Red Bulls Attempt To “Play In” To US Open Cup

By: Dave Martinez | April 28th, 2009

Wednesday marks the first in many rounds of tournament competition for the Red Bulls, as MLS teams vie for placement in the US Open Cup. Eight teams will go head to head in a bracket system, and the final two will officially qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Currently, only Colorado and DC United have advanced to the second phase of this “Play in” tournament. And, as fate would have it, a win against San Jose Wednesday would mean a chance at revenge, as the winner takes on DC. Almost poetic.

The Metro Bulls have had more valleys than hills in Open Cup history. Their best attempt in the domestic tournament came in 2003, where an exciting competition, featuring a 3-1 thrashing of DC United and a sudden death PK win against New England, catipulted the then Metrostars to the Cup Final, only to lose to Chicago in a 1-0 heart breaker. Unfortunately, other offerings have been less than memorable.

Juan Carlos Osorio has faced a tough row of games already, playing 2 of 4 games against the likes of Kansas City, DC United, San Jose in California, and the Galaxy, all in the span of 10 days. Going into the season, Coach Osorio emphasized the need for the Bulls to be competitive on all fronts, including tournament play. He created the kind of depth in his roster that is rare to find in an MLS setting. This was done specifically to keep the teams competitive, though many would argue the juggling of the lineups have been the bane of the Red Bulls season thus far. Nevertheless, the game against San Jose is a small chance at redemption for Osorio, who’s team can not seem to find a break no matter what they try.

For all those asking, I am trying to find an online feed that would perhaps give everyone a glimpse of the action, since TV nor radio is carrying this one. Keep checking back, and I will see what I can find.

Leave your comments!

Img Credit:(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

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Dave Martinez

First off Sean . . . if it was a pimping, I could careless, but since it isn't, its just "good lookin out" my friend.

I doubt I will even find someone to correspond to me from there, so you know where I will be directing the peeps!
Sean

Not to pimp myself further, but I highly doubt it will be on Justin.tv. As far as I know, it is not being broadcast by anyone.
Dave Martinez

1030pm manana buddy. Lets see if we can find something . . .
NCerritos

yeh me too! what time is the game at tomorrow? if i find a link i will deff let you guys know!
dave martinez

Nc - that was the FIRST place I was going to check!
NCerritos

im not sure if this time they will be giving it but www.justin.tv always has every soccer game out there.
Dave Martinez

Hey Sean that is excellent! Dont forget to link to your boy Dave - just so long as I am not talking about myspace pics, food or clothes.

Good job brother!
Sean

Haha I appreciaite it. Actually, I "graduated" a week or two ago, I'm now doing a daily "Recommended Reading" post on SBI, Monday through Friday. Here's a link:

http://www.soccerbyives.net/so...
Dave Martinez

Oh Sean . . . your graduation to the big time will be a proud moment for us my friend. Ill link over to you if I can't find my way to watching this thing. Congrats brother!
Sean

Hi Dave - I used to write for the San Jose Offside. Just wanted to let you know that I'll be doing a running commentary of the match on SoccerByIves.net.
nolayuprule

agreed on both points karlomabo

well said
karlomabo

everybody understand about the rotation. In europe is imposible to put the same lineup considering that they have the league, cup and some of the european cups. My point is that a DT must have a "philosophy" a "way to play". No matter who players you have in the field. I dont see any philosophy in the red bulls now. So when you have a way to play is easy to change player because everybody know what to do.
Another thing is that the MLS has to do a better job with the schedule of the tournament. It doesnt look like a schedule of a respectable league. the fifa schedule the year in advance with the international competitions. this year we have the gold cup in july, the red bulls have 3 games in july so that means we can not play pacheco, jhonson and richards because they going to be with the national teams. That easily can be solve with a better schedule. In Europe or South America when its a continental national team competition the leagues take a break. I hope we win tomorrow... we need a cup!!