Talk about a homecoming for Henry.  Amidst the Red Bulls struggles domestically, the Frenchman lead the first MLS team ever to compete in the annual tournament to a tie against his former club Arsenal in a gritty 1-1 draw.  After Joel Lindpere netted the lone goal in a win against PSG, New York was in position to take home the Emirates Cup trophy with just a tie needed against the English powerhouse.  And despite playing like pure dogshit against MLS competition, the Bulls rose to the occasion against superior opponents, taking it to PSG and Arsenal overseas.

While this tournament win will be seen Theirry’s time, let’s give credit where credit is due.  Not only did this team fly out to London just hours after the conclusion of the All Star game, but many then had to play two straight games without any reprieve.  Jan Gunnar Solli comes to mind as one of those grinders who went out and did his job despite the obvious fatigue that was setting in.  Much respect to those who put in 180 minutes over the two-day tourney.

Now the attention shifts back on the MLS schedule, with RSL on the tap.  When I was listening to the PSG-RBNY match, I heard the announcer say something about the Bulls winning just 12 of their last 88 road matches (correct me if I’m wrong).  Sounds about right, considering we didn’t win a match in all of ’09 away from the friendly confines of Giants Stadium.  New York are desperate for points, and there’s not much time left to do it.  Even with games at hand, New York are looking up in the Eastern standings.

Side note: I’ll be live blogging the match tonight, so stop by tonight about 8:45 and put your two cents in.

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Who is your MVP of the Emirates Cup?

The Red Bulls last two games have sent mixed messages, granted they were against very different opponents.  Taking on a rather weak Toronto squad, New York took it to Aron Winter’s squad with an emphatic 5-0 win.  Gotta say, it was pretty nice to see the offense firing on all cylinders.  Henry, Rodgers, Lindpere, and Agudelo all got on the board and all seemed right in the world of Red Bull.  Perhaps most importantly, New York posted a zero on the defensive end.  Yes, that’s right, a shut out for the Red Bulls.  Funny how in the beginning of the year, I actually had the audacity to believe that their defense prowess would hold up throughout the season; el oh el.

Then with DC into, the Scum played a rather solid game and pulled out a win courtesy of a Dwayne De Rosario goal (did you expect anything else)?  But hey, at least we got to hoist the Atlantic Cup, right? Yeah, that’s what I thought.  In a game where New York deserved to at least earn a tie, the Bulls couldn’t find a way to equalize and earn a share of the points.  And although De Ro’s goal couldn’t be blamed on poor goalkeeping, the damage had already been done throughout the balance of the year thanks to the less than stellar work of Bouna Coundoul and Greg Sutton.  With neither keeper proving to be dependable, Erik Soler made his move.

Soler delved into the depths of the Bundesliga and found German keeper Frank Rost.  At 6 foot 4, Rost combines the size of Sutton with the shot stopping ability of Bouna, but it all comes at a price.  The Red Bulls have filled their third and final DP slot to sign Rost, but it could be just what New York needs to get back on track.  At 38, Rost is hardly a spring chicken, nor in his prime.  But if goalkeepers have taught me anything, it’s that age does not define them.  You can look throughout the soccer world to see seasoned vets who still get the job done.  From the recently retired Edwin Van der Sar (40) at Man U, to Brad Friedel (40) at Tottenham, to Faryd Mondragon (40) right here in the MLS who as helped turn the Philly Bimbos into a quality team.  My only concern is how quickly Backe is throwing Rost into the fire.  After signing with the team just a few days ago, he will fly cross-country to LA and start when the Bulls take on Chivas.

What do you think of the new DP? Will the Red Bulls avenge their early season loss to Chivas?  Let me know down below.

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NEWS: There’s no place like home for the Tin Man Greg Sutton, who gets sent to back to his native Canada on loan to the Montreal Impact, his former team.

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Will the addition of Frank Rost solve RBNY’s defensive woes?

Thanks to an own goal and some inspiring football from Thierry Henry, New York finally snapped their winless streak and finally took home the full three points.  Now, before we move on to the tilt against Portland, let’s look back on winless streak.  First off, the Red Bulls were a very depleted squad for the majority of their streak and the bench depth was severely tested.  They showed fight several times in drawing with some tough competition and managed to salvage points in places where other teams may have walked away empty handed.  I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t extremely frustrated with their set piece defense and their inability to close out games, but at times like these, perspective is everything.

With the 2-1 win over the Revs, New York will now look to continue their winning ways on the road, starting with their match against Portland.  With the return of DeRo to the starting 11, the Red Bulls will have that much more of an attacking threat.  And with USA and Jamaica going at it today, the Red Bulls are guaranteed to get at least one more player back (Dane Richards or Juan Agudelo and Tim Ream).  Although the Timbers’s record isn’t all that impressive, they are certainly a team that can be dangerous when given the opportunity.  Keel and Mendes will have to be at the top of their game once again, and let’s hope Sutton doesn’t have to field any more PKs.

So fear not Red Bulls fans, the worst may now be behind us.  As with any streak, it’s important not to get to high when things are going well, and not too low on the opposite side of the spectrum.  How many points are you expecting on this road trip?  Gold Cup predictions?  Let me know down below.

Can Backe right the ship?

The three-game winning streak of last month seems so distant now, doesn’t it?  For that matter, so does my last blog post, but that’s neither here nor there (but apologies, nonetheless).  The Red Bulls now find themselves in a precarious situation.  They are no longer getting the results that seemed to come so easily earlier in the season, and the defense has been suspect to say the least.  The same backline (for the most part) that let in just four goals through eight games has now seen their GAA balloon thanks to poor set-piece defense.  In fact, the last six goals scored against the Red Bulls have come off set pieces.  And with the Gold Cup calling away five Red Bulls away from club duty, this coming month could be a very telling one for the future of New York’s 2011 campaign.

Well let’s take a look at what I missed.  New York disappointed at home, dropping a 3-2 decision to a surprising Chivas USA team in which Justin Braun torched the Bulls for a hat trick.  The home team showed resilience in tying the game not once, but twice, but asking for a third equalizer proved too much.  Dwayne De Rosario got his first goal in a New York uniform courtesy of a PK and captain Thierry Henry continued his hot form, slotting home a wonder pass from Rafa Marquez.  In the end, set pieces doomed New York, as Braun was the beneficiary of some sloppy defending twice on free kicks.  In one night, the Red Bulls had conceded as many goals as they had all season prior.  This game may have been written off as a fluke, if not for the events that transpired in the next few weeks.

Then came the midweek friendly against the Montreal Impact, who will become the 19^th team in MLS next year.  The team traveled north of the border on short rest, which proved to be perhaps an ill-advised move.  The first team played a solid 45 minutes, but Carl Robinson left the pitch with a knock and would not return.  The Red Bulls fell to the Impact 1-0, in what didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, until we fast-forward four days…

Where the team finds itself in Robertson Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo.  Right off the bat, Dynamo killer Dane Richards took matters into his own hands, putting the Red Bulls up inside the first minute off a blast just outside the 18.  It seemed New York were controlling the tempo of the game until Will Bruin was sprung (from what looked to be an offside position) and was off to the races.  Rafa was fooled on a cut back and took Bruin down in the box.  Dynamo captain Brad Davis stepped up and made no mistake, leveling the score at 1.  Davis again bured the Red Bulls, this time off a corner kick, where Koke tapped in a ball spilled out in front by Greg Sutton, leaving New York reeling.  But just when all hope seemed lost, everyone’s favorite midfielder stepped up big time.  Backe’s favorite supersub Mehdi Ballouchy came in for a rather ineffective Juan Agudelo and promptly tied the game in the dying minutes off of a Joel Lindpere corner (yes, Backe listened to me, again).  That’s right folks; Mehdi Ballouchy saved us from the Rapture.  So the Red Bulls avoided their first losing streak of the young season, and returned home for another quick turnaround against the defending MLS Cup Champions.

Back home at the friendly confines of Red Bull Arena, New York was hoping desperately to get back to their winning ways.  The Rapids came to town looking to capitalize on the now seemingly mortal Red Bulls.  The game led to more frustration, but some hope for future matches as well.  Some poor officiating led to the Rapids getting a PK after Roy Miller committed a foul that was CLEARLY outside the box, but the referee pointed to the spot.  Jeff Larentowicz stepped up, and Sutton parried his shot away.  However, the ricochet sat up nicely for Larentowicz and he tapped it home to put the Rapids up.  In my frustration, I ran to the bathroom cursing under my breath and wondering what has happened to my beloved Red Bulls.  As I stared at the wall, I heard the crowd roaring and cheering, and Steve Cangialosi’s goal call.  Just my luck.  Literally moments after the PK, Henry leveled the score off of a nice feed from De Ro.  However, the lead didn’t last for long, as the Red Bulls fell victim to a set piece once more.  Larentowicz stepped up to take a free kick from about 20 yards out and slammed one through the wall and past Sutton.  The set pieces continue to be the downfall of New York.  Thankfully, Luke Rodgers would have none of it.  After latching onto a Roy Miller through ball, Rodgers chipped the oncoming Matt Pickens and knotted the score.  It was the fastest four goals ever scored in Metro Bull history.  From then on, the Red Bulls dominated possession and had their chances to get the victory, but failed each time.  With just three points in their last five matches, the Red Bulls aren’t looking much like Supporters’ Shield contenders.

Now, the Gold Cup possesses and even bigger threat with Tim Ream, Agudelo, Marquez, Richards, and De Ro all leaving to represent their national teams, New York will have to turn to their bench to get some results.  Vancouver is next on the slate, where the Red Bulls will have to be on top of their game to salvage points in a hostile environment.  What is a fair expectation of points while the team is missing so many starters?  Can the Red Bulls get back on track?  Let me know in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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Remember this?

That can go plenty of ways now, can’t it?  I’m sure many of you have some choice words for Mr. Henry (I’ll let you connect the dots) and some probably have a big question on your mind (again, use your imagination), but I have just three words for the entire Red Bull organization… Get It Done.

There’s not a whole lot to say after last week’s debacle in Philly.  Same ol’ story: New York dominates possession, New York fails to find the back of the net, New York heads into the locker room disappointed.  Enough is enough.  There are literally no excuses left, none whatsoever.  Henry and Rafa Marquez have had time to gel with the team and a full preseason under their belts.  Management has traded for a legitimate number 10 in the midfield to bolster the attack.  On paper, this team is the most talented in the MLS, but that’s not gonna cut it.  I’m getting tired of “playing well enough to get the result”.  Go get those results, go score some goals, make the big play, just get it done.

Some talking points from last week:

-       Tim Ream absolutely botched the hell out of that pass, but played an otherwise strong game.  If you boo him, get your head examined.

-       Henry claimed to have an Achilles problem but says that has been a chronic injury that he’s dealt with for years, so again, no excuses.

-       New York have become adept at playing keep away, but it’s not translating into goals.  Backe’s gotta tweak something to make this offense work.

-       Mehdi Ballouchy for Juan Agudelo? No comment.

-       Disappointing match all around, especially for a derby, but I’m not ready to panic just yet.

Now, San Jose makes its triumphant return to Red Bull Arena for the first time since knocking off the Red Bulls in last year’s playoffs.  The players and coaches say they’re not out for revenge, and I say that’s a load of crap.  That last game at RBA will be on everyone’s minds, and don’t tell me they won’t be playing with a chip on their shoulder.  The Earthquakes are a solid team, boasting last year’s Golden Boot winner in Chris Wondolowski, but New York are the more complete team (stop me if you’ve heard this one before) and should bring home all three points.

Backe has discussed possibly starting Luke Rodgers up top with Henry relegating Agudelo to the bench.  I’m sorry, but in what world does that make sense?  Agudelo’s been our most dangerous player in attack, hands down.  He works hard every minute and gives defenders fits with his cutting runs.  So naturally a spot on the bench seems fitting.  I hope Backe comes to his senses and includes him in the starting 11, because if any striker deserves to take a seat, it’s Henry.

I know we’re only four games into the season, but the Red Bulls need to right the ship.  This could snowball into something much worse than it is right now, New York can’t afford to drop more points at home.  Erik Soler has done his job, he’s assembled a supremely talented group of players and put a competent leader at the helm.  There’s nothing more to say right now, there are no more excuses to make, there’s only one thing left to do; get the win, get the results, get it done.

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I read a story earlier today of how back in 2007, the Sons of Ben (Philly’s Supporters Club) sent a battalion of their fans over to Giants Stadium.  Without a team at the time, their sole purpose was to piss off Red Bull fans and just create problems in general.  Apparently, they began a chant claiming that they had won the same amount of hardware, while not even having a team, as New York had in their entire history… ouch.  There’s definitely more than just a little animosity between these two teams, and with 500+ NYRB supporters making the trip to PPL, expect a raucous environment in the crowd, and a physical game on the pitch.

With the Union sporting a 2-1-0 record through three games so far, the Red Bulls are setting out to knock them off their perch and claim a spot atop the conference.  In all likelihood, Dwayne De Rosario will get his first start playing just below the forward line, relegating Mehdi Ballouchy to the bench.  We all saw just what De Ro can do for the Red Bulls on offense in just 45 minutes of play, while not even having practiced with the team.  De Rosario will be paying a slightly different role then he did in Toronto.  With the Reds, he was constantly looked upon to play the role of provider and goal scorer.  He scored a career-high 15 goals last year, but Backe has already taken the pressure off the Canadian by saying they won’t be relying on him to put the ball in the back of the net.  De Ro does exceptionally well when simply pinging the ball around the pitch and opening up space for the forwards in front of him.  Expect Thierry Henry to greatly benefit from the added space De Ro will create (who had better find the back of the net tomorrow, the fans are getting restless…).

After disappointingly failing to record that second tally last week against Houston, Backe will have to find away to keep the pressure on the opposing defense again this week.  The Union have only given up one goal this season in their only loss of the season to the Galaxy. With Columbian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon anchoring the defense, Philly has been a tough team to solve thus far.  Granted, the Galaxy have been the only legitimate contender they’ve faced (with their wins coming against Houston and Vancouver), but don’t be surprised if the Union manage to baffle the New York offense at times.

One thing working in New York’s favor is the Union’s recent dip in form.  After dropping a 1-0 decision to Los Angeles last week, they went on to face the D.C. Scum in a U.S. Open Cup match.  The match was decided on PKs, and D.C. ultimately got the win in the end.  Nevertheless, many of the Union starters went the full 120 minutes and will likely be feeling the effects this Saturday.  With the speed of Dane Richards on the wing and De Ro creating havoc in the middle, New York should be able to take advantage of a tired Philly team.  Predictions for the game? Let me know in the comments below.

P.S. Sorry for the late post time, my flight to Chicago got delayed and I’ve been without internet.

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I gotta say, great comedic timing by both parties involved here.  Dropping the trade news on April Fools Day sure had Twitter abuzz, not to mention that I was losing my mind trying to confirm or deny the rumors.  Lo and behold, De Ro is indeed a Red Bull.  Admittedly, I was a big fan of Tchani and it’ll be tough to lose such a talented, young player in our midfield.  However, you can’t deny the quality that De Ro brings to the table.  Soler stated that he wanted to pick up a #10 that would make New York a very difficult team to beat.  The Canadian international certainly fits the bill, and has been one of the best players in the MLS in the past decade.

It has to be said however, that the Red Bulls seem to be in “win now” mode.  At age 32, De Rosario isn’t exactly a spring chicken, but I have a feeling no one will be complaining much if he’s the final piece that can make New York’s offense the formidable bunch that many envisioned it would be.  Sorry Coach Backe, but we all know that Mehdi Ballouchy just isn’t that CAM that you had hoped you were trading for last year.  Admittedly, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, but nothing substantial enough to warrant a full-time role at the top of Backe’s diamond midfield.

On the other end, De Ro has pretty much made a living as the attacking option in a four-man midfield.  He has the ability to take the scoring burden off of forwards Thierry Henry, Juan Agudelo, and/or Luke Rodgers.  Perhaps best of all, De Ro will not take up an international slot thanks to his green card, and our gracious friends north of the border are supposedly picking up a big chunk of his salary, leaving our third DP slot unfilled.

With all the commotion of the trade, we can’t lose sight of the fact that the Red Bulls still have a tilt with the Dynamo on the slate tomorrow.  De Rosario is due to land in New York some time tonight, and will be available for selection in the starting 11.  Regardless of whether he makes an appearance or not, New York will be welcoming back much of their original starting 11, who were away for international duty.  Houston have picked up just a point on the year after losing to Philly in their first game and drawing with Sounders at Qwest Field last Saturday.  With the Red Bulls back to full strength and playing in front of the home crowd, expect an impressive performance and a win from New York.

It’s still uncertain who will be starting tomorrow with Agudelo and Dane Richards coming off of serving time with their national teams.  In the future however, expect the Red Bulls to line up in a 4-1-2-1-2.  Here’s how I see the best-case-scenario-Bulls lining up:

Coundoul

Solli, Marquez, Ream, Miller

Tainio

Richards, Lindpere,

De Rosario

Henry, Agudelo

Damn, looking at that team on paper, that is a very impressive starting lineup, one that will pose problems to every team in the MLS.  I said before that this Red Bulls team might have the most talent of any Red Bulls/Metro team ever.  Now, I feel that’s undeniable.

Notes:

- Manchester United have been announced as the opponent for the MLS All-Stars this year at Red Bull Arena.  The All-Stars will be looking to exact revenge on the English giants after they were dismantled last year 5-2 at Reliant Stadium in Houston.  This team, however, Sir Alex Ferguson will have his entire squad at his disposal without the World Cup keeping key players out of the fixture.  Should be a great match at Red Bull Arena this summer.

- MSG and the New York Red Bulls have finally come to terms on a multi-year TV deal.  Every game will be broadcast in HD, and announcers Steve Cangialosi and Shep Messing will be on-site at all but four away matches in 2011 (in contrast to staying in the studio in New York City, which they have previously done).  There will also be a pre and post game produced by MSG for select Red Bulls matches.  You can watch tomorrow’s match against Houston on MSG2.

P.S. I made a Facebook fan page for those of you who don’t use Twitter.  I’ll post news updates and Offside post alerts here.  (http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-Red-Bulls-Offside/110570442358962)

What Will the Addition of Dwayne De Rosario do for New York?online survey

Can TH14 be the player Red Bull paid for?

That’s the label that’s pretty much been put on this Red Bulls team by fans and “experts” alike (please note the quotes).  With all the expectations that come with having two world-class DPs along with the addition of quality European talent, New York has no other option but to go all the way.  The fans are ready, the players are ready; the time is now.  The quest for glory begins tomorrow in Harrison…

In a mere 24 hours, the Red Bulls will welcome the Seattle Sounders to the crown jewel of American soccer stadiums, Red Bull Arena.  All the pieces are in place for New York to succeed this season: a weak Eastern Conference for the taking, a healthy mix of proven veterans and talented youngsters, and a coach who can lead them to promised land (not to mention a 3^rd DP slot that may or may not be filled later on in the campaign).   But before we fast forward to November’s MLS Cup, let’s take a look at the task at hand, how New York can dispatch Seattle.

The Sounders are coming off a 1-0 opening day loss to the LA Galaxy.  It was an opportunity that Seattle was looking forward to, as the Galaxy have all but dominated them in league play.  But the Sounders didn’t have much time to sulk over a wasted opportunity, as they had to hop on a plane to face New York in their second game in less than a week.  Don’t count on the Sounders to be hanging their heads, as they’ll be coming out guns blazing against the Red Bulls and looking to get into the win column.  Even without Blaise Nkufo, who was released by the club just prior to the LA clash, Seattle still poses a great threat to New York, and are certainly MLS Cup contenders themselves.

New York will rely on the speed of Dane Richards on the wing to help break down the defense and whip balls into the box.  As for the forward line, it looks like Juan Agudelo has recovered from his groin injury in time to pair with Thierry Henry.  Last year I was willing to give the Frenchman a pass as to his lack of production.  He came in midseason fresh off a World Cup disaster and never fully integrated into the team along with nagging injuries that limited his minutes on the pitch.  That’s all fine and good, but now it’s time to put up or shut up.  And here’s a little quote that bothered me a bit.

• “I never set myself any personal targets before the season,” Henry said. “You reach a time in your career where you want to make the guys around you play better. … We have Juan Agudelo and Dane Richards. Dane Richards is our go-to player. He always makes things happen on the field. We have guys with pace, so I don’t mind playing a bit more in the middle and trying to fit people in.”

Sorry Thierry, that’s not gonna fly around here.  Red Bull didn’t break the bank so you could play a supporting role.  Henry needs to be the go-to guy in the starting 11.  Richards and Agudelo are important pieces of this offense, there’s no questioning that, but there’s a reason there’s an armband on your bicep there; you need to put the team on your back alla Greg Jennings.  With Juan Pablo Angel gone, there should be no question as to who will fill that void, it absolutely has to be Henry.

The midfield looks like a formidable bunch with the likes of last year’s team MVP Joel Lindpere on the left wing and the aforementioned Richards on the right.  Tony Tchani has replaced Rafa Marquez as the holding midfielder for New York, and has done so admirably.  He’s tough to knock off the ball and his poise and precision will be key in helping the Red Bulls win the possession battle.  As for as that center midfield spot in the 4-1-3-2, it’s still up the air to me.  It could either be Teemu Tainio or Jan Gunnar Solli, with the other dropping back to play the right back position (vacated by the injured Chris Albright).  Both are natural midfielders and both have spent time in the central midfield role during the preseason.  It’ll be interesting to see how Backe aligns his new additions.  Whoever it is, however, will be have to be that link to the forward line to jump start a New York attack and pepper Kasey Keller with shots.

On the defensive side of the ball, the task of shutting down Columbian stiker, and newly appointed DP, Fredy Montero, will fall mostly on the center back tandem of Marquez and Tim Ream.  The Red Bulls boast perhaps the most prolific center back duo in the MLS and have developed a good chemistry since Marquez’s switch back to his natural position.  Roy Miller will likely man the left side, but the question is, which Miller will we see?  The Costa Rican international was so good in the early stages of 2010 but seemed to lose his way in the latter half.  When at his best, Miller is a valuable asset as a wing-back who can push forward and create scoring opportunities for New York.

Backe is still making us sweat it out in regards to the goalkeeper battle.  He has yet to commit to either Bouna Coundoul or Greg Sutton, but my guess is that Sutton gets the nod.  Whoever Backe goes with, Seattle’s potent offense will certainly be a test for either keeper.

Man, this blog is reaching unbearable length; the excitement of a season opener will do that to a guy.  Hopefully, you’re heading out to the stadium tomorrow to watch the 2011 season unfold, if not you can catch the action on MSG.  The first step to eradicating the heartbreak that was last year’s early playoff loss begins tomorrow night.   The quest for the cup is underway…

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Ooooh the drama!

Then, in one of the oddest situations in some time, Mehdi Ballouchy’s goal found it’s way to the back of the net, and an over-joyous Thierry Henry goes to kick the ball back into the net in a fit of celebration. Keeper Kevin Hartman went to kick the damn thing away for good. Result? Toes collide, and before you know it, Hartman is nursing a black and blue knee and Thierry Henry is issued a $2,000 fine from the league for his excitement. That’s not to say I am on Henry’s side here. On the one hand, it is fantastic to see him display his passion on the pitch, especially considering the places he has played, and the things he has done. But that is no excuse for his actions, which were reactionary and impulsive, costing Kevin Hartman some serious time, and his team their DP player the following week against Dallas.

And to add to DP’s Gone Wild week, Rafa Marquez was reportedly “punished” by the Mexican Federation for partying it up after the teams 1-0 win against Colombia. Why a party to celebrate a win after a game is bad thing is beyond me. But what really makes my brain itch is why it cost Carlos Vela and Efrain Juarez a six month ban from international play. Nevertheless, consider Rafa your cherry on top of the Red Bulls drama cake.

The Bulls look towards the LA Galaxy in what is being billed the “Game of the Year.” Sure, Henry won’t be there, but Becks will, and that is probably all the ad execs needed to dub the game “extra special.” Regardless, the spotlight is theirs Friday night, and for the first time in a long time, the Red Bulls may actually be matching the hype machine of Hollywood’s finest.

Excited for the game? Think its a hype machine? Share your thoughts on this weeks game below.

Currently, the second place Bulls have accumulated 18 goals through 16 games; hardly a score line to hang their hats on. The midfield has been less than inspirational, with only five assists all season long, three at the feet of Joel Lindpere. Still, Juan Pablo Angel has managed to find the back of the net, against all odds, producing half of the teams goals (9) and helping set up two others.

That is where the magic of Thierry Henry will be measured. In his debut friendly against Tottenham, Bulls fans caught a glimpse of his brilliance. His first touch in possession was clearly a class above his mates, and his ball control left many with mouths agape. Yet nothing was as spectacular as his ability to time a ball, and find the back of the net, which was on full display with his first notch.

What will the combination of these two former Premiership greats produce for a Red Bull side that finds itself desperate for goals? One thing is for sure; even with names like Emmanuel Adebayor, Craig Bellamy, Jo Silva and Patrick Viera likely to grace the Red Bull Arena pitch, it will be all eyes on Henry and Angel in this afternoons clash against Manchester City.

If you aren’t suffering the heat today, you can catch the game at 3:30ET on Fox Soccer Channel.

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(Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for New York Red Bulls)