Jonny Walker.

Click the link, and give it a go! And while you are thinking about it, here are my 3-4-3:

—-Geo—Angel—Mathis—-
DVDB–Guevara–Djorkaeff–Ramos
—–Parke-Petke-Jolley—–
———Howard————-

Kudos to the Red Bull organization for doing something many wish would have happened a long time ago; acknowledging this teams past. Better now than never.

What do you think? Who will fill your 3-4-3? Let me know after the jump!

It is in this vane that I have compiled a list of 12 stand outs of the decade, and a fill in the box for people to add their own write in vote. These are the players that did the most to positively contribute to the teams overall successes, and it will be up to you to vote and decide who the face of the decade will be.

I will be randomly reposting this poll for the next 7+ days or so (depending on response) and will make an announcement of the winner shortly there after.

Pass this poll along to all Metro Bull fans who want to throw in their two cents!
I really would like a consensus ranging from the hardcore to the casual fan.

Let your voice be heard! Who is your Metro Bull Player of the Decade?

Who Is The Red Bulls/Metrostars Player Of The Decade?(trends)

Tomorrow.

So until then, enjoy this little bit of Metro Memories . . . Youri’s first goal as a Metrostar.

* Thanks Metrofanatic

This timeless piece of Metro Bull history came in 2003, in a regular season scuffle between the then Metrostars and the Columbus Crew.

This never gets old. Take it in and enjoy on this slow news day!

As a sports fan, my fandom is defined by the efforts of individual players that pushed themselves to great lengths in order to keep my attention and enthusiasm. Those efforts get lost in this ever growing and expanding league and I want to do my part to highlight these people and their efforts to an audience that may not know much about the roots of their teams existence.

“Metro Memories” is not a shot at the current organization and its ownership; frankly, I believe Red Bull has already done far more than what the Metrostars ever offered its fans. What “Metro Memories” will be is an homage to the players and moments that have created the foundation for this franchise, whether as a Red Bull or a Metrostar. (besides, Metro Memories has a ring to it!)

And we will start this thing off strong – with Clint Mathis scoring 5!

Background: (August 26, 2000)This game was significant in many ways. It was the first (and only) time in MLS history that one man scored 5 goals. It was also the first (and only) time that the Metrostars / Red Bulls have ever clinched the Eastern Division Regular Season Title (with 51 pts. already accounted for in late August). It took a late goal by forward sub Adolfo Valencia to seal the victory late, as the Red Bulls defeated the then Dallas Burn 6-4.

BTW – Mike Petke was on this team, starting no less. How is that for tying the past in with the present?

So, what do you think? A worthy new addition? Or just plain dreck! Let me know . . .

img. credit: usatoday