All The Bull: Beckham (again), Suspensions and The Future

By: Dave Martinez | March 12th, 2009

You know, with the walk through of Red Bull Arena and the signings this week (let alone the piles of papers growing on my desk), I have definitely missed some big stuff the past few days.

Here are some news tidbits that may have been lost in the cracks.

- We will lead off with the man whom the rest of the world feels invented MLS; David Beckham. Only in the world of Major League Soccer can a trade made by an opposing team and some overseas megapower effect the actual season schedule of some team that has nothing to do with it. That is the case with the Red Bulls. As part of the Beckham loan deal, AC Milan will be making an impromptu visit to Los Angeles for a friendly against Beckhams sort of current team. Because of this game, the Red Bulls/Galaxy game at Giant Stadium, scheduled for July 18th, 2009, will fall on Thursday, July 16th.

Take that in for a minute; a meaningless friendly has now effectively changed the landscape of the MLS regular season – you know, the one for that piece of tin called “The MLS Cup.” Taking priority for a friendly game over your regular season? And I wonder why these Eurosnobs trash our league . . .

- RBNY put out a press release stating Jon Conway and Jeff Parke’s suspension terms have been modified by Don Garber, league commish, thanks to an appeal by the players union. Either player may participate in team training during the regular season now. For Parke, that means nothing, as he continues to roam Europe for a steady gig. For Conway, though, it is an opportunity he can ill afford to squander. This modification will enable Conway to make a harder, more driven push to becoming the eventual team starter. Danny Cepero clearly holds his fate in his hands, and won’t be looking to make Conways life any easier. Should be interesting to watch this melodrama play out as the season unfolds.

- Yes, the Bulls have signed Celades. But what about Pacheco? Take it easy everyone; it is MLS tradition to keep fans hanging in the wind while the league analysis a transaction for approval. I still feel Pacheco will be in an RBNY uniform sooner rather than later. And since his mom lives in LA, his route to a green card may be the only thing the team and the league is waiting for to announce the arrival. Mind you, Pacheco is still match fit, competing for his team in El Salvador. He should be able to make a seamless physical transition. Lets just hope he picks up on Osorio’s gameplan just as fast.

- Carlos Johnson’s signing may happen as early as this week. Keep your fingers crossed on that one . . .

- A reminder: New York Red Bulls vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore friendly tonight at 7. A few RBNY fans will be making their way down to Annapolis for the game. If anyone wants to share some video for the blog, let me know, and Ill give ya full credit.

- Finally, TheOffside homepage is featuring a quick preview of the MLS season, team by team. My post is right here, so take a click.