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

He was a pioneer for United States soccer. Following the “Golden Era” of American Soccer from 1990-1995, Reyna was one of the first youngsters to emerge as a steady bridge from the old guard to the new. As a matter of fact, he was groomed to surplant Tab Ramos (Metro Legend) as the midfield general. And did he ever.

He was a member of four World Cup teams, from 1994 – 2006. He was part of two Olympic teams, in 1992 and 1996. He also became the first American to Captain a major foreign team while playing in the Bundesliga (Wolfsburg, on loan from Bayern Leverkusen). Afterwards, he went on to Captain three other name sides – Glasgow Rangers, Sunderland and Manchester City. Not an easy accomplishment. Especially when your the first.

He was the first American to achieve first team status in the 2002 World Cup All Tournament Team. His play quickly made him a beloved figure throughout Europe – especially in the English and Scottish circles. This opened the doors of the European market to American field players, where traditionally, goalkeepers were considered America’s only valuable or risk worthy export.

After his international retirement in 2006, the idea of giving back to his country and playing at home in a MLS seemed the logical thing to do – especially since he is a Jersey boy, and his life time Coach, Bruce Arena, was manning the ship of the New York side. But we all know how that tale has turned out. Turf became an issue. Tempers between coach and player flared. Health was a constant concern. Many have even said that Reyna hasn’t been the same since that huge Dane Richards collision last season. Whatever the case, his time as the Red Bulls marquee Designated Player have been marred by injuries, missed games and crushed expectations.

Sadly, Reyna leaves the Red Bulls experiment much like Youri Djorkaeff before him – limping, and in a cloud of controversy. Red Bull fans have spent the better part of 16 months lamenting the fact the coveted DP slot had been filled by a walking injury case.

Nevertheless, though Bulls fans still feel the sting of this signing (27 appearances, 0 goals), and its failed potential, Reyna’s legacy as “Captain America” will subdue any negativity related to his New York stay. He was a trailblazer for a country shunned by the footballing community. He paved the way for future Americans with his talent and exploits. He will live on as one of the greatest, most valuable players in the history of American Soccer. You can count on that.

Reyna is holding a press conference today at 2pm to make all of this official. I will get you the details as I find them.

SO FAR – A .500 SEASON

When we were doing our preseason preview, I predicted the Bulls to be 1 game above the .500 mark for the season. A third of the way in, that is exactly where they sit. I even qualified my prediction by stating that, without any solid signings, this average would perpetuate throughout the season – and I continue to stand by that.

Now, more than ever, three quality signings are needed to shore up this teams deficiencies and make it competitive. And those signings must be for every section of the pitch. “El Tin” Delgado is riding the bench for Libertadores Finalist Quito. He may be a forward option. Jorge Rojas of Venezuela would be an excellent midfield addition. A Chris Innes would complete our backline, which is in desperate need of a helper for Parke. Hell, with Jozy gone, why not make a run at Brian McBride (so long as he doesnt cost us DP cash . . . )!

The fact remains, if this team does not add key pieces during this summer window, they will continue to flounder and float above and below the .500 mark.

JUAN CARLOS OSORIO

So what have we learned about Juan Carlos Osorio thus far? Well, alot. Here is the skinny:

THE GOOD – Osorio faced alot of injuries early on in the season, so his coaching prowess would be immediately needed to right the ship. Throughout the season, the Bulls have had Echeverry, Angel, Altidore, Dane Richards, Hunter Freeman, Eric Brunner, Dave Van Den Bergh, Seth Stammler, Dave Roth, Jeff Parke and Luke Sassano at some point or another, injured, unavailable, red carded – you name it, its happened.

Through the worst of situations, he kept the teams head above water, immediately differentiating himself from his predecessor Bruce Arena. Osorio is a defensive tactician who does not accept the occasional “brain farts” in the backline that leads to goals. A good example of this is with Chris Leitch – after turning his back to a shot on the wall that lead to a set piece goal for New England, Osorio tore Leitch apart in front of his teammates and made a simple point – he will not accept such gaffes on his team. That type of intensity has made players like Leitch and Goldthwaite better and important, where last year under Arena, they were everyones favorite goats. The team also seems to be in constant form on the field – rarely breaking formation or looking lost in their assignments. Bottom line? He has proven that his coaching techniques and tactics makes the most of the pieces he has to deal with. A lessor coach would have lost the season with all those injuries compiling so early in the season.

THE BAD – His player management has been superb. But acquisitions continue to be a sour point. The Bulls have trotted out trialist after trialist to their camp in hopes of a gem signing, and nothing has been accomplished. Lider Marmol is in Chicago. Wilman Conde is as well. Chris Innes went back to Scotland. Our top draft pick Eric Brunner skipped town. Guillermo Imhoff rode off into the sunset. Matt Kassell turned down an RBNY developmental deal after being in our system for years. Jose De Jesus Mendoza – meh. Thats 0 for 7, and clearly not good enough. With our key acquisitions this season being Andrew Boyens and Big Cat Thornton, one would have to question where this team will be able to maneuver as the season progresses.

THE UGLY – 4-5-1. The dreaded formation. It seems to have become the teams formation of choice, home and away. My theory is that this system, created to keep games close and either produce a tie or a counter attack goal for wins, will be in place until some new pieces arrive via the summer window. If no new pieces arrive, then its 4-5-1 all year long.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

10 games into the season, and barring a ridiculous red card, Jeff Parke has been the glue to our make shift back line. Who in their right mind would have believed last season that a Chris Leitch, Kevin Goldthwaite, Jeff Parke and Hunter Freeman line up would be enough to stifle many attacks (sans Chicago of course)? Credit Osorio for the coaching aspect, but credit Jeff Parke for being their backfield general. He has taken a vocal leadership role, and is constantly looking over out for his defensive partners (just look at Andrew Boyens against Chivas). Without Jeff Parke manning the back line, the team would most likely be in a far worse state of affairs.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Mike Magee or Claudio Reyna fit this category like a glove. Unlike many Reyna retractors, I feel that his presence in the line up stabilizes our midfield. Just look at the mess it has been without him the past two games. But, his injuries have again become more frequent, and it is to that extent that Reyna has cost us. As an attacking mid in our system, he has needed time to gel with his forward counterparts, but these nagging, oft-occurring injuries keep the cogs of the offensive engine on neutral.

Mike Magee should be reaping the benefits of an injured Reyna, but given the chance, he has produced very little. Magee is one of my personal favorites on the team, but he hasn’t been able to make that impact. Of course, we are talking about a person who has not seen regular pitch action in over two years, so expectations need to be curbed a bit. But this is the opportunity to cement a spot for himself in the starting 11, and he is letting it slip away.

ROOKIE OF THE TRIMESTER

Danleigh Borman. Yes he can frustrate the hell out of fans with his crosses, that seem to have a mind of their own. But who can take 2 goals away from him? Or a very cool celebratory dance to boot? Come on now.

He is also very youthful, exuberant, and not afraid to make a mistake, which is supremely important for a rookie to be. Though the frustrations may outweigh the good so far, we may be seeing a Dane Richardsesque transformation in Bormans play moving on into the season.

KEY WIN

v. Chivas USA – After two straight losses to Chicago and Houston, the Bulls faced an early “make or break, define the season” type game against Chivas. In between the snoring and dreaming, Angel came out of nowhere with a header to seal the deal, and guarantee a win. A loss would have left the Bulls under .500.

KEY LOSS

V. Chicago Fire – The most anticipated match of this trimester, what with the well chronicled 2008 rivalry between the teams, turned out to be the biggest massacre the team has suffered in nearly 8 years. Osorio was out of the game with a red card. Van Den Bergh suffered the same fate. And the Bulls fell hard 5-1, the lone goal coming in the waning minutes by a determined Jozy Altidore.

OVERALL GRADE : C

I will give the coaching of the team an A, the management of player personnel and acquisition a D, and the players themselves, a B-. Osorio has done the best he can with his pieces, and has even adjusted his style (3-5-2) to better suit his players (4-5-1). Its up to some creative scouting and management to bring this team success moving forward.