Red Bull Nation has been rocking with transfer rumors, rumor killers, and a ton of other notes, so lets dive in like a fat kid’s face in cake.

-

- THEFRIENDSOFJOEVIDE.ORG – Former Red Bull Joe Vide has been diagnosed, at the age of 25, with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer also known as Hodgkin’s disease. With the help of Jeremy Hall and his family, he has set up a fundraiser to pay his medical bills, as he doesn’t have the means to properly treat the disease. One would expect that the MLSPA would jump in and cover his costs, but that is a story for another time.

A quick story on Joe Vide. I had the opportunity to meet Vide when he was a rookie, alongside Hunter Freeman at some PR event. I didn’t recognize Vide, but found myself speaking about the Red Bulls with him, when I slowly realized who I was speaking to. But up to that point, he was the most cordial, kind, well spoken individual you would want to meet. I respect the hell out of someone in his position, as a professional athlete, who doesn’t lose his connection with the people, and carries himself so humbly. Please visit the website, and do what you feel is right.

- AND RED BULLS ARE JOINING THE CAUSE . . . which is pure class. Make it out to the Seattle Sounders game this coming weekend, and join the Red Bulls as they auction off a game worn Juan Pablo Angel jersey, and the rest of the starting 11 from the match, with all proceeds going to Joe Vide’s foundation.

All raffles will be taking place in SECTION 127, where, aside from the auctions, you can leave Vide a well wishing message of recovery.

Do your part.

- NOW, ONTO MORE TRIALISTS . . . With the unfortunate state of affairs surrounding Kevin Goldthwaite, who’s career may be over due to injury, the Red Bulls have a gaping hole in their depth chart. That hole may be filled by 10 day trialist and bad looking 26 centerback, Cleber Antonio de Oliveira. And I don’t mean bad talent wise . . . I am talking about Bad Clubber Lang style. On his face alone, I think I would run the other way if I saw him in a dark alley. Red Bull better hope opposing strikers feel the same way; that is, if he makes the team.

- ZE ROBERTO – Look. We all know the story. Red Bulls owner Dietrich Mateschitz has been eyeing the midfielder for some time, and the Ironbound would be perfect for a Brazilian All Star. I reserved all opinions till I watched him this weekend, and I have to tell ya – Roberto’s still got it. A blazing run from the midfield answered my questions on his fitness and speed. And his ability to find the open man did the rest. If the Bulls secure Ze Roberto, even at the $5 million asking price that has been bandied about, it will be a great investment for the team, and community. This Argie is down to have a Brazilian come on board. Especially one of his caliber.

- Angel to Veracruz Mexico?! Not quite. Veracruz President Mohamed Morales stated he had reached out to Angel, and that their was mutual interest in having him come on down. Angel himself killed the rumor today. From BAS: “I wouldn’t read much into it.”

- CONGRATS CHRIS ALBRIGHT! As an aspiring father who wants to eventually field an entire soccer team of boys with the last name MARTINEZ, I have to say, my jealousy is only surpassed by my happiness for Chris Albright, who welcomes his third child into this world. Liam, TheOffside sends you the warmest and best wishes as you take your first steps to manning the Red Bulls backline. Best wishes to you and your family Chris!

A report on your NEW YORK RED BULLS. No foolin’!

ESPNRadio is reporting the Red Bulls are putting together a “strong bid” to host the 2010 MLS Cup. With league headquarters conveniently located in the heart of the Big Apple, it may not take much convincing to make it happen.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg folks (you like how I am playing on this snow storm stuff huh?! Genius, I know).

Check out some of the news that may have slipped through the cracks this week:

- Kevin Goldthwaite, after successful surgery this past October, is going back under the knife to remove some residual scarring in his abductor tendon. He will be out six weeks or so.

- After six intensive months of rehab, Carlos Mendes is finally back and training with the club. Check out his story on RBR.

- John Wolyniec, meanwhile, is recovering well after taking that devastating, dirty tackle against New England late in the season.

- For what it is worth, Paolo Maldini’s father Cesare called the Maldini to RBNY rumors a complete fabrication. Furthermore, Michael Lewis of BAS completely deaded the issue, citing team source. Needless to say, this rumor will now go on to live in infamy with the Ronaldo, Geoge Weah and Roberto Baggio stories that have let local fans down before.

- Jonathan Fana, a Dominican striker with Trinidad & Tobago’s W Connection, has been linked to the Red Bulls and Chivas USA. But here is the article, in spanish, for those interested. He was a standout player in last years CONCACAF Champions League.

- Remember that keeper we spoke about a week or so ago, Oka Nikolov? Well, he is still being connected to the team, supposedly coming this summer. Though it has crowded German headlines, I think it is simply an echo effect of the original story. As far as I know, there is no truth to the rumor.

- And finally, my FIFA 10 team is looking much better in manager mode now that I have Joel Lindpere at CAM, with Chris Albright and Roy Miller in the back. Just sayin . . . (PS: catch me on XBOX : Uncle Dave 23)

Have a great weekend everyone!

DID I TWEET THAT?! SHO’ DID!
www.twitter.com/DAVEREDBULLS

SECAUCUS, NJ (May 20, 2009) – New York Red Bulls defender Carlos Johnson underwent successful surgery last night to repair a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot. The Open Reduction Internal Fixation procedure was performed by Dr. David Levine at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, NY. Johnson will be out for an indefinite amount of time.

Johnson sustained the injury on Saturday, May 16 in the Red Bulls’ 1-1 tie against the Houston Dynamo after a tackle from Houston’s Stuart Holden in the 21st minute and had to be substituted out of the game. Johnson has played in six games for New York, starting in five and tallying one assist.

That indefinite amount of time has been estimated in the 6-8 week range (or roughly around the time of the LA Galaxy game in the swamp). Meanwhile, Jeremy Hall is expected to see extended minutes over the next month and a half. If Hall becomes a valuable commodity to the Bulls form, it will all be for the better of the team when Johnson comes back, creating a valuable RB tandem that could conceivably be dangerous with either piece included. This may work out well for the development of Hall, and the depth of the defensive unit (how is that for sugar coating a bad situation?).

Share your thoughts below.

Dave, great job on the blog, but no on is saying anything about the health updates of several players. Sassano? Palacio? Care to shed some light?

Though I am not the teams trainer, and am definitely not in Florida, I will try my best:

- Michael Palacio is trying to fight for a spot with the forwards. But first, he has to recover from that surgically repaired knee. Now, reports were that coming into camp, Palacio felt near 100%, but had a set back, and is taking it easy on the knee this week. He is expected to be competing further next week.

- Another forward with knee issues is Oscar Echeverry, who was and still is rehabbing.

- And the knee virus has also hindered Terry Boss, who is rehabbing as well.

- Luke Sassano was playing hurt throughout the playoffs last year from a high ankle sprain to (if memory serves) his right knee. He is going through light training.

- If you recall, the team took a huge hit during the playoffs as well when the Kiwi half of the Boyens/Jimenez combo fell injured. Well, Andrew Boyens has taken the offseason to let his left forearm heal, and it seems RB medical still isn’t happy with the progress. Though Boyens will be taking part in drills and such, he is still about 2-3 weeks away from contact play.

- Seth Stammler was spotted in Florida, and is back with the team doing some light training.

Does that help? Did I miss anyone?

Ill be around later guys and gals. Have a great day.

I don’t know if I am posting this because of that hilarious picture supplied by Englands “Independent” (that poverty jersey is f’n classic!), or just laziness, but yes. Ronaldo is already being linked to the Red Bulls and their Portuguese rich neighborhood.

*yawn*

On top of that, the Independent takes the usual swipes expected when an overseas outlet discusses MLS

Major League Soccer is on the look-out for another marquee signing and Ronaldo would fit the bill. His ability should compensate for his lack of fitness in a league where effort is more prevalent than class.

“After all the sacrifices I’ve made, I want to end my career on a high note,” Ronaldo said in September. “My big motivation is the love I have for football. This entire battle I’m enduring because of my injury will only be worth it when I return.” New York, whose Red Bulls are building a new stadium close to a large Brazilian-Portuguese community, beckons.

*sigh*

What else can I say? Seriously. Every year, the same story. So I will leave this up to you guys – enjoy destroying the latest fatty to RB rumor (you know you like that rhyme).

Here is whats happening in the world of the Bulls:

+ Details have emerged on the nature of the Macoumba Kandji transfer package. The transfer fee? A meager 25k. But the big money for both Kandji and the Silverbacks comes if the Bulls decide to sign their standout long term. In that case, 150k will be paid to the Silverbacks for his rights over two seasons. Not a bad deal for the 6′4″ Kandji if he is what we are expecting him to be.

+ Speaking of Giants, the older brother of Kevin Boss, Terry Boss, will now be sharing the same field (just on a different day is all). Terry Boss is a USL-2 keeper with an excellent track record this year. He will basically take the 4th keeper spot vacated by Fat Cat Thornton. 4 keepers on a limited roster seems to be alot, but the Bulls are enjoying depth this season in all positions and are therefore able to think forward to next seasons battle for starting keeper.

+ Rounding up this weeks signings is Matt Mbuta from Crystal Palace. Yea, the same Crystal Palace that ousted the Bulls from US Open competition (and I was really hoping for a Red Bulls v. Roger Federer final . . . ). Mbuta is an attacking winger from Cameroon. Speedy and with a good eye for the passing lane, Mbuta has been signed to a developmental deal (what a steal!). My thinking is that when Dane Richards is not in our lineup, we lose a speedy offensive threat to the wing. Mbuta can help cushion that loss or simply add another speedy threat as a late game sub that will continue the right sided attack in a similar manner, without losing too much of the threat. Though it took cutting local boy Chris Megaloudis to get the deal done, it may actually be the wisest move for the Bulls at this time.

+ For those keeping score, the Osorio signings are now at 10 for the season: Kandji, Rojas, Pietravallo, Cichero, Mbuta, Boyens, Thornton, Sainey Tourey, Diego Jimenez and Terry Boss. Living up to that offseason hype . . .

+ Now, as the team continues to add talent and evolve, something negative had to come along at some point. And it did. 2008 stand out Dave Van Den Bergh may miss as many as 4 games with a sports hernia. He has gone to Germany to get the situation taken care of.

+ And here is another player loss to lament: Johnny Exantus. Now who is Johnny X? For many of the Red Bulls hardcore faithful, Johnny X represented a home grown talent, who worked his way through the Red Bulls Academy with flying colors, and was destined for a roster spot with the senior squad.

But slow down. Johnny X has now signed on with the Belgium 4th Division side, Royal Racing Football Club Montegnée.

Now, it is possible that JX read the tea leaves and saw what the future held – Angel, Kandji, Magee, possibly Henry on the horizon – and where would that leave the young prospect? Playing time would be at a premium for years to come. In light of that, playing time with a Belgian 4th division side is better than nothing.

MLS needs to expand their salary cap and roster count. Losing a quality prospect like JX to the wilderness of Belgium does not speak well for the league.

+ And finally – rumblings of a postponed Colombus / Red Bulls encounter have been quelled. The remnants of Hurricane Ike may have hit hard, but it won’t prevent this fixture from taking place on time. So for those (like myself) who love watching Angel and Schelotto go at it like the old days, you will have your chance.

To quote a legendary duck,”Ah Phooey!” How that elbow deserves two games is beyond me. Perhaps the league is reprimanding Cichero so harshly due to Dichios health history? Who knows. I am grasping for answers to that one.

To make matters a tad worse? Andrew Boyens, who filled in admirabley in an injured Jeff Parke’s shoes this weekend, will be honored with a possible cap with the New Zealand MNT. Obviously, he will be out of action. Notch another blow to the backline.

Top it off with the up in the air status of Jeff Parke, and one has to wonder who will be starting for the Bulls in the back 3 (or 4). When in doubt, go to the safe bet in Mr. Versatility, Seth Stammler. Considering Mendes recent good play, a combination of Pietravallo and Mendes would be capable of handling starting duties. In this worst case scenario, stick Stammler between Goldthwaite and Leitch, with the aforementioned CDM duo. Theoretically, they would be sound one game tactics for an important game. Regardless, with the potential losses to our backline, one would be hesitant to bet on the home team. Thankfully, a bit of depth in the CDM department can help patch up the teams holes (yes, I said depth!).

Will the ridiculous loss of Cichero on the red and the MNT duties of Boyens be enough to sink this surging squad? Share your thoughts.

- Would Jeff Cunningham be the cure for our goal scoring needs up top? Would he be a good fit with Angel’s game? If you are day dreaming, not so fast. Cunningham’s baggage has ruled him out of the Red Bulls plans, so says King Blogger Ives. A Cunningham signing, especially in light of TFC’s current scoring woes, would have been a grasp of desperation by the organization. Letting his 99 goals pass the team by is a move I actually agree with. In the stage the Bulls are currently at, any disruption to their chemistry, especially one that carries the ego load that Cunningham is sure to bring, will put another stag on the growth of the squad. By not biting, Red Bull shows that yes, they are desperatefor a striker, but not stupid.

- And speaking of that growing chemistry, another piece has been added to the puzzle this week. Get this: Diego Jimenez, after haggling for better pay with the Bulls for quite some time, has accepted a developmental deal.</ Yes. Those are the guys that get paid 12-17k a year to play pro ball. It makes you wonder if the Bulls are at least going to shack the guy up!

- Peter Betts, a reserves coach in England for the Haverhill Rovers Reserves, is coming here for a stint to train the Red Bulls Youth Academy players. The coach seems to have quite the resume. You can read more about it here.

- Finally, Hunter Freeman has been linked to Norwegian side IK Start. Fellow American, Clarence Goodson, is already featured on the now relegated division 2 team. Hey- I am a big fan of Hunter, and am pretty dissappointed to see his minutes being reduced, and his Olympic spot being taken by Marvell Wynne. Hunter is a player of great possibility – great size and talent to work with there. Though I wouldnt expect a move before the seasons end, a trip to Norway during the winter months is always a possibility.

image credit: espndeportes.com

Wordpress > Blogspot. (Getting shut down for non existant spam stinks.)

After over 2 weeks of silence, Red Bulls Reader, the official RBNY blog, has relocated to a much better blogging system (Wordpress - which is our vehicle of choice) thanks to the recommendation of a certain humble Red Bulls blogger.

Go check em out. They really do a great job, and, besides filtering out the cursing, they do provide a great forum for discussion, debate or just general bitching.

redbullsreader.wordpress.com

According to Brian Lewis at the NY Post, Eche will go under the knife for season ending knee surgery. This leaves the forward options extremely thin up top – with Wolyniec and Megaloudis being the top forward options (since Magee seems to be considered a midfielder now adays).

The Bulls have tried everything to fill the striker spot, to no avail. George Welcome’s discovery claim, owned by New England, has stalled that situation to a halt. Brazilian Andre Borges, as Lewis reports, has been less than impressive. And Caraccio, the Argentine forward from Houston, isnt the big forward JCO is looking for.

The striker spot looks thinner than ever. And even the loss of the Special Ed Player of the Year, Oscar Echeverry, further impacts situations. The Bulls venture into another exhausting search for a forward who hasnt already been compromised by an MLS team begins. I am smelling a Pescadito.

image: enlajugada.com