#1 – 15% of the vote

JUAN PABLO ANGEL

The Red Bulls Captain has carried on this season with injuries that have hampered his performance and kept him off the pitch for long stretches. Even so, Red Bull fans haven’t forgotten the man who bought them to the big dance last season. Speculation has grown recently regarding Angels future, but there is no question in Metro fans minds – they want the Colombian striker back for one more season.

#2 – 10% of the vote

NICK ZIMMERMAN

Here is one of the few bright spots Bulls fans have had to hold on to all season. Nick Zimmerman, an after thought at the start of the season, has become a regular part of the Bulls lineup, and a dangerous one at that. His ball control and developing cross ability has produced valuable minutes, but it is his vision and ability to keep play at a fluid pace that has made him invaluable to the team. The best part? The kid is a rook, and would cost very little on a 2010 payroll. That is a bang for your buck!

#3 – 10% of the vote

BIG MAC KANDJI

Though Kandji has suffered a season of let downs, compounded by injuries, it seems Bulls fans still see the same hope in the prospect that they had late last season. And why not! The kid is still a huge target forward, with an excellent first touch, and a youthful enthusiasm for the game that is quite exciting. One disconcerting theme mentioned along with his name this season has been criticism of his practice habits, and dedication to improvement. I may chalk that up to a lost season. Hopefully, Kandji will have it all together for a magnificent 2010.

#4 – 9% of the vote

JEREMY HALL

After a strong start to the season, Hall has cooled his jets a tad as the team has done the same. Even so, Bulls fans view him as a building block for the backline, especially the wings. Great ball control and pace, Hall has the tools to excel, even when he is played in an unnatural right back position for an entire season! Along with Zimmerman, Hall is viewed as one of the better pick ups by the Osorio/Agoos tandem.

#5 – 8% of the vote

SETH STAMMLER

Mr. Versatility rounds out the top 5 for the Bulls. Need a Centerback fill in? Call Stammy! Central defense crawling to a slow halt? Stammler to the leg breaking rescue! Wingers letting you down? No worry! Seth has that covered too.

The fact is Stammler plays whenever, where ever, effectively, and with passion. And that is more than enough to ingratiate the base, who only wishes the same effort would be applied across the board on this squad. No real surprise here.

.

Red Bulls face DC United this week, in what is always a highly contested and battled game (Saturday 7:30 on MSG and HDnet).

Unfortunately, we are limping into the Lions Den, and the scent of blood is definitely in the air. Claudio Reyna is still injured. According to BAS, he received an epidorel shot to his hamstring, and was pain free for the first time in forever. But he is still expected to miss the next two games with his herniated disc either way.

One DP. Down.

Juan Pablo Angel is also expected to miss two games with his herniated disc. The difference? Juan has two discs that are giving him problems.

Two DP’s. Down.

Seth Stammler has been a beast, filling in Dema Kovalenko’s old slot with the team nicely. But guess what? The Herniated Disc Monster has taken him down as well.

Three excellent players? Down.

Oh and Jozy is gone to.

Four.

Now DC United is knocking on the door, showing signs of life after two consecutive and decisive wins against Chicago away and TFC at home. Luciano Emilio is beginning to awaken from a seasons long slumber. And they are starting to show signs of cohesion again.

Meanwhile, the Red Bulls continue to ride a wave of mediocrity, with a record just over .500. An ugly win last week against Chivas can be a start of something good, but it will take more than just solid defense and counterattack to match DC.

An injury plagued Red Bulls squad has stayed in games nearly all season by the skin of their teeth, waiting for the right moment to strike, and hope that would be enough for a win. DC has been underachieving most all season, struggling to find chemistry with their newest pieces. If ever there was a statement game for either team, this would be it.

I had no choice. I naturally had to walk him. But all I was thinking was “hurry your ass. Get Dexter to his favorite spots, and run back up.”

Naturally, in this rushed state, my old lady neighbor just happened to be downstairs, and decides today, of all days, she would stop, get down on one old knee, and play with my attention starved canine.

Lovely.

So while Dexter was clawing up her dress like a kitten on a scratch post, I had to sit there with a face of patience and a plaster smile to hide my hurried state. Needless to say, I missed some great action (about 30 minutes worth!). But what can I complain about? A 3 – 0 win against Atlas is all I needed.

Thank you for your indulgence. Now here is the latest from Red Bull Landia:

+ FORMER BULL UPDATE: Defender Eric Brunner, the former Red Bull 2nd round draft pick, has had quite the week! After rejecting a reformatted contract with the team, which would have involved in excess of a 50% paycut, he quickly found employment on struggling USL-1 squad, Miami FC.

More over? He scored a goal today with the United States U-23 team. But I guess he had to – the first Turkish talley was practically an assist for Brunner, who simply ball watched the Turkish attack to their goal. Still. A goal is a goal, and it was quite a good header (wasn’t Osorio looking for a player with good aeriel skills?).

By the way, the US eventually lost 3-2.

+ INJURY UPDATES: BigAppleSoccer has the scoop on the latest Bulls injuries heading into this weekends showdown against the Chicago Fire.

Reyna and Etcheverry saw their first practice time since their respective injuries but are still doubtful for this weekends action. Seth Stammler is still receiving treatment on his back and may be a week or two away.

+ Jozy Altidore was not named to the USMNT squad facing England. As this camp features European based players, it isn’t much of a shock. But I would expect Jozy to get his shot against the BiCeleste of Argentina for the Giants Stadium show down.

+ Osorio and Van Den Bergh will be out for the Chicago game. Send Marrufo a thank you card Section 8 . . .

+ RECOMMENDED READING: I have to hand it to Frank Giase of nj.com. What a great score with Bruce Arena. And the veiled shots at RBNY Management are as clear as day. Click the link and take a read. Ridiculous.

+ Shameless Self Promotion: I am always doing something. This week, as many already know, I sat down with Jimmy Conrad of the Wizards to get his views on the game, media and life. Check it out on the offsides main MLS page.

Before anything, I would like to address this major issue: I HATE ALLERGIES. Last year was the first year I had ever gotten em, and I hate it even more this year. Absolutely hate.

But on the bright side – I did catch 6 bluefish and a striper this week. So spring is good for something. Fishing rules.

Here’s the news folks:

__________________________________________________________

+ The Red Bulls are doing a really cool thing for their Memorial Day weekend game against Chicago. Coinciding with Fleet Week, RBNY has announced their “Tickets for Troops initiative. They are looking for community business who would be interested in buying tickets in blocks of 30, which will then be given to our troops for that game. The day would feature events honoring our troops throughout.

And this guy pictured above is the infamous Red Bulls super fan Johnny Toro. Johnny, over at RagingBullNation, has set up the groups first fundraiser this year, properly dubbed “Spend a Day with Johnny Toro.” For five dollars, your child will be able to enter a raffle to actually spend the game with Johnny Toro, who has been the fan face of RBNY since they took over. Along with this, they will be giving the lucky kid 4 tickets to the Chicago Game, a cow bell and “his/her very own bull horns (just like Johnny’s).” All proceeds will be donated to the USO in memory of Johnnys father, Gennaro (Jerry) Russo.

For more information and other same day events, click here

+ FC Barcelona, home of Leo Messi (or former home of the Portuguese Nat – Deco), has agreed to a five year deal with Major League Soccer and SUM (Soccer United Marketing), the marketing branch to the MLS. And this is probably the reason:

“In 2006, the FCBarcelona USA Tour, managed by SUM, registered the highest average attendance for any club tour in U.S. history, averaging 80,734 in three matches, and is the only one among those tours featuring three or more games to sell out every stadium”

And speaking of which – this is a clear enough signal that Barca will be coming back to New York for August – which is excellent, since I have 4 tickets garunteed 6th row baby! Ok, enough gloating.

+ We have injuries heading into the KC game - Reyna has a strained calf, and Seth Stammler has a herniated disk in his back. Though we did well against the Galaxy without our midfield destroyers, Kansas City presents a much more dangerous attack. I hope Sassano and *a name here* can handle the job.

+ Ives is also reporting that Brunner may be close to a deal with Miami FC. One has to wonder the price tag associated with the deal. I mean, can Miami FC actually have a better price tag than the Bulls?!

+ Bruce Arena will be in the building with Kansas City this week – as their tv commentator. Who woulda thunk it?!

+ And finally, The Offside Podcast is up, and Im on this week talking a little MLS. If your interested, peep this link.

+ Eric Brunner, our 2nd round pick and first pick in the 2008 draft, has decided to forgo the meager amount of money that befits a developmental player and will begin exploring options in “USL and Europe” according to his agent (SBI has the scoop). Who can blame the kid? When you are promised something, and more than half of it is being taken away from under your feat, what else are you to do?

What I find interesting in this whole ordeal is this – Osorio has already earned quite the reputation as a defensive teacher and implementor. And somehow, he feels that Andrew Boyens would be a much more fruitful endevour than Brunner. What can it be about Brunners play that has made him this expendable? What makes Boyens a better prospect? (besides a few more inches in height).

Its sad to see a draftee go, but he has left the door open for future negotiations.

+ BAS is reporting that Reyna and Stammler will be no goes for the Galaxy game Saturday night. This is a devastating blow to our winning chances. With a sure bet of a 4-5-1 lineup, who will be our midfield destroyers? Ubi and Van Den Bergh? Throw on top of this storm of maladies the fact that Jozy may be sat due to “fatigue” and you have a concoction for disaster. What once looked like a hopefilled game is turning into a nightmare.

+ The Hunter Freeman interview concludes this weekend, with his thoughts on MLS, player salaries, foreign players and some predictions. Thank you all for your kind words. The interview and response has been a blast.

+ And for my preview of this weeks Galaxy game, check out, as always, ASR (first to break the Brunner story!).

The Bulls take one away from the surging Maple Leafs, with a well earned point on the road. They really did well in keeping possession and putting on pressure – but the finishing was completely ghost.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Seth Stammler impressed me tonite. He was the Dema Kovalenko we all thought was lost. Stammlers presence neutralized the attack, in particular, Amado Guevara. Excellent play tonite.

TURNING POINT OF THE MATCH

Do ties have turning points? To be honest, I can’t name one. I guess its Van Den Berghs excellent set piece tying goal. The game turned from a loss to a tie. Makes sense . . .

WHAT THE?! MOMENT OF THE MATCH

The Starting Line Up takes it tonite. Hunter Freeman starting! Mike Magee at central! Jozy Altidore on the left wing?! For those that thought the 3-5-2 would be snuck in a bit more were mistaken. 4-5-1 ruled, and goal scorer Dave Van Den Bergh even fell back for some LB work. What made things nuttier was seeing Dane Richards getting minutes as well. Who saw any of that coming?

SPECIAL ED PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Greg Sutton played well, but what was he thinking on that Dave Van Den Bergh strike?! I credit DVB for the goal 100%, but Sutton did not do his part in covering the net, period. He gambled more than he should have.

Jorge Rojas, 30, a Venezuelan National veteran with 78 caps to his name, and the infamous Chris Innes, former captain of the bankrupt and dying Gretna FC of SPL, are now on trial with the Red Bulls.

I knew there was a reason I waited till the 13th hour to put up my season preview . . .

Jorge Rojas, whom, if I recall correctly (should google this), assisted and scored a goal in 2 games against Haiti recently, is a left back or left wing – two positions we have coveted for quite some time. If everything falls into order, Rojas would be our starting left winger, moving Dave Van Den Bergh to the CAM role, and Claudio Reyna could join Seth Stammler for a devastating twosome in front of our defenders.

Now that is a step up!

As for Innes, he is actually participating in team training as I write this. He was a major reason for Gretna’s spell in the SPL from ‘05 – ‘08, being largely credited for the ascension into the big leagues of SPL, and being largely credited for their demotion (but only because he was injured during certain spells).

Though Goldie and Leitch played admirably against the Cows, a person of Innes reputation and credentials should be afforded the opportunity to see what he can do. Sure, people downplay the talent or talent level of the SPL, but how many do the same to the MLS? Who know – Chris Innes may be that missing piece to the puzzle that will create the formidable backline we have been dreaming of.

IMAGINE . . .

With these signings (cross those fingers!), they will have a team that could take them to the Cup.

——-Angel—-Altidore——–
———-Dave VDB————
Rojas——————–Richards
——–Reyna—Stammler——-
—-Innes—-Parke—-Freeman—
———-Conway—————

Appetizing no? DVB, as displayed Saturday, has no fear of taking a shot. He will be backed up by Magee. Reyna and Stammler will compliment a solid and experienced backline, which will make 1st year starter Jon Conways life much easier. The wing play, when healthy, will be some of the best in the league (backed by two solid rookies in Borman and Sassano). And with those starting three, we can have a bench with Goldthwaite, Leitch, Mendes and Brunner.

Not bad at all (especially in a league notorious for very little quality depth).

Looks like we may be flexing that allocation money-muscle after all!

Welcome to game 1! We are dealing with some injuries, starting up to 2 rookies, and are beginning our season a week ahead of everyone else. Good times.

The Cows are in town, headed by Schelotto, Moreno and Gaven.

Let the Mini Clasico Begin!

CURRENT STANDING:

We havent even played a game yet.
But whatever. Here goes:

……………………….PTS
Chicago ……………..4
Columbus ……………3
Kansas City …………3
New England ………..3
New York …………..0
D.C. United …………0
Toronto FC …………0

INJURIES:

Jozy Altidore – Day to Day – Bruised Knee
Hunter Freeman – 6-8 weeks – MCL
Dane Richards – 3 months – MCL

PROJECTED LINEUP:

=======Angel====Echeverry=======
Borman=====Reyna=======Sassano
====Van Den Bergh==Stammler======
===Goldthwaite==Parke===Mendes===
==========Conway==============

BEHIND THE SCENES:

+ This game is referred to by many as the “Mini Clasico” with respect to the legendary River/Boca derby. This is based on the fact that Juan Pablo Angel was a River Plate player, and Schelotto, a Boca Legend.

+ Reports out of Montclair are that Jozy Altidore has hurt his knee. He is questionable for the season opener. This now makes three Red Bull players whom have succumbed to injury preseason, including Dane Richards and Hunter Freeman.

+ Red Bulls / Metrostars have never scored a complete three point opening game in their history.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Borman and Sassano v. Hejduk and Migliorenzi

The rookies take on a fierce tandem tonight. Hejduk is a stifling defender that will, as always, cause fits throughout the game. Migliorenzi has had a good preseason and is said to have matured greatly.

Borman will most likely be on a short leash if he shows a lack of pace – expect Dave Van Den Bergh to either move in, or Magee to come off the bench if this is the case.

Sassano has the tremendous task of replacing the speedy Dane Richards. Though he did show signs of brilliance this preseason, he must do it consistently against this tandem.

Echeverry and Angel v. O-Rourke and Marshall

With Altidore out, and two rookie wingers ready to start, Angel will have to rely on his creative skills more so than the ability of the wings crosses to net himself a goal. Former Metro O’Rourke and young stud Chad Marshall will be playing an extremely physical game with Angel for the full 90. The target will consistently be on him.

That is where Echeverry will be needed. Assuming he gets the nod over Wolyniec or Magee, Ech needs to create enough of an offensive distraction to free Angel from the assured abuse he will receive.

Schelotto v. Mendes

Nuff said. Schelotto is a crafty veteran with a deadly, pin point accurate cross. Mendes is a young defender learning his expanded responsibilities on the right side of a three man back line. It can be a recipe for disaster, or a proving ground for our young back. Cross your fingers.

PREDICTION:

Red Bulls end their winless home opener streak, taking the Cows to Pasture, 3-2.

Goals by:
+ Dave Van Den Bergh
+ Juan Pablo Angel (2)
+ Guillermo Barros Schelotto
+ Eddie Gaven

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!

Once again, Bulls fans everywhere were treated to a snoozefest of a preseason tournament game, as we managed to tie the supposed “lowly” TFC 1-1. And in doing so, we helped clinch this years tournament winner, the San Jose “We are Expansion, Remember?” Earthquakes. Sigh. We produced possibly one half of semi professional soccer. Thats it.

That aside, I realize “snoozefest” and “preseason tourney” are synonymous. I get it. But this team needs a motivational kick in the behind after 2-3 years of uncertain footing and certain mediocrity.

While Richie Williams has been coaching our sidelines, JCO is off in my homeland of Argentina, scouting talent, and by god, I hope he finds a gem (Maybe he can speak to Ariel Ortega, offer him a six pack and a 6 digit contract?). After watching what we have seen, with less that 2 weeks till our teams MLS debut, there is a lot to be desired.

These are some high (and low) lights of last nights 1-1 draw with the Mo-ple Leafs of TFC:

Some positives to build on . . .

+ I loved the fact that we were able to hold on to possesion for long clips of time, and that the pressure added up to a few crucial corners (which we couldnt convert, but still). If we continue to push up like that all season, we will find a few gems here or there to put in the back of the net.

+ Though we fell into the offside trap 841285198513813185153 times, we were at the very least attacking at all times.

+ Reyna, though he had a few micues, and bad passes this game, is filling the role of field general nicely. He is constantly shouting instruction to the backline, points to seams for the younger guys (Sassano), and in one glaring exhibition of leadership, within the first 10 minutes, he was moving the ball up, and Carlos Mendes was simply standing at his right hand side, not following the play. Reyna URGED him to move up. And when the play was over, Reyna was in Mendes ear about not doing enough. That is something we need more of from our Captain. Besides that, he played a major role in the tying goal, he had a few excellent crosses and perfectly placed corners that simply could not be converted.

+ Sassano also showed those flashes of brilliance that were rumored all offseason. Though he was silent in Charleston, he was loud and involved in last nights game. His memorable moment was a breaking move on the right hand side of the box, where he cut up 2-3 men to take a terribly weak shot from point blank range. Much like Richards last year, we must excercise patience with the kid, and it may pay dividends. He threw in some great crosses, and some not so much. Patience is key. He may be someone special to us this year (especially with Dane gone)

+ Do I really have to say Juan Pablo Angel played well? Doesnt he always? After getting fouled hard around the 35th minute or so, he retaliates, draws a yellow, and has a chip on his shoulder the rest of the game. Though he couldnt quite convert on his chances, Juanpi was more than a handful for TFC, and the attention they drew towards him left more playing room for an Etchevarry or Wolyniec to operate.

. . . And some Negatives to forget . . .

+ I, like many other Red Bulls fans, fear that Jon Conway, a career backup, can be the crux to our season. Last night, though a preseason game, reminded us all of that fear. Much like the infamous 40 yard back pass from Mendes to Conway that resulted in a goal, last nights 10th minute Cunningham score reminded Bulls fans everywhere of the oddity that is Jon Conway. Cunningham pushed the ball upfield, Conway has a beat on him with the final touch, gets his hands on the ball, and in an instance of pure confusion, Cunningham somehow gains control of this bobbled ball and taps it into the net. Ooooooof. Please, let this not be an omen of the new season. Though I know Big Zack can cover half the net just standing there, we cant rely on him to save our behinds this season.

+ Stammler looked very good, reliable, and focused out there most of the night. His one mental gaffe nearly cost us. As he held the ball, a streaking Samuel stripped him of possesion badly, and proceeded to completely divide and conquer our defense straight through the middle, and he takes a shot on goal, just wide of Conways left. That whole sequence looked too relaxed, as if TFC purposely lulled us to bed, and was looking for that one sneak attack. I am telling you – it could have been the difference between a 1-1 tie and a 2-1 thrashing.

+ One of my favs, Mike Magee, was EERILY quiet – so much so he was taken out for Borman to start the second half. Its a wonder to me what happened, but Magee can not afford more games like this.

+ The yet to be signed Etchevarry was also eerily quiet, or ineffective. How many times did he walk it into the box, with numbers, and either take an ill advised shot, or get stripped in the middle of a juke? Hell they bought in goal scorer supreme John Wolyniec to INFUSE some life into the offense. Not a good night for our potential CAM.

+ Woly was inside the box, all alone. What does he do? Well, his best Pele impersonation of course! Woly starts to dribble the ball between his legs to juke nobody. As the keeper moves up to stop what will eventually be a shot, the defenseman, who was about 15 yards away when Woly broke loose, caught up to the play, and helped block Wolys feable 2 – inches – from – the – keeper shot. Horrible. Thank goodness he netted the game tying goal.

+ The play of our wing defensemen, Mendes and Goldthwaite, was targeted again this game, and again, both men looked very shaky. Admitedly, I am not a huge fan of Goldthwaites playing style, but I have no bias towards Mendes, who simply is not showing the passion we have seen from him in the past. Jeff Parke is the only one really standing tall and holding those back three together.

+ Though corners were plentiful, they werent netted for points. That needs to change.

THE ROUND UP:

We need some stability on the wings. We need more patience and killer instinct in the box. We need some depth.

Now its time for JCO to see what kind of product we really have, and how badly we need an infusion of talent. Lets put that extra cap money to use, shall we? Before the season starts?!