“Hopefully I can be here, because its really nice to play in a new Stadium, on a natural, grass pitch, which is so vitally important,” said Rojas,”because everytime we play here (Giants Stadium), it’s complicated since it is synthetic and in bad shape.”

But it isn’t all about the pitch. It seems like the recent change in management, along with a different outlook on the season, has motivated Rojas to finish strong, and hopefully, return with the squad.

“We have been playing at a good level, we have been fighting every game. The games remaining are to continue our ascendancy up the table and to get to the next season. It’s good to close a season well so that the people keep supporting the team, and that they know that they have a team who wants to do things right, and the players are totally committed to the team.”

Of course, all of this is on the heels of a few less than stellar appearances by the Vinotinto vet. But, in light of the recent loan termination of Alfredo Pacheco, one has to wonder if Rojas will be next on the chopping block, regardless of his desire to stay.

Another aspect to look at here is where Rojas has been forced to play under Osorio. The man is a natural left back, who may now become much more serviceable to the team than ever, with only Danleigh Borman currently ranking on the LB depth charts.

Then again, he has looked a tad slow in the midfield, and in MLS, comprised of a strong youth core with energy to spare, it is doubtful the 32 year old will be able to keep up with the kids on the defensive side.

Some may think that Rojas has already played himself into unemployment this season. But if Rojas really wants to continue playing with the Bulls, he has to put in stronger performances than what we have seen. If the season were to end today, the Rojas chapter would end on quite the sour note. But stranger turnarounds have happened. If Rojas wants to secure himself a spot for next season, he should follow Andrew Boyens lead; play hard, and play well.

What are your thoughts on Rojas? Share away . . .

No stranger to adversity, Rojas hopes to build on this weekends dismantling of San Jose towards a successful 2009 season. “We are working hard for the next game,” said Rojas. “I think many things were done differently from other weeks.”

And that is putting it lightly. The Red Bulls debuted a modified 4-4-2 with the midfield wingers pushing a forward position, feeding the dangerous tandem of Angel and Kandji. Mike Petke saw his first start at home all season. Dane Richards road the bench. The result was 4 goals in one half. “First, the tactical system the Professor (Coach Osorio) used was a bit different from what we usually play. The coach’s changes, what he did differently, was what helped us be more unpredictable,” said Rojas, author of two of the four goals scored this past weekend. “The other team didn’t know how we were playing. We were moving all over the place, we moved inside, and outside.”

“Second, I think the mentallity here is that after the two consecutive losses, we knew we deserved more (for our efforts).” And those losses include a crushing defeat at the hands of DC United, where a lead was lost and a game went with it.

“And third, it was probably the control of the ball, the security we gave the ball, the ball movement itself; that’s what helped us maintain a good game and achieve what we did.”

The two goals Rojas netted were the first of his Red Bull career. And he places all the credit on the team and game plan itself. “The way we attacked, the way we played, and the way the game presented itself plays a part,” he explained. “Opening the game with a goal was really good because the other team is not only forced to defend itself, it is also looking for the tie. It was a combination of all that.”

With the season seemingly gone into a free fall, this past win serves as a reward for the teams efforts, and a glimmer of hope for what’s to come. “After the string of losses, we changed things, and took a win at home, which is what we wanted.”

Here are you RB International Call Ups.

Jorge Rojas – Venezuela – The Vinotinto play the Albiceleste of Argentina this weekend. I will definitely be taking this game in.

Andrew Boyens – New Zealand – Boyens takes off to Bangkok for a friendly game against Thailand.

Carlos Johnson – Costa Rica – The recently signed defender will be repping his country this weekend against Mexico.

That can mean as many as 5 starters will not be available for the home opener. And who will be made available that wasn’t for game 1? Khano Smith will have a score to settle, as he debuts against his former team. But that is about it.

Here is a potential line up for the season opener:

———–Angel———-
——-Oduro————–
Smith—Sinisa—–Richards
–Pietravallo-Stammler—–
—–Hall–Petke-Mendes—
———Cepero———–

or

———Angel———–
Smith—-Ubi——-Richards
—Pietravallo-Stammler—
Hall—Petke–Mendes—Goldie
——–Cepero————-

Share your thoughts below.

There are positives and concerns in all of this. For starters, he spent a chunk of last year injured. Will training like this all off season help or hurt him physically? Then again, the argument has been made that Rojas only suffered such a slow start because of his lack of conditioning and mid season transfer movement. In the end, I tend to believe Rojas has everything to gain if this move comes to fruition.

On a side note; I love reading Venezuelan press. They never have one bad thing to say about their players. They hailed Cichero’s reign in New York, and, in this specific article, they praise Rojas 1st MLS season as a raving success, which it really wasn’t. Not that he was bad, but a superstar? Not really.

But anyhow: share your thoughts with us! Is any extra revenue a good thing? Will this experiment end up badly? Or will it not happen at all?

Now, unlike my translation of an Osorio article a few weeks ago, this one won’t get anyone in trouble. On the contrary; Rojas has loved his brief stint, and answered all the usual questions with a heavy reverence to the MLS product.

For example:

Asked to compare MLS to the Venezuelan League:

“Over there, its much faster and more physical. They try to be very precise. Ours is a different rhythm, with more touch, less physicality, a slower pace – there are many differences. As far as the organization goes, they want their players to feel good, that nothing is left desired. One must dedicate themselves only to playing. Your not thinking about whether you will get paid or not, if you need clothes or other things. Thats the way it should be, and thats the way they operate.”

In other words; Jorge Hearts New York. Or better put, Jorge Hearts the USA. Not to pontificate too much, but his glowing appreciation for the simple things in life, like getting a steady paycheck and not worrying about clothes, further highlights the things that we take for granted on an everyday basis in this country. I remember when Schelotto came to the states, he told a story about getting involved in a fender bender, and within minutes, a cop was there processing the accident information. This floored Guille, as most murder victims in Argentina would be lucky to get attention within a 24 hour period. No lie.

Makes you realize just how lucky we are, no?

But I digress.

On His Experience With Red Bull This Season

“The time came when the team (Red Bulls) wasn’t winning. It had been two months that they hadn’t done it. With various incorporations, we helped give them a complete turnaround. We were able to make it to the finals and no one gave us nothing. That is thanks to the hard word, and seriousness (of the team). For me, it was a very good the 10 games I played. One has to get acclimated.”

Does he have ANYTHING bad to say? Like being benched? Anything?

Well, no. Quite the contrary . . . .

On His Offseason Approach and His Goals for 2009

“For now, I will continue training on my own accord, trying not to stay still for too long. In February we start the new tournament. I will be sharing with my friends.

We have to rev up from zero well, better adapted. You already know what you are playing for, have a good preseason here or with them to help me sustain this year. In this, I had highs and lows because I left one team to go to another and I got no rest in the process. For things to go well, I hope that 2009 will be my year in the MLS. I like the league, the way they play and how they treat me.”

Sounds like a man on the road to redemption.

What have we learned? Well, for starters, Rojas was quick to point out how important his arrival was initially for the Bulls. He was definitely a big part of the mid season turnaround, as were Pietravallo, Cichero and Mike Magee. He has shown the ability to compete effectively in this league, but took a downturn. If you take his word for it, it was rest related. And from all signs, he is looking at 2009 as the year to spotlight what he can really deliver.

I am a big fan of a positive attitude, and it is quite rare for a South American player to laud over the MLS like he just did. This is especially true if you consider the fact that he road the bench during the teams most pivotal point. Though his garunteed contract is already a moot point, I think Rojas actually wants the opportunity to redeem himself. And that can only work in the Bulls favor for 2009.

Does this change your perspective on the Venezuelan? Can he still be a key to the Red Bulls future success? Grab your coffee and keyboard, and let me know whatcha think.

DANE RICHARDS

Dane came in around the 75th minute earning his 4th cap in another Jamaican win, this time over Honduras 1-0.

JORGE ROJAS

Rojas was a 70th minute sub to this dramatic, hold your breathe, near elimination face off! Somehow, down 1-0, Venezuela, on the backs of the MLS players, came back for a 3-1 win. Pretty amazing!

GABRIEL CICHERO

Gabe Cichero held down the defense, earning a start, and performing well under pressure. As we covered recently, Cichero has been begging for a shot to start. This could be the beginning of more opportunities as the defense was crucial in stabilizing the game, thus enabling the offense to get into motion. Great job.

Jozy Altidore

Jozy started the game, but his biggest contribution came in the form of a penalty kick – for TnT! After tugging down Hislop, it was a no brainer. They nailed the PK for the win. Boo.

Now you may say, “Great! Rojas will be back for the rest of the season!” Slow down.

Venezuelan National Coach Cesar Farias has just named Rojas to a 19 man roster, set to compete against Peru and Paraguay September 3rd and the 6th. This could very well mean missing a crucial Chicago Fire game on the road, and then some (you have to figure recovery right?). Rojas is expected to play in the upcoming clash against DC.

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