For the answer, look no further than Mike Petke. In a year that can be described as nothing short of a disaster, Petke has lead by example in the back field, desperately trying to right the course of a franchise that tapped out on the playoffs months ago.

This weekend, Petke will be honored for his hard work and perseverance alongside Juan Pablo Angel in a post game ceremony for breaking into the MLS’s top 10 minutes played list. He was kind enough to share his thoughts on this distinct honor, the 2009 season and his career moving forward.

DM – Last we spoke, you expressed how happy you are that your career has come full circle, and you have found yourself once again in a New York kit. This weekend, the Red Bulls will be honoring you with a post game ceremony to commemorate your latest accomplishment, breaking into the MLS’s top 10 all time minute leaders. What does this achievement mean to you?

I would gladly change with whoever is at the number 100 position in this category if it meant that we (Red Bulls) were preparing for the playoffs. And that is the truth. With that being an impossibility, I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t happy to be in the top ten in this category. One thing that I never did throughout my career was to think that my spot was guaranteed. Even when I was at my best or hurting with an injury, I never took it for granted or wanted to be in the trainers room. That is why I respect guys like Juan Pablo Angel and John Wolyniec so much. They are cut from the same cloth as me in that category. When they go down like they have recently, you know they are really hurting. So what this accomplishment means to me is that I have battled and lasted for twelve years without ever giving up.

Is the accomplishment at all soured by the fact that the team has struggled so mightily this season?

Like I said before, I would gladly give this up if it meant that we were off to the playoffs. So yes, absolutely it sours it tremendously.

I have thought about what happened to us this season constantly. Thank god my wife is a former player and as competitive as me or else she might have left a long time ago. The one thing that I cannot let go of is this. I have played on a few “BAD” teams in my 12 years and the truth is that we WERE bad. We simply didn’t have quality players. With this team, across the board we have talent. And that’s what I can’t seem to let go of. One of the worst things that you can do is to waste talent. And that’s what we did this year.

What do you feel caused such a talented team to waste its potential?

You can’t put your finger on just 1 thing. It was many, many things from EVERYONE. Obviously I am not going to disclose any locker room info. At the end of the day we ALL need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we did everything possible that we could have. And if we are honest with ourselves then it can only help us moving forward.

Any words for former Top 10er, Mark Chung, as you pass your ex teammate?

Hey Mark, how are the Mona Vie sales doing?

Looking back on this season, and your career, would you be content hanging up the cleats now, or do you feel that one last hurrah, with a more successful season, playing in a new stadium, would be the proper way to close out the Mike Petke years?

Hanging up the cleats is the farthest thing on my mind. If I was somewhere else, like say Colorado last year, then even though I know that I still have a lot left to give, I might be considering moving on. However, you have to understand how I feel about playing in my hometown for this organization. Whether you call it the Red Bulls or Metrostars makes no difference to me. I plan on being on the field next season to help right the ship and I plan on being involved with the organization until the day I leave this world in some capacity. Only time will tell what capacity that will be.

How long until we can all be referring to you with the monicker of “General Manager” or “Communications Director” somewhere in the MLS? In other words – would you be willing to trade in the shorts for a suit?

Wow, you really know how to flatter someone. I will say this; I am looking no further than MLS cup 2010! As far as next year goes, I wouldn’t trade my shorts for anything short of my wife and kids good health. That’s how committed I am.

The 4-5-1 – big fan or HATE IT?

I don’t hate it, however you have to have the right team in order to play it. Having a lone striker is extremely difficult unless 10 others are on board and understand there roles to a T.

FILL IN THE BLANK: 2009 would have been a better year for this team if ____________

We didn’t go and Fuck up a great opportunity!

You have made Metro Bull history a few times, but tell me what your specific favorite and least favorite memories are playing for the New York franchise:

Top 3 in each. Here we go.

FAVORITE:

3. Adolfo Valencias goal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conf
Championship in 2000 in Chicago. MLS CUP here we come.
2. Scoring the first goal of the 1999 season to beat the crew 1-0
and thinking we were a great team.
1. Being drafted to NY in 1998.

LEAST FAVORITE:

3. 10 seconds after that goal realizing it was called offside. Chicago advances
2. 1999 SEASON!
1. Being traded a few days before Christmas, 2002. Although it was for the best at that time, it absolutely crushed me.

The Red Bulls will be closing out their Giants Stadium years this weekend against Toronto FC.

img credit: Mike Stobe/Getty Images for New York Red Bulls

I had the opportunity to pick Nick’s brain on his first professional season, which has definitely been a unique experience for a young guy to go through. Here are 10 Questions with Nick Zimmerman:

++++++++++++++

1- Nick, when you were announced a Red Bull at the draft, the team was coming off of an MLS Cup appearance. What did you see your role being on the team as opposed to where you are now?

Actually, I don’t think the role has changed as much as the expectations have changed. When I was lucky enough to get drafted, I wanted to work as hard as I could to learn and make the team. My goal then was to do anything I could do to help the team – play any position and to keep learning and developing as the team could best use me. I still feel the same way now with the same goal. However, I think some of the fun I have when I attack has shown in the games and there is now an expectation for me to be involved in an attacking style of play.

2- Have you ever been through as difficult period in a season as you have this year?

No one is satisfied with the results of our team so far and everyone is working hard to get this changed around. We all hate to lose and no one gets used to it. As this is my first year as a professional, the coaches and my other teammates have helped me to transition from college.

3- Why do you feel it took so long for you to get noticed?

I am grateful to the Red Bulls for drafting me and giving me a fair chance to make the team. I came from a less publicized Division 1 college team that didn’t have a great deal of success while I was there despite some good players and coaching. If Coach Osorio and his staff hadn’t selected me, I wouldn’t be here now. So I appreciate the chance to play in MLS and I look at each practice and game as a chance to contribute and opportunity to continue to learn and improve.

4- That leads me to my next question. Recently, Coach Osorio has been rumored to be on the chopping block. What has your experience with the coach been so far this season?

Coach Osorio has been very supportive and I appreciate the chances he has given me to be on the field. He has also worked hard with me in practice.

5- Did you ever see yourself winning Dane Richards starting job when you were first drafted?

No, I’ve never thought in those terms and I don’t think this has happened as Dane and I have both started at the same time. We have a lot of talented players all of whom are professional and who can start at any time and who have started this year. Who starts is a function of what the coach is trying to achieve on the field based on availability of players and playing style of opponent.

6- In your eyes, who are the team leaders and what are they saying to the club as RBNY continues to suffer through devastating losses?

All the veterans have been vocal in trying to get us back to a winning mentality and I keep learning from them.

7- Who has been most instrumental in helping your development?

There has been a bunch of players. It seems like each teaches me something and shows me ways to improve from training between games to positioning in the field.

8 – People look at you as one of the few bright spots on the team moving forward. What has your first season in New York treated you?

The fans have been great and they really know soccer. It is good that their expectations are high as they should be. It is a tremendous opportunity to play in New York. As a player, I need to do everything I can to justify the support of the fans.

9- What have you learned so far in your first year as a professional athlete?

To always stay focused. Soccer is my first love but it’s also now my profession. I have an obligation to the Red Bulls, MLS and most importantly to the fans to put my best effort into preparation and then to play well when I am on the field.

10 – Finally, what are your personal and team goals as the season winds down?

Stay focused, keep learning, improving and try to contribute in any way I can.

“It feels good, you know, it feels very good,” said a beaming Kandji. ‘It’s going to boost my confidence, help me work harder and want it more.”

As we have touched on the past few weeks, the clear-cut chemistry between Kandji and Angel is something that Bulls fans are very excited about. And their combined threat was a major part of this weekends win. “(Juan Pablo Angel) is a veteran. I learn a lot from him, and we talk a lot,” he explained. “He told me that this is a partnership, and that we need to work hard for each other. Every time I get the ball, I put my eyes up and look for him. Every time he gets it, he does the same. And we are starting to connect a lot, so hopefully it is going to keep growing more and more.”

It is the kind of partnership Angel has been missing since Jozy Altidore left to Spain. Now, with a strong capable partner, and crossing threats in Pacheco and Johnson, the Red Bulls seem to have found that scoring threat that has been missing for months.

Kandji was quick to point out the effect a change in strategy did for the teams attack. “There was high pressure all over the field and we worked very hard at that in practice. We came out and showed it.” And though happy with the results, he was very close to the vest when asked about the continuance of the strategy. “That was a new style, but you never know. Coach could change the formation (against Houston), so we will see.”

One of the biggest attributes often associated with Kandji is his focus. Even in the face of the teams on field successes, Kandji’s keeps his mind on the bigger picture. “We need some wins man, we need some wins,” he exclaimed. “We need some wins starting with this past home game. We came out and we showed that we wanted it more than anybody. And we are going to do that again on Saturday. One game at a time.”

*******

Of course, I couldn’t let Kandji go without the universally asked question: Would he join the US Mens National Team if given the opportunity. “Yes, I mean, everything is open. Actually, Senegal called me again the day before yesterday,” he said. “Gambia is also interested too. I have a lot of options.”

But his mind remains on the season. “Senegal didn’t make it to the African Cup or the World Cup qualifiers so I can still concentrate on the club, you know? I’ll score some goals and help my team win and later on, we will see what is going to happen.” And I am sure Bulls fans everywhere would be quite content with that.

AP PHOTO: MIKE STOBLE GETTY IMAGES

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.”

His arrival to the Red Bulls was celebrated at Nevada Smiths earlier in the year by 100’s of RB faithful. But already 8 games into the season, Petke has only seen the pitch twice, starting once at home and on the road.

I had a chance to catch up with Petke and ask him his thoughts on the Red Bulls current form, and his return home:

* * * * *

DAVE: If one thing was made perfectly clear this weekend, it has to be “Petke = Wins.” Thoughts?

MIKE PETKE: If Petke equals Wins, then I would have 12 MLS Cup rings…

What was the biggest difference in the teams turnaround this week? Besides you of course . . .

Partnering Mac Kandji up front with JPA really made a difference. Even though we have pushed our outside midfielders up top like wingers in past games, JPA has pretty much been alone up there. It doesn’t matter how great a player JPA is, you can’t expect him to do the work of 2 for 90 minutes. Albert Celades was another huge difference. He makes the game look so easy to play.

This was your first start at Giant Stadium in over 6-7 years. Though it may have taken a bit longer than you would have liked, what was the experience like for you?

It was great to suit up for NY again after all these years. My career has come full circle and I am very happy about that.

Though you were part of a successful win, the season hasn’t started out as you had planned, watching a lot of games from the bench. How disappointed, if at all, are you with your lack of playing time this season?

Of course I have been unhappy with my lack of playing time. As a highly competitive person it has been tough to swallow. But Coach Osorio is going to make the decisions that HE feels are right. The one thing that I wasn’t going to do was go into his office everyday to bitch and complain because the Red Bulls are much bigger than Mike Petke. That’s not to say that I didn’t have a few talks with him. I just kept working hard in practice and was happy to get the start against SJ, because I earned it.

How painful was sitting out the DC game?

Sitting out the DC game wasn’t any more painful than sitting out the other games. I want to be a part of every game, scrimmage and competition that we have.

Was it a tactical decision to sit you or were you chained up in Osorios doghouse?

What I was told by coach is something between him and I, although I can say that I am not aware of any Dog House.

Do you see yourself picking up more starts again after this weekend?

I hope I am starting this weekend but as I said before, coach Osorio is going to do what HE feels is best for the team. At the end of the day I may not like the decision but that is how life is sometimes.

Finally, what is it going to take to sustain a winning culture throughout this season for the Red Bulls?

I don’t feel that there is any secret ingredient to winning. As long as every player on the team is committed to playing their role, and not taking any short cuts or making excuses, then winning should come. The minute that players look for shortcuts, or pass off responsibility, or more importantly do not give everything they have for the team, that is when the downfall comes.

(Photo by Robert Giroux/Getty Images)

Enjoy!

Red Bulls Iron Chef – Alfredo Pacheco from Dave Martinez on Vimeo.

By Reader Request, Alfredo Pacheco shows El Salvador fans some love.

Red Bulls Iron Chef – Jorge Rojas and Osorio from Dave Martinez on Vimeo.

Osorio calls out Rojas Team for cheating the timer

Red Bulls Iron Chef II – Caballos Viejos Serve the Judges from Dave Martinez on Vimeo.

Caballos Viejos serve the judges

Red Bulls Iron Chef – Osorio Serves The Judges from Dave Martinez on Vimeo.

Osorio serves the judges

Red Bulls Iron Chef – Tres Jefes, Jeff Agoos, Get a Boobie Prize from Dave Martinez on Vimeo.

Agoos and Company are awarded for their, ahem, cooking skills.

Red Bulls Iron Chef – Osorio talks healthy living, cereal from Dave Martinez on Vimeo.

Osorio talks healthy living and cereal (inside joke – check here for the cereal reference.)

Red Bulls Iron Chef – Rojas nearly burns Mbuta from Dave Martinez on Vimeo.

Rojas nearly burns Mbuta. Seriously. Keep your eye on the left side.

Red Bulls Iron Chef – Osorio jokes around some from Dave Martinez on Vimeo.

Osorio Can’t Cook

How long was the loan deal? Try one day.

TheOffside has learned Matt Mbuta’s game with the Richmond Kickers, a full 90 minute affair, was a one time deal. “Since I wasn’t on the A team last week, the coach decided to get me some time on the pitch,” explained Mbuta. “It was just for the weekend.”

Matt hopes that his efforts on the practice pitch and with the Kickers can translate to a larger role with the Bulls. “I am just waiting for the Coach to give me a chance, but I will come in here and continue to do what I have to do.”

So I guess Mbuta is still a right sided option for the Red Bulls. Share your thoughts on this below.

Well, I had the chance to catch up with Caleb to discuss his new career move, his time with the Red Bulls, how he found himself in USL-1, and the New York fan base (and boy does he love you guys).

Here is what the man had to say:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DM: The last we heard, you were fighting for the third string keeper spot with Terry Boss. Then, like a light switch, you were off the squad. All of a sudden, you have a stellar preseason game for the Carolina Railhawks and people were left scratching their heads. What happened in those final days as a Red Bull?

CALEB: I was in Denmark and had a lot of interest there but I spoke with Jeff (Agoos) and came back to the NYRB for preseason and we all decided it was best if I were to go and get games. I didn’t want to sit around for another year. I think as a young keeper you need to be playing games. I had a great time working with Des (McAleenan, Goalkeeper Coach). He helped me like no other He’s the best in America by far, but its all about the games.

How much of a factor did playing time and salary fit into your decision?

Playing time was the only reason for me wanting to move. I’m not really bothered about money right now but the opportunity to play games was huge.

Will you still be in contact with the Bulls?

I will speak with Jeff (Agoos) again at the end of the season as they will be monitoring me down here….sort of like what Danny (Cepero) did.

How did you find yourself with the Carolina Railhawks?

I know Martin Rennie very well and he is the Head coach here. I’ve played for him before, and he spoke for some time with Des and then I came to see the facilities here and signed. The facilities are outstanding here.

Best moment as a Red Bull?

Playing against Barcelona in a packed house was awesome. Something I’ll never forget.

Worst moment as a Red Bull?

Losing the final, just sitting there on the bench looking at the other team celebrate was terrible.

Even as a non-starter for the team, you made a lot of friends with the Red Bulls, especially amongst the ESC and other supporters and fans. Any departing words for them?

The fans that I got to know were awesome, great people and always friendly. I would say that NY has the best fans in the league and very loyal. I remember being in Houston for the second leg of the playoffs and from the bench you could look straight ahead and see loads of fans that traveled (to the game). It was great for the boys.

img credit: Getty Images

We recently spoke to Caleb to put any speculation to rest:

DAVE: You are currently training at the Danish Club Aarhus. This has already sparked talk about you moving overseas. Is it training alone or is this a trial?

CALEB: This is just training. I trained a few years ago at Watford during the offseason in the USL to keep fit and this team was needing a keeper to train for a few days so it worked out well for me. I want to be in New York so there was never any question about that.

D – Why Aarhus?

C – I have friends there and also my agent is from there, I had been training somewhere else and had asked if it were possible to train up there and it worked out.

D – So when do you plan on coming back to New York?

C – I arrive on the 17th about a week before the actual preseason training starts. It will give me time to settle in again.

D - Though it is still very early, do you have any indication from the front office as to your roll on the team this season?

C - Not as of yet. I’ve just been asked to come back again this year. I want to be as prepared as I can be, that’s why I took time to go and train. I’m happy to do what’s asked of me. There’s a lot of competition in the GK area with Jonny coming back and obviously Danny was great last year. Also Terry comes back from injury so its important to be ready whenever called upon.

D – Your thoughts on the recent trade of Dave Van Den Bergh and Mike Magee

C – Obviously (Dave) was a great player for us and a great guy so in that sense it was sad to see him go, but everyone will respect his reasons for going, and I hope he does really well. He’s a top guy.

I think Mike will do well. He’s great on the ball and a crafty player. Everyone will wish him well I’m sure.

Nearly 2 months ago, I interviewed the Red Bulls newest acquisition, Macoumba Kandji, in downtown Manhattan. I was never able to post this thing up, thanks to wordpress forcing me to re-transcribe the interview twice (thanks for crashing on me pals). In doing so, I found that most of the questions were kind of timeless, so it won’t read like a sports illustrated article from last year.

Anyhow, hurray for non current event questions.

For your near new years enjoyment, I give you, “Big Mac” Kandji:

This interview took place 2 weeks after Mac Kandji’s signing. We are sitting outside of the posh Argie hotspot, Novocento, taking in the nightlife of the big city:

DAVE: So here we are Mac! The big city! Lights, the people, the sites . . . how does it feel to move from Atlanta to the Capital of the World?

MAC: Oh man, it feels good, you know? I don’t know that many people here yet, but so far so good. And its definitely alot different from Atlanta, alot different. A lot of people man, walking by all the time, and the movement, the weather is a little colder. Definitely a lot different than Atlanta.

DAVE: Speaking of differences, how has the transition been for you thus far moving from USL to MLS?

MAC: The transition has been great, though alot of people thought it would be a little bit tough. The USL and the MLS is not that much different, you know? USL, of course, is a little more physical. MLS is alot, alot more technical. So coming in here with the style that I play, I think I fit in right away.

DAVE: Who has helped you the most getting adjusted to your new environment among your teammates?

MAC: You know, most of the guys have. The guys I sit next to, they all help me get adjusted to the team. Leitch and Roth, plus, I know Sainney Tourey, and Matt Mbuta – we stay in the same hotel you know? So I hang out with them, and its relaxing to be with them in the lockerroom.

DAVE: You must have been excited then with Mbuta’s goal?

MAC: Oh ya, we connected that day. He passed it to me, I give it to him back, he finished it, so we were all very excited for him. . . .

DAVE: Hey, and it was also your first MLS assist!

MAC: Ya definitely. I just have to get the first goal now.

DAVE: Well, let’s speak about your placement on the team. First, they featured you on the strike, then on the wing. Where would you prefer to be?

MAC: Uh, I prefer to play forward but I can play both positions. Whatever the coach wants to do, I’ll play there. But I do like playing forward better.

DAVE: And as a forward, do you like playing centrally, or more of a wing type attack style?

MAC: Ya, I prefer playing on the wingside, like a left forward, so I can cut in the right side. I can play on the right side too, because you can hit a ball from there. But the center, I like center. But I don’t like showing my back to the defender all the time, so I prefer the sides.

DAVE: Better perspective?

MAC: Ya definitely. You get a clear look at the ball and the defender.

DAVE: And the new Coach, Juan Carlos Osorio. How has it been playing for him thus far?

MAC: He’s been great. He is a world class coach, you know? And just watching from the drills he does, he is amazing. Everyday, everyday I am learning something new. So from what I have seen him doing, I am here to learn as much as I can, you know? The coach has been great.

DAVE: Now you are only on a temporary loan deal, where they will evaluate you for next year. What are you hoping happens?

MAC: I mean, I would like to play in the MLS, but if my luck is not here, I would have to move on, but either way, I would like to give the MLS a chance.

DAVE: Excellent. And how have the fans received you so far?

MAC: Oh man, the fans have been great man, the fans have been great.

DAVE: You know they were a big part of you being here with a strong internet clamor for your signing . . .

MAC: Yea yea yea ya, definitely. I didn’t see that, but my father saw it, and told me alot about it, you know? But they have been great so far. They have been showing me alot of love and I really appreciate that.

DAVE: Moving on, and in conclusion, let’s speak about international play. Accumulated any caps yet?

MAC: No, no not yet . . .

DAVE: Well, I guess that puts you up for grabs then!

MAC: Ya! Well, I am from Senegal originally, and they called me into the country, but I wasn’t able due to some paper issues as my papers are pending.

DAVE: But if you could, you would?

MAC: Well, ya, its still open. I mean, I would play for the US too . . . I could play for Gambia, Senegal or the US. Either way, I am just open for anything. Whatever international team talks to me, I would have to think about it and make the best of it.

*** At this point, a homeless fellow is walking down the street in front of this posh night spot where we are chatting, and begins singing to Mac. Once he is done with his song, he shuffles back into the crowd ***

DAVE: I think that was your official welcoming party into New York!

MAC: Ha. Thank you, thank you!

DAVE: Definitely a good introduction to the city.

MAC: Ha ha absolutely!

Big Mac is a valuable commodity for this team looking forward. Much like a young Altidore a few years back, Kandji exudes the kind of positivity and confidence necessary to make it to the next level. Hopefully, he will be a key part of the Red Bulls attack next season.