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!

In honor of his Wolyness, here is a fitting video tribute to the Pale Wonder:

Enjoy.

(PS: Notice how the spanish announcers pronounce Wolys name perfectly – while every English speaking announcer outside of NY calls him WALL KNEE ACK)

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?!

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!

WELCOME TO THE PREGAME FOR THE LIVE GAME THREAD!

What am I doing? Flipping channels, checking my DVR, just getting in from a long nights work.

And somehow? I am managing the energy to write up our season finale!

So enjoy!

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

10:47 – I hate that damn Jennifer Lopez song/commercial, promoting online music. It stinks and I dont like it (thanks Jim Norton)

10:55 – SpikeTV – Samoa Joe v. Christian Cage. Not a huge TNA fan, but this is a great match.

10:58 – Senator Craig may have been in the chokehold that Samoa Joe just applied. Gayest thing Ive ever seen in wrestling.

11:01 – “There are no concrete plans to play or not to play Beckham” – ESPN

11:05 – I am going to miss Cobi if he isnt back next year.

11:14 – OUR LINEUP

============ANGEL======WOLY==============
ALTIDORE=====STAMMLER===VIDE========RICHARDS
DVB=======MENDES======PARKE=========FREEMAN
===============J. CONWAY==================

Stammler sends in a couple of beauties up front. Angel is always a danger, and always seems to be on the open receiving end. Thank god he is on our side . . . .

6:22 – 3rd corner attempt was flukey. Nice try though

8:37 – Second time this game, Dane Richards is schooling Randolph. If you want a model of progress, look no further than our tiny Jam Man.

11 – AGAIN! Dane Richards is SCHOOLING em. And he needed to make a nice foul on Jazic. just to prove a point – he’s small but fiesty

13 – I am liking the give and take between Richards and Freeman. Freeman sends in a nice attempt on a cross, Richards layed it off to the right corner for him. Great double threat.

14th – ROBERTS SCORES! In what has been a DOMINATING performance by RBNY, the DEFENDER moves up for a great header, beating Parke
15 – ALTIDORE SCORES!!! WHAT A FEED AND PUT IN ON THE HEADER! UNBELIEVABLE!!! Vandie gets a beautiful assist!
16 – Donovan miffs a Cobi pass. Wow. This game is awesome again. Even without dVb (Beckham of course)

22 – VAN DEN BERGH SENDS A BALL CENTRAL, INTO THE BOX, AND NEARLY COSTS US A GOAL! This is why he is in there . . . take care of those defensive kinks before the playoffs.

27 – ANGEL! Great shot, third of the game, right into the hands of Cannon. He is always in the right spot, even when the ball is bouncing about.

30 – Wynalda doesnt play around with Rob Stone, refusing to indulge on Angels “Most Sexiest Latin Man in America” status. Nice dead air.

34 – Good shot on goal, but Conway bats it away. Galaxy putting on pressure. Though the game is in an obvious lull, its had some great moments.

37 – Conway beats Donovan to the challenge at the top of the mouth. But honestly, he isnt exuding confidence out there.

40 – Angel settles a cross,beats Randolph, beats Jazic, and shoots slightly high. What can I say. Man amongst boys.

42 – Kyle Martino. What do you people see in this guy? Im all for Americans doing well, but so much hype around this kid and I dont get it . . . . maybe you guys can explain.

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

HALFTIME

Well, first of all, I cant believe we have so many starters out there. But we are handling this game like we should be. This game clearly shows the strength of the Red Bulls. And Altidore has just such a beautiful touch. He is playing masterfully.

Angel always finds the open space. And Woly is running everything down.

OH AND DANE RICHARDS! OOF! He is on FIRE.

Excellent first half, great effort.

Hey, we have even stabilized the back, running Donovan into what . . . 4 . . .5 offsides?

Great game so far. Excellent team effort. We are attacking from both ends, and finding the open man in the middle constantly. This is the exciting soccer you want from a Playoff bound team!

======================================================
CHANGES AT THE HALF – LEITCH in for DVB. Vandie is sitting on the sidelines with an icepack to the calf.

46 – Martino takes a shot on goal, Conway with the stop.

48 – RICHARDS FEEDS ANGEL, ANGEL GETS ROBBED BY CANNON! We need this type of connection throughout the postseason. The on field coaching has worked, and Angel has modeled himself a winger.

53 – Beckham is stretching. Girls are squeeling. Wonderful.

53 – RICHARDS TAKES A BLAST! Where has THAT shot been all season?! He gets stuffed, but Cannon is unreal. What a shot!

54 – Kyle Martino gets a yellow. Again. This guy stinks.

56 – Martino gets pulled, Gavin Glinton comes in. Martino Stinks. And Glinton is really dangerous. The defense has to be on its toes. Especially if an 85% Becks comes in.

60 – ANGEL ON THE SET PIECE. BARELY MISSES THE NET! WOW! HOLY COW! I hate to sound like Rob Stone, but Angel has missed at least 22 goals tonite alone.

62 – Dane Richards with a yellow. Its ok. Even with Donovan on the set piece . . . . which Conway just gobbled up.

64 – Donovan, world class steal, runs up the field, tears through everyone, and feeds Pavon . . . but Carlito cant catch up. Story of his signing.

Buddle is in for Pavon, who has been horrendous.

64 – RICHARDS GETS ROBBED! CANNON GRABS HIS LEG IN THE BOX AND THE REF DOESNT CALL THE PK! Richards has been breaking them all night.

65 – CONWAY WITH A GREAT “GLOVE SAVE” ON VAGENAS 4 FEET IN FRONT! He looks much more composed.

67 – Hold on to your hats folks – Beckham is back. In for Pete Vagenas. This should be interesting.

69 – Sinisa is in for Wolyniec.

75 – CHRIS LEITCH! Why would you knock a ball out for no reason?! And cost us a corner with Beckham . . .

76 – Beckham to Tudela, and one hell of a shot! Conway gives it a push out of bounds! A 2nd corner, to the middle, and nothing. A third, the same.

78 – Wow, Beckham with a second weak corner, short to no one. The Galaxy are pushing from all angles, even still.

80 – Another beautiful touch by Altidore, he secures the ball and takes a blind shot that nearly dinks in from 15 yards out

88 – Its been all LA, but we are facing their attack down. Now we are returning the favor. Things are looking bleak in Hollywood.

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

AND IT ENDS WITH A DUD

We look ready for the playoffs, and controlled the pitch the way a Championship team should against a weaker opponent.

Nevertheless. I do feel badly for the Galaxy. I know thats blasphemy to some, but come on. You have to also root for MLS right?

So we tie in convincing fashion, and shut LA down so hard, they couldnt establish anything even resembling an attack.

I expected more when Becks came in. But alas. Nothing.

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

PLAYER OF THE GAME: DANE RICHARDS. I know Jozy scored, but Dane was a master, right up there with Jozy and Angel tonite.
PLAY OF THE GAME: I would say Conways glove save on Vagenas. That was their best chance of the second half.
GAME GOAT: Carlos Pavon. How can someone not get acclimated to MLS after two months? He is a shadow of what everyone remembers. Sad. But true.

My advise to the Galaxy moving forward? Sit Pavon, start Glinton and Donovan up top. Or Glinton / Buddle for size, and Donovan behind em.

What did you guys think? Besides the GALLINA who wants Angel back . . . I kid of course . . . .

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?

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 . . . . .