Red Bull Arena Opens With A 3-1 Win Over Santos

By: Dave Martinez | March 21st, 2010

petke The Red Bulls were able to match the pomp and circumstance of the evening with a thorough dismantling of Santos FC to open up their much anticipated new home in style. And contrary to the history of this team, there was no “Curse of Caricola” moment to put a damper on festivities.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, the soccer gods finally smiled down upon this franchise, and delivered beautiful football, on an unseasonably gorgeous night, and on the heels of a CBA agreement no less! One could hardly imagine a more complete and perfect beginning for this beautiful Cathedral of New York Soccer.

For the fervant, goal thirsty fans, they did not have to wait long for a reason to cheer. Joel Lindpere was able to cash in the teams first home goal in the 11th minute on a free kick that rebounded off of the Santos wall, right back at the Estonian international, who smashed the ball in for the 1-0 lead.

The game continued in exciting pace, with plenty of back and forth action highlighted by the Red Bulls amazing ball control. The team played with a cohesion and organization that hasn’t been seen in a very long time, leaving a positive first impression of the tactical ability of Hans Backe and his side.

The Bulls continued to threaten on the offensive side late in the first, forcing a corner kick. Carl Robinson lined it up for fan favorite and the nights team captain, Mike Petke, who redirected the service from within two feet of goal for the games second in the 44th minute. The wild eyed captain ran to the sidelines, and kissed his badge, in an out pouring of emotion and excitment that seemed was bottled up for years.

Two minutes later, a beautiful counter attack started with an Ubiparipovic possesion that found the foot of Macoumba Kandji who redirected a pass in wide open space to the on rushing Dane Richards who sent a screamer from 30 yards out that nailed the upper 90 for the games third goal. This was probably the shock of the night, as the Jamaican international is not at all known for his strong leg, but it was a nice bow on top of a beautiful performance for the teams speed demon.

The second half saw a more inspired Santos side, whom were seemingly shell shocked by the thorough drubbing they received in the first. The chippy final 45 included some highlight reel saves by Senegalese Bouna Coundoul, who made a strong case to be the teams starter. Two vital saves in the middle of the second kept the Bulls in a dominant position for the win. Even John Wolyniec got into the mix of things, as he entered the game as a late sub, was elbowed in the face, and subsequently, got his revenge on the other side of the pitch to earn the first Bulls yellow in the new Arena. Eventually, to the delight of the Santos faithful in attendance, the black and white were able to find the net in the 90th minute of the game to round out the score.

Of course, no Red Bull game is complete without some bad news. After enjoying a great run of play throughout the night, Dane Richards found himself in a heap, clutching at his hamstrings. He had to be taken out of the game early, and left the pitch in a rage. Oft injured Carl Robinson was also forced out after a collision. No update as of yet on their condition or ability to play for the season opener, but the worst is not expected.

And anyone else find it ironic that the pitch was a sandy mess? Something about this team and bad playing surfaces . . . but hey, who’s complaining!

Bottom line? The new stadium has inspired the club and the organization. And with a long season ahead of them, it is an excitement they hope to carry for the entire campaign.

The Bulls face Chicago in the season opener next Saturday.

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image credit: BIG APPLE SOCCER and Linda Cuttone

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Tags: +++ MY INFO +++, CURRENT ROSTER, daveredbulls(a)hotmail.com, INTERNATIONAL NEWS, Misc, NATIONAL NEWS, News, Offseason, Preview, Red Bulls, Red Bulls Arena, Results, Team News

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mike.

It was surreal. I recognized the uniforms and most of the faces, but...who were these guys?? :D And I can't believe how great our new house looks on TV, can't wait to see it for real come Saturday.

Ream, Lindpere, Robinson, and Miller were all very impressive. Salou, as mentioned, seemed to spend a lot of time on the ground, but I'm certainly looking forward to seeing more from him, as well as Da Luz and all the others.

Everyone "showed up", and everyone did their part. Not too many matches in 2009 that you could say THAT about. :)
Larry

1. Ream was superb, didn't even realize he was a rookie the way he played. The center with Robinson and Lindpere was excellent. Dane Richards played the best football I have ever seen him play, even in the Houston game. The keeper was beyond excellent, very solid. 2. The beer garden needs sprucing up. Bigger area, maybe some tables, more bars scattered about to reduce the lines. 3. Fireworks were awesome. 4. The arena is awesome, can't wait until the Chicago game.
NoLayupRule

Fantastic night. Just perfect.

And Im deeply impressed with our rookie center back!!
Carlos

I'm at a loss for words. What a game! I can't tell you how glad I am that Petke scored. Ream looks really good in the back, as does Miller. How bad are the injuries to Richards and Robinson? What was the dust being kicked up on the field? Was it very dry?
Karlomabo

It was an amazing night!!! Great game.. I was surprise with the rookies.. Ream very good he didn't look like a rookie at all and Da luz in two plays show that he can do a lot for the team. I would love to see more of Tchani, Chinn and Garcia.
Phil M.

I'm still in shock how sick it is.. I can't believe this is ours and I can go back to it next week .. crazy
daniel

Dave, I am still feeling butterflies. What a night!!!!!!!
Eddie

Watching on MSG HD was amazing. FSC not HD really hurt the viewing. Sorry that most US fans couldn't see it in high def. The crowd sounded better on the MSG broadcast as well.

Stadium is amazing.. good luck to averaging over 20,000 each game...
Mike from linden

You forgot to mention the amazing firework display after the game. I felt like a little kid in a toy store, watching in awe.
Tim Ream was great in the back with Petke!
And I don't know what to think of Salou because it seemed he was on the ground alot
Go Red Bull New York!!!!