Deep Breath . . . -sigh-

Well, this may not be the best time for me to be BULLogging, but the moment has struck.  First, I want to deal with the Red Bulls.  This will be short, as we only earned 1 point during the entire month of June.  I would like to see the coaching staff and RBFO administration be held accountable for the a record-setting losing season, thus far.  Done with the Red Bulls, as there is not much to discuss here ahead of the All-Star game, in which I do not expect to see any Red Bulls, except remotely . . . “Goldie!”

I prefer to focus on something more positive and more far-reaching, if you will.   The performance of the USMT in the Confederations Cup Final was incredible.  Although we conceded the match, I, personally, was tremendously proud of how our team battled against adversity . . . and I do not mean just the odds, but red cards, etc.  I was moved by Clint Dempsey’s show of emotion, as I have never seen him to flinch in the past.  As I work beyond the heartbreak and disappointment, I am encouraged by the future of US Soccer.  ‘Way the Red, White and Blue!!!!!!!!!

Back to less uplifiting commentary . . . .

The Red Bulls are another story.  I honestly do not see how you go from 2008 MLS Cup Finalist to “2009 Whipping Boy” in one year.  With arguably a better talent pool and the MSL Cup experience under our belt, I point my finger at the coaching and training staff.  I will also lump in Jeff Agoos, who has also played a significant role in talent acquistion.

This pitiful performance, thus far, is hardly warranted a venue like Red Bull Arena.  However, we must still keep the faith.  I say this because I recently made considerable sacrifice to attend a “Town Hall Meeting” with Erik Stover at “Boi na Brasa” restaurant in Newark, NJ.  Indeed, there is a long-term plan for greatness, but it is clear that the current fan base must endure more angst, before we get there!

I hope you continue to to follow the Red Bulls.  They still have a chance to qualify for the MLS Cup this season.  However, if something does not happen soo, it is unlikely.  As far as US Soccer is concerned, the Confederations Cup should give us insight into the the true caliber of our US Soccer program.  Furthermore, you should continue to follow them through the 2009 Gold Cup and the 2010 World Cup in Africa.

Trying to end on a positive note . . .

YIRB
CT

Posted by: chief

April Showers Bring May . . .

 . . . Uh . . . certainly NOT flowers!

After a disastrous March/April campaign, I was hoping to be able to complete the catchy title of this BULLog with a more optimistic object reference.  Unfortunately, I am compelled to do otherwise.  Since I am currently attending scientific meeting in, data and facts are the emphasis.  Since I am in this frame of mind, I see no reason to change . . . especially when I consider letting emotions get the better of me, as opposed to a logical and calculated diatribe.

March was a half-month, so I am excluding those matches from my analysis.  Thus, my analysis is not per-protocol, but employs an intent-to-beat methodology.  I start with April.  According to the published NYRB season schedule, of the 5 MLS league games played, the Red Bulls earned 4 points for a 0.8 point/league match performance index, or “MPI.”  Compare this with the reigning MLS Cup Champs, Columbus Crew, who earned just 2 points in 4 league matches for a 0.5 MPI, according to their published schedule.  The sixth match  for the Red Bulls was a US Open Cup qualifier vs San Jose, in which the Red Bulls earned the right to continue on in the US Open Cup bracket.  OK, so April ended on a positive note, despite a weak match record.  Although, this would have to be considered an outlier outcome for this particular match, when you compare it to the perfmormance trend for April.

Now, also in May, the Red Bulls played 5 league matches, in which they earned just 3 points for a 0.6 index (a 25% MPI decline from the previous month).  To top it off, in a sixth match in May, DCU once again spanked us, and sends us reeling out of the US Open Cup bracket.  Comparatively, the Columbus Crew, who by the way has yet to play its first US Open Cup match, also played 5 league matches, but has improved their index to 1.8 (a 260% MPI improvement from the previous month).

Furthermore, if we were a single table (like the English Premiership), we would be in the relegation zone as third from the bottom of the MLS table.  Although we are not a single-table league, “3rd from the bottom” sounds better than “THE bottom” of the East Conference when conversing about the Red Bulls.  -sigh-  I digress . . .

So, after my careful, rigorous analysis of the data, controlling for confounding variables and covariates, and adjusting the power analysis to detect even a smidgin of improvement, I must conclude that we are statistically insignificant at the moment (two-tailed t-statistic: P<0.05).  However, when you throw in the covariate of fan devotion, the sensitivity analysis reveals that the die-hard Red Bull fans are heartbroken, but not entirely discouraged.  Thus, further longitudinal match outcome data (i.e., June, July, August . . .) are necessary for calculating a more predictive MPI and optimizing the predictability of this 2009 MLS season.

I WANT AN MLS POST-SEASON!  (This is NOT scientific!)

YIRB,

CT

 PS

Chief Toro has traveled a cumulative total of 7,099 miles for 3 Red Bull home matches for a miles/game index of 2366.33.  I hope to improve this, at least!  Chief Toro resides in Virginia Beach, VA.

Posted by: chief

April Fools?

In season’s past, I have tried to BULLog after every few matches.  However, I have found that my posts take on the same unpredictable emotions that reflect each consecutive match of the Red Bulls.  So, I have decided to post monthly and offer my composite retrospective for each month, beginning with April 2009 . . .

Despite the hype from year to year with extended contracts and new player signings, the Red Bulls still underperform sporadically, just enough to make you go . . . Hmmmmm.  However, there were promising flashes of resilience, but the net result? . . . April was a “blah month,” seeing the Red Bulls earn just 5 points in MLS league play, with a 1-4-2 record.  This is quite possibly the worst start the RedMetroBullStars have ever had in league play, but let us not forget the 2-1 rebound victory against the ‘Quakes in a US Open Cup qualifier to end the April Fools prank.  This is perhaps more symbolic than it is significant.  Only, time will tell.  But, hey!  It is only April!

What bothers me the most, besides the shock of losing to DC United at home (again) when we outplayed them for about 75 minutes, is that the skeptics’ noise is becoming louder.  In other words, after last season, in which I traveled to ALL the playoff matches from Virginia Beach VA, I really thought the club was turning a new page.  Now, all the folks who viewed or read about that unprecedented rise to greatness as a fluke may be on the verge of validation, and this bothers me . . . A LOT!

The future soccer-specific jewel know as “Red Bull Arena” I hope not only symbolizes a new beginning of soccer greatness in the Tri-State area, but actually heralds it in reality.  This market deserves a team that plays an attractive brand of soccer that engages the diverse communities that will surround Red Bull Arena.  I know Red Bull Arena will go along way in facilitating this objective.

Coach Osorio may be criticized for starting with a new lineup for every single match in April, but let us thank injuries and insanity (i.e., “Crazy” Carlos Johnson) for forcing Coach Osorio to respond.  I guess Juan Pietravallo has competition!  Although, two send offs in two consecutive appearances takes the cake in my book!  Also, what was the deal with Alfredo Pacheco?!  He looked impressive in the preceding two matches, but seemed to fall asleep against DC!???  Argh!  I am getting a headache bemoaning the obvious . . . I digress . . .

While Cepero is a fan favorite, I think his inexperience was beginning to get the best of him at the beginning of this season.  However, I think he performed admirably, from the day he scored the first goal in MLS by a goalkeeper to when he got his clock cleaned by Houston’s Kamara.  I am certainly glad he is OK, but that paved the way for 3rd ‘keeper, Alec Dufty, who also performed admirably.  Then, he was summarily waived, presumably to make way for Pacheco.  Hmmmmm . . . .

Then, Jon Conway returned, and we all held our breath.  How will he do?  Is his fitness up to par?  What will he say to the Red Bull fans about his suspension?  Jon made his statement against RSL, earning his first shutout and the Red Bulls’ first victory of the season.  Congrats, Jon!

I want to draw special attention to Kevin Goldthwaite, who has been nothing short of spectacular in the back for the Red Bulls.  How about the goal-line clearance against RSL?!!!  Yes, Petke is a fan [carryover] favorite from the MetroStars to the Red Bull era, but “Goldie” has more been solid and consistent, in my opinion.  Maybe the goal Petke scored against San Jose will snap him back into form and both he and Kevin can compete and make each other better.

For as long as I have been a season-ticket holder (i.e., 2001), this franchise (MetroStars/Red Bulls) has always seemed to scrape and claw for respect in a market that normally garners awe in the sporting world.  It has never been pretty, but it has been pretty “ugly,” even the manner in which we qualified for the playoffs last season.  Our Red Bulls continue to struggle and with the economy on egg shells, fan attendance and support may be struggling, too . . . all things considered.

Regardless, of the ups and downs, one thing that will never waver is RagingBullNation’s support of the Red Bulls.  Personally, I am still subscribing to Direct Kick and buying full-season tickets, along with many of the Nationals of RagingBullNation.  Yes, I drive many, many miles to either watch a match live or sit in my hotel room in cities like Miami, New Orleans, and San Diego and stress in front of my laptop with MLSLive.tv.

No matter what the result, “WE LOVE YOU RED BULLS, WE DO! . . . WE LOVE YOU RED BULLS, WE DO! . . . WE LOVE YOU RED BULLS, WE DO! . . . HEY! . . . RED BULLS WE LOVE YOU!”  Do you hear us, Boys?!  Do you HEAR US!!?

Now, show us a little love back, and redeem yourselves in May, beginning with LAndon Galaxy tomorrow night!

YIRB

CT

Posted by: chief

Anticipation 2009

As I am sitting here in my Virginia Beach loft, I am anxiously awaiting the Dynamo/Crew match on FSC.  Consequently, I am reminded that this season has already started off like no other that I can recall.  Here is why there seems to be a heightened level of anticipation this season, compared with previous ones:

• Unprecedented success for the Red Bulls in the 2008 MLS Playoffs, earning the Western Conference title.
• The Red Bull Arena project really begins to shape up, literally and figuratively, with the inaugural match now slated for Red Bulls Opening Day 2010.
• After beginning their defense of their Western Conference Champions title in a historic MLS First Kick match against the new expansion team, Seattle Sounders FC, the Red Bulls look ahead to their East Conference nemesis, the New England Revolution on Red Bull Opening Day 2009.

 Indeed, for me, the pride and passion of the 2008 campaign has carried over to 2009.  With the success of the Red Bulls preseason, largely spent in Argentina, I was excited that I could swing by the storied Navy-Marine Corp Stadium in quaint Annapolis MD to finally see the 2009 version of my soccer heroes in action.  This RBN National joined about 20 or so ESCers, essentially at field level, and showed our support for the Red Bulls, who were hosted by the USL-2 side, Crystal Palace - Baltimore.

Juan Carlos Osorio was still experimenting a little bit with the formations and personnel in this match.  I was most impressed with the Red Bulls “Freshman Class,” especially the versatile first-round SuperDraft pick, Jeremy Hall from Maryland and the recently signed Nick Zimmerman from James Madison here in Harrisonburg, VA.  It was somewhat of a lackluster performance, but a solid 2-0 result, nonetheless.  We enjoyed ourselves in the stands, and it was good catch up with the some of the “RedMetroBullStars” fan base.  The seed of anticipation was planted, as the next time we would see our Red Bulls would be on March 19 for MLS First Kick against the Seattle Sounders FC . . . tick, tock . . . tick, tock . . .

Fast forward to Qwest Stadium in eclectic Seattle, WA.  Now, we all know the unfortunate outcome of that match.  Honestly, I think I would become nauseous BULLogging about the Red Bulls’ performance on this day.  So, I shall claim a bout with denial, and focus on the positives, which have nothing to do with Red Bull New York.

I should hope that the New York Red Bull organization partners as well with Tri-State trade area as well as the Seattle Sounders FC did with Seattle.  I could not walk anywhere in Seattle without seeing lime green and royal blue jerseys in store windows, cell phone desktop graphics, restaurant/bar signage for food and beverage specials on gameday, and to top it all off . . . no pun intended . . . the Sounders FC flag on top of the Space Needle!?!!!  Too cool!

Apparently, when eating at the Sky City restaurant in the Space Needle, I learned that the Sounders FC had reserved the entire dining room the previous night, much to the dismay of tourists.  With St Patrick’s Day celebrated the evening before, it was a no-brainer to decorate the Space Needle with a lime green flag.  Luckily, we had chosen to eat there the evening after.  After dinner we caught “The Watchmen” in IMAX 3D, and when we exited the theatre, the Space Needle was illuminated in blue/green lights.  I guess it is nice to have an NFL franchise in the same city that shares the color scheme . . .

Now, the in-stadium pregame hype and atmosphere were unbelievable!  If you watched it on TV, you know what I mean.  As a complement to the Sounders FC’s “Scarves Up” campaign, the first and second bowls of Qwest Stadium were sold out in a sea of green and blue fabric and giant Sounders FC logo and jersey banners.  The handful of Red Bull fans who made the trip were scattered around the stadium, so there was no chance of unison chants, not that it would have mattered in a stadium with 32,000+ fans, of which 20,000+ were full-season-ticket holders–an MLS record.  Fortunately, the two of us were surrounded by friendly Seattle fans, and one such fan (a big NFL Seahawks fan) was pimping me about the Beautiful Game.  By the second half, I could hear him saying . . . “I am really getting into this game!”  Honestly, that is what it is all about . . . the BIGGER picture!

Yes, I am still in denial, and I am avoiding any specifics about the match; other than Seattle deserved to win.  However, it is a LOOOONG season, and the Red Bulls have yet to bask in their limelight at home, to which I am very much looking forward.  The Red Bulls will take on New England in Opening Night on March 28th!  We will have our Roadside Roundup in the usual spot, Lot 15B in front of the South Tower entrance to the Bull’s Corner Pub, so please stop by and say “Hello.”  I am looking forward to reuniting with all of our Nationals and Diplomats and meeting new prospective of current soccer fans!

Now, for the wrap up, which is probably the biggest impetus behind the title of this BULLog . . .  RED BULL ARENA!  If you did not take advantage of the stadium tour, you are out of your mind!!!!!  Seeing first-hand is definitely believing . . . even more . . . about the commitment of Red Bull LLC  . . . [Brian Ching just slotted a nice through ball from Wondolowski past Will Hesmer in the 53rd minute] . . . behind this club.  It was a great idea to do this, especially for Q&A.  Suffice to say, this 25,000-seat arena will be THE GEM of MLS stadiums, to which all others will be compared.  Amazingly, this stadium is entirely paid for out-of-pocket by Red Bull . . . NO borrowed funds!?  In retrospect, thank God!  The downside is that this has delayed the construction of the training facility in

The drawback is that the Riverbend District urban redevelopment project, which surrounds Red Bull Arena, is relying on third-party financing.  As such, it is behind schedule.  The upside is that there will be PLENTY of parking . . . LOL!  I do understand that there are several ethnic restaurants and sporting clubs within walking distance of the arean.  The arena will feature all modern groundskeeping and point-of-sale technology.  In fact, not too long after the arena opens, they hope to have a CASHLESS arena!  Imagine that!?  The overarching canopy is perhaps the most striking architectural feature of this magnificent soccer shrine.  The pictures I took do not do it justice.  Be sure to check out the new 3D stadium map, too!

Importantly, with Red Bull Arena slated for completion early next year (in time for Opening Day), the outcome of this season ALMOST pales in comparison to the giant leap forward this club will take once it arrives in its true home, Red Bull Arena.  While we got off on the wrong foot this season in Seattle, I look at that single match as an insignificant blemish as I look to the future for Red Bull New York . . . not only this season, but many seasons after that.  I plan to be a part of it all . . . do you?

 . . . [Schelotto just equalized with a beautiful trap/volley by Pat Onstad in the 81st minute . . .]

Now, let’s tune into the Revolution/’Quakes match on MLS Direct Kick . . . I LOVE MLS!!  See you Opening Day on March 28th!  By the way, do you notice anything FAMILIAR in this Red Bulls Reader YouTube clip??!

YIRB

CT

Posted by: chief

!! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM RBN !!

While we eagerly anticipate a follow-up performance to last season’s unlikely journey, on behalf of RagingBullNation, we hope that all of you out there have a wonderful and safe holiday season with family, friends, and fellow soccer fanatics!  Soon, we will be back together for another MLS Cup campaign . . .

YIRB

CT

PS

And now for something completely different . . .

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/BuNkHlRA1s5iAWdCGBbL

Posted by: chief