10 Reasons Red Bull Fans Are Thankful This Season

By: Dave Martinez | November 27th, 2008

You wouldn’t have predicted it when the season started, but 2008 has been a historic year for the Metro Bull franchise. And that means, all in all, there is plenty of stuff for fans to be thankful for this season.

With that in mind, and in no particular order, here are the top 10 reasons Red Bull fans should be thankful this 2008 season:

Top 10 Reasons to Smile and Give Thanks This Season

1 - The MLS Cup

Who thought the Bulls would ever represent any conference in the final, let alone the West! Just being at the Cup was a prize onto itself for a franchise that is expected to reach for the stars, but has historically fallen short every time. This run will live in Bulls lore for quite some time (or at least until they win one!).

2 - Aquiring some hardware

The La Manga Cup has company! The Red Bulls are the Western Conference Champions. And as laughable as that sounds, just think about how funny that tiny trophy looked in Juan Pablo Angels hands!

3 - In the CONCACAF Champions League next season

‘Nuff Said

4 - Developed and Sold Jozy Altidore, at a great price!

This is a huge step towards league wide credibility. I’ve said this in the past, but there are developmental leagues and world class leagues. MLS needs to be seen as a developmental farm land for the bigger leagues to harvest, at least through its initial growth. That money will just help the league grow, and lead to the ultimate goal - autonomous teams and a salary cap that is competitive, not restrictive. The Bulls have done alot as far as youth development, and for them to benefit from their efforts, in a large sale, is a testament to their efforts.

5 - Winning the services of Juan Carlos Osorio

. . . . Just because it threw salt in the eyes of Fire fans. I kid of course. But its a shame they took it to the team all season for it. In the end, it was JCO’s ability to maneuver pieces in a dire spot that pushed the Bulls into the final. And through alot of doubt and speculation, his ability to manage his team was at the core of the push. That is immeasurable.

6 - Red Bull Arena

Finally! To see that skeleton rise higher into the air is a breathe of fresh air that Bulls fans have been waiting to take for over 3 years.

7 - The Emergence of Danny Cepero

Though many of us followed his exploits in USL, even the aware couldn’t have predicted the impact Danny Cepero would make on this team. Given the opportunity to start after Jon Conway was suspended for substance abuse, Cepero used his recent experience in a strong run at the USL playoffs to shine, becoming an unexpected lift to the Red Bulls late season surge. His grit and determination in the back negated the fact that this baby faced assasin is just a kid. Seamlessly, he afixed his position as the new starter with an 83 yard goal, followed by continuous inspired play. With a patchwork defense no less! Cepero was this years pleasant, an unexpected surprise for sure.

8 - Front Office Support

You have to tip your hats to RBNY. With the first two playoff series, they offered free tickets to any supporter looking to make their way to Utah or Houston (vacation hot spots, I know). They even offered discounted MLS Cup tickets to those travelling out as well. These small gestures went a long way with endearing the fans, and a pat on the back every now and then to the boys upstairs won’t hurt anybody!

9 - The Signing of Mac Kandji

Don’t scratch your heads at this one - if the Bulls are able to hold onto Kandji for next season, we may be looking at yet another developmental megadeal for the New York team. Depending, of course, if Kandji has a blow out season or two. Either way, acquiring the kid was a nightmare process that so many Bull fans just gave up on. Suddenly, we find, he has signed on. A shocker if there ever was one all season.

From the slight glimpses of brilliance this season, and judging from his performance in USL (where they hack boots like lumberjacks on trees), the ability is there for this kid to become a star. If the Bulls develop him right, he will be a major asset in the scoring department next season, and down the road? A valuable commodity overseas.

10 - We are all about to eat our butts off and gain about 12 pounds

I don’t know about you guys, but I have Turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, mash potatoes, mac and cheese, korean bbq, and a host of other desserts waiting for me at my parents house. And, considering Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, I figured some of you would feel the same! Enjoy your day, take some time out to chill with the family, and embrace the good times . . .