Jeff Agoos, John Harkes, Reyna, Jon Conway and a Partridge in a Pear Tree . . .

By: Dave Martinez | January 9th, 2008

ITS GOOD TO BE BACK!

And we have definitely missed a bit haven’t we?

Where to begin?

JON CONWAY

Conway has been negotiating his return with the Bulls, and is eyeing the starting spot. With a raving supporter in Jeff Agoos, who has publicly stated that Conways time is now, and that he deserves the starting spot, and with very little competition for signing on any other team, I would venture to say his position is secure, for the first time in his career.

“I think the world of Jon and I think he should be a starting goalkeeper in this league,” Agoos said of Conway. “He’s been in a difficult position throughout his career and I think it is a big opportunity for Jon to claim the starting job here.”

It is no secret amongst us that Conway is a fan favorite. Hell, as Red Bulls fans, we always pull for the underdogs right? But is the man capable of taking us to the promised land?

Frequently criticized for his distribution, decision making, and hands, Conway will have many detractors awaiting a colossal fall. But with the support of an entire organization behind him, from the Sporting Director onward, will we be seeing a different Conway?

JEFF AGOOS

Speaking of the Goose, he has earned himself a promotion, being named the clubs sporting director. In todays New York Times, there is an excellent piece on the challenges he faces, and the renewed optimism and direction he plans on taking the team. Exciting stuff. Personally, I would take his word for it. Never bet against the Goose.

ON THE OTHER HAND . . . .

Jon Harkes is out. Now I do have a soft spot for Harkes – the players loved him, and he did alot to further the development of Jozy Altidore, among others. Now that this whole coaching carousel has settled, I do have to say that Harkes is whom I was rooting for to lead our team (though Osorio was a pleasant and much applauded surprise). But greener pastures lay ahead for one of the greats in US soccer.

Currently, his name has surfaced in Chicago for the head coaching vacancy there. TOSRB wishes you well Harkes.

CAPTAIN AMERICA WILL RETURN

I dont know if the Marvel comics Cap is back from the dead yet, but our American Icon is! Reyna has confirmed to SBI his immanent return. The SoccerTimes today described Reynas first season with the Bulls as “subpar.” But there are Red Bulls fans that could use harsher adjectives and claim it much more accurate.

Since the news hit of Reyna and Arenas feud, the speculation has all circled around whether or not Reyna would continue to play, and what share in the responsibility chain Reyna played in this years dissappointing tank job. Did he tank the season because of it? Was Reyna really the problem? Was he unhappy from the minute the ball dropped?

Who knows. The only certainty is that he will be back, playing on that unforgiving Giants Stadium surface, in ungodly summer heat, week after week (that is, when he isnt injured).

Once again, being the ever loving optimist that I am, I think its time for us to turn the page on yesterday. Reyna is back. He hasnt taken the pay cut the fans have been clammering for. And he will be commanding our midfield. My only hope is that the results pan out the way we thought it would when we signed him. If we want cohesion, it starts at the tip of Reynas toes. This is your year to step it up Cap’n. Step it up, and end it off with a bang.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

With the leadership solidified, and a roster that has already answered many questions (Quaranta, Schopp, Blake, Mathis and Waterrues are all out), we will all wait in anticipation for the Transfer market and the draft to take shape. Osorio and Agoos at the helm sounds good to me. And the prospects are truly great. Am I being a bit optomistic? You bet. But that is the life of a Metro fan.