The New York Red Bulls’ last game in 2009, which happened to be the last soccer game ever to be played at Giants Stadium, marks the end of an era.  The franchise also hopes that this game fully represented a symbolic break from the past, as it never won a trophy in the 14 years that this stadium served as home.[1]   Fans will miss the spacious tailgating and parking areas at Giants Stadium, but nothing else.

Both the Red Bulls and their fans tried to make the rainy October 26th finale a memorable farewell.  At the RagingBullNation (RBN) pregame “Roundup,” we gathered around the grill to symbolically exorcise the Meadowlands demons by burning MLS player cards of both external and internal franchise “killers.”  Inside the stadium, RBN Nationals, Diplomats, and friends cheered the team as fervently as ever while the team generated its best offensive production of the season.  Key combinations between Juan Pablo Angel and Mac Kandji, coupled with a stellar performance in goal by Bouna Coundoul, resulted in a 5-0 thrashing of Toronto F.C., knocking our Canadian neighbors out of a playoff spot.

This result also prevented the Red Bulls from tying two league non-desirable season records: those of fewest wins (4) and fewest goals scored (25).  The only ignominious record that remains is the 27 and counting road winless streak in regular season MLS games.  The Red Bulls will have to wait at least one game to try to end that record as the team’s next official league encounter will be at its new home, Red Bull Arena, on March 27th 2010, against the Chicago Fire.

For those of you who have not been to Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, we urge you to pay this gem a visit.  Surely, the awe-inspiring contemporary architecture, combined with your passion for Red Bulls soccer, will compel you to purchase New York Red Bull 2010 season tickets ASAP.  Seeing it via the webcam will not do it justice.  The natural Kentucky Bluegrass is carefully nurtured with a state-of-the-art moisture management, drainage, breathing, and temperature-control system.

No more headaches from trying to discern MLS-regulation field markings from those of other sports.  Yes, my friends, all you will see are soccer-specific markings at Red Bull Arena (RBA), accented by the proximity of seats surrounding the field of play.  If you are still drying out from this season’s “Flood Finale,” take comfort in the fact that RBA will have a unique metal composite fabric roof that will let the warming and cultivating rays of the sun in, but keep the water out of the stands.  The roof will also help amplify support for the home team by its fans. Simply stated, Red Bull Arena will be one of the best soccer venues in North and Central America, if not the best.

Metropolitan New York is very fortunate that Red Bull bought out AEG’s share of this stadium two years ago – on November 16, 2007 – and made fundamental changes to the design.  Red Bull Arena is filling up quickly and at least three sections are already sold out.  Huge congratulations to Erik Stover and the entire Red Bulls Front Office team!

The concern at this point is not the home venue but the team’s play.  A final, terrific game has not erased the fact that 2009 was a disappointing and at times ugly season but it has left fans puzzled as to why Angel and Kandji could not combine this way over any of the prior 33 contests this year.[2]   The Red Bulls need to find a way to have such performances on a consistent basis and build greater player depth.

New York began its 14th season striving to return to MLS Cup but failed to make the playoffs for the first time in seven years.  The Red Bulls played better than its 5 wins, 6 ties and 19 league losses would indicate, and under Richie Williams the team’s record was actually 3 wins, 2 ties and 3 losses (and yes Richie should strongly be considered for/offered the head coaching position).  To be sure, the team seemed haunted at times by bad calls and bad breaks; for instance, a phantom PK call against San Jose recently resulted in a loss instead of a tie.  However, the main reasons for the team’s poor record this year seemed to be:

• too many games that coupled poor finishing and defensive lapses;

• mental mistakes most prevalent in the minutes close to the beginning and endings of the two halves; and

• the failure of player acquisitions.

Colombian forward Juan Pablo Angel seems to have lost a step and was unable to convert at least a half dozen goal scoring opportunities the way he had done in his first two MLS seasons.  However, Juan Pablo was still one of most effective forwards in the league and he had a hand in over half of the team’s goals.  Congratulations to Juan Pablo on becoming the all-time leading scorer in franchise history this year!  Senegalese forward Mac Kandji showed in several games his raw potential and power, but he needed to combine more effectively with his teammates in most of the games.  Not having a true playmaker has also hurt the team.

The lapses and mistakes are too numerous to list out but characteristic of this year, during what was arguably the team’s most important game, the usually dependable Kevin Goldthwaite turned the ball over just before the end of the first half which led to the second T-Connection goal and helped oust the Red Bulls from the CONCACAF Champions League competition, effectively limiting the remainder of the team’s season to playing with pride which, to the team’s credit, it did.

Perhaps no game was more painful and impactful than the 3-2 loss to D.C. United at home earlier in the season, a game in which New York battled back to have a 2-1 lead in the 90th minute; inexplicably, Salvadoran left back Alfredo Pacheco twice let the man he was marking get to a ball between himself and the goal and Jon Conway, off his line, was unable to get to the balls first or make saves.

However the primary reason for the team’s dismal performance was the poor track record in player decisions over the past two years by Jeff Agoos and Juan Carlos Osorio.

On the bright side, New York has been doing better in selecting players at the draft, including US midfielders and defenders Jeremy Hall and Nick Zimmerman this past year.  However, the Red Bulls have also wasted two high draft picks on central defenders, Eric Brunner (in 2008) and (Baba)jide Ogunbiyi (in 2009), who would not sign with the club based on contract terms.

I don’t know what the allocation fee for Bouna Coundoul was but this Senegalese goalkeeper appears to be the team’s best signing in 2009. Costa Rican right back Carlos Johnson, franchise leading center back Mike Petke, and Spanish midfielder Albert Celades were often strong; but had some moments where they struggled as well.  Too little was seen of Austrian midfielder Ernst Oebster and Argentine defender Walter Garcia to know how they will do.

Typically, the acquired players struggled and these included Venezuelan center back, Gabriel Chichero; El Salvadoran defender, Alfredo Pacheco; defender Leo Krupnik, who was born in the Ukraine; Argentine midfielder, Juan Pietravallo; Venezuelan midfielder, Jorge Rojas; Ghanaian forward, Dominic Oduro; and Bermuda midfielder, Khano Smith. The “speed kills” experiment only hurt the Red Bulls, with Oduro and Smith not catching on.  Jamaican midfielder Dane Richards sometimes seemingly tried to do too much and struggled more than the year before.  Also, Cameroon midfielder, Matthew Mbuta, found it difficult to get playing time.

The Red Bulls felt the loss of non-returning players, especially Dave van den Bergh.  This is probably true for not only field play but Dave had a great reputation for the important intangibles as well, like work ethic and locker room presence.  Unfortunately, the Red Bulls traded Dave van den Bergh to F.C. Dallas this off-season for too little in exchange.  Yes, there were family concerns at issue, but it is unacceptable to have received anything less than fair value in this trade in light of how van den Bergh played in 2008.  Van den Bergh, who was third in the league this year in assists with 11, was sorely missed by the Red Bulls.  Let us not forget Chris Leitch, who was traded for allocation money and an international slot.  He had 7 assists with the San Jose Earthquakes.  For more on this topic, please read Frank Giase’s “Red Bulls season was doomed by a series of poor personnel decisions.”

On a positive note, John Wolyniec won the 4th annual “Heart of the Bull” Award; South African midfielder and defender, Danleigh Borman; Mike Petke; and midfielder, Seth Stammler were nominated as well.  John joins Marvell Wynne, Joe Vide and Seth Stammler as recipients of this award.  For those of you unfamiliar with the Heart of the Bull, it is awarded to the player who makes the most positive contributions to the New York Red Bulls first team and to interacting with the core fan base.

As well as John has played, I’m not sure he will be protected in the upcoming Expansion Draft.  As a designated Generation Addition player, Jeremy Hall will be exempt.  I’m assuming that Giorgi Chirgadze will fit into this category as well.  I believe New York will be able to protect 11 more players and I think these will include: Juan Pablo Angel; Danleigh Borman; New Zealand defender, Andrew Boyens; Bouna Coundoul; Kevin Goldthwaite; Carlos Johnson; Macoumba Kandji; Ernest Oebster; Mike Petke; Dane Richards; and Seth Stammler.  If Ernest is not coming back, then the team would protect Walter Garcia, if they have to protect three Senior Internationals.  If not, then either Danny Cepero, Sinisa Ubiparapovic or Luke Sassano would also be protected.

This off-season, I will write an article that addresses MLS’ new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), as well as any changes to the New York Red Bulls including hopefully an additional central midfielder to work alongside Seth.  The CBA, which governs player contracts, expires this year and so a new one has to be established.  This is very important for two reasons: 1) MLS cannot afford an interruption of any kind; a lockout/strike would be disastrous; 2) the new salary cap and other key features of the new CBA will dictate how the league is perceived and which players will join the league.

MLS should strive to increase the salary cap by $3 million to $5.1 million and increase the roster size by at least six players to 30.  This would help make a huge difference to the quality of the league and MLS’ ability to compete in international tournaments.  The league should get to a point where it can offer some players in Europe and South America around $300,000 per season without putting a strain on the team’s depth and overall roster quality, because too few players represent too large a percentage of the team’s salary cap.  I also hope the Reserve League is resurrected, even if it means that each team’s reserve games are played only against those teams in their conference and against local USL teams.

It is time for New York to select a Sporting Director, who will draft as well as New England, acquire MLS talent as well as the Houston Dynamo, and sign overseas talent as well as DC United has historically done and the way the Seattle Sounders did in 2009.  The Red Bulls need a strong start to 2010 and this must begin with making the right decisions on players!

———-

[1] outside of the 2004 pre-season La Manga Cup in Murcia, Spain.

[2] including the US Open Cup and CONCACAF’s Champions League

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

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.

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

• 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

New York begins its 14th season striving to return to MLS Cup but this time to win that final match.  While some fans and pundits will not make too much of the results from the Red Bulls’ first two games in March (away against the expansion Seattle Sounders FC on March 19th followed by the home opener versus archrival, New England Revolution, on March 28th), with the playoffs and long-awaited move to a state-of-the-art, grass field, soccer specific stadium just around the corner, all eyes will be focused on how the Red Bulls are performing come this October.  Will 2009 be the year New York finally wins some silverware or will the team really make a splash and win the treble?[1]  Here are some key questions and related commentary from me for the 2009 season.

1. Can Juan Carlos Osorio work some more magic?

In 2008, Juan Carlos Osorio and the team turned around a season like no other New York coach and squad have done, going from a highly possible outlook of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2002 to playing in the MLS Cup final, which noNew York team had previously achieved.  This is partly due to Juan Carlos seemingly getting better production out of some of his players – like Kevin Goldthwaite, Carlos Mendes, and Chris Leitch – than his predecessors managed.  Goldthwaite will probably make further adjustments this season as he expects some time at centerback.  With Juan Carlos further able to reshape the Red Bulls with players he has selected this off-season, there are heightened expectations that the club will be very competitive in advancing to the MLS Cup final again (if not winning it this time around) despite a very average regular season record last year.  New York-fan favorite and franchise leader in games played Mike Petke returns and has been joined by fast forwards/midfielders Dominic Oduro and Khano Smith as well as rookies Jeremy Hall, Jack Traynor and Nick Zimmerman.  Still, other players are under trial.
 
2. How far can the Red Bulls advance in the CONCACAF Champions League?

With its great playoff run in 2008, New York qualified to play in the Champions League’s two-leg Preliminary Round series in late July/early August with the winner qualifying for the Group Stage.  There are expectations that New York will advance in the CONCACAF competition so that the much anticipated first game at Red Bull Arena would be against a Champions League opponent in the Group Stage.  One of the league’s best initiatives has been increased international play with Superliga and with the CONCACAF Champions League replacing the CONCACAF Champions Cup.  These international competitions add excitement.
 
3. How much will the reduced roster size and elimination of the reserve league hurt the Red Bulls?

MLS had already dampened club incentives to develop players through the unnecessary restrictions placed on signing its own academy players.  As if not enough damage was done to player development already, the league has also reduced the roster size from 28 to 24 which, coupled with the additional games faced by participating in the CONCACAF Champions League and hopefully advancing further in the U.S. Open Cup, places more pressure that everyone on the roster is “match fit” and can contribute seamlessly against any opponent the team faces.

With the reduced roster size, the league also eliminated the reserve league which served as the only formal mechanism for game experience for those who do not benefit from first team action and to enable coaches to see who might be ready for the “next level.”  Under these circumstances, player roster selection and execution of the team’s training plan become increasingly important.  Some hard choices will have to be made and some talented players will have to be left off of the roster such as two of the team’s four goalkeepers in camp (Patterson-Sewell having already returned to Australia).  The team now has to arrange friendly matches for those players not regularly playing, however and whenever it can, and with less overall squad depth even though the number of non-league matches has increased for the team.

4. How much will the Red Bulls miss Dave van den Bergh? 

It’s ironic that Dave van den Bergh was one of the first players rumored to have been put on the trade block in 2008 by Juan Carlos Osorio and that the coach did not think the Dutchman would be a good fit in how he wanted his team to play.  Last year, Dave came up big for his coach game after game and was neck-and-neck with Juan Pablo Angel as the team’s MVP last year.  In addition to game changing plays, assists and goals, Dave showed great versatility playing center midfielder and left back in addition to left midfielder.  Moreover, Dave had a great reputation for the important intangibles such as work ethic and locker room presence.

For personal reasons, Dave sought a trade to Dallas which the Red Bulls obliged for seemingly too little in exchange.  This is not a knock on Dominic Oduro who New York acquired in the trade; Dave’s shoes would be difficult to fill for most MLS players.  Consistent, positively impactful players are hard to find in MLS and Dave was one such player last year and arguably part of a league-wide “Best Starting XI.”  Dave sometimes struggled to cover the wing, but when has Khano Smith done a better job than Dave at this?

Hopefully, some combination of Dominic, Khano, Danleigh Borman and the 2010 draft pick makes it easy to forget the Dutchman; then much credit will be due to both the Red Bulls and these players.  If Dane Richards can play more games like the playoff game in Houston then van den Bergh’s departure will also be easier to absorb.

5. Which key Red Bull players will disappoint, if any?  In Rojas We Trust?

No player means more to New York than Juan Pablo Angel.  We could write a lot about what he contributes, but suffice it to say that Juan Pablo needs to stay healthy and to get service for the club to be successful this year.  Juan Carlos Osorio’s two biggest acquisitions that need to prove themselves – after hot and cold performances last year – are Juan Pietravallo and Jorge Rojas.

Juan Pietravallo eats up a sizeable portion of the team’s salary cap.   A mid-season acquisition in 2008, Juan started slow when he didn’t seem able to make accurate passes.  He then increasingly played better and was able to provide some good bite in the defensive midfield role with effective ball control.  Unfortunately, Juan then began to play recklessly with poorly timed tackles that gave opponents free kick scoring opportunities and forcing the Red Bulls to play a man down on an occasion; coupled with several other plays that were reckless and close to an ejection.  For the money Juan earns, he has to play better and be more consistent; anything but strong, starting performances will be a disappointment.  I’ve not seen Juan on any projected starters list and that is a bad beginning sign.
 
Jorge Rojas is expected to earn starts as well and produce in the playmaking role; the Red Bulls have decided against going after another player to compete for playmaker and really could only turn to Sinisa Ubiparapovic if Jorge begins to falter or gets injured.  While Jorge definitely showed moments of great play in 2008, he also was invisible in large stretches of some of the most important games in which he played or even worse failed to get or keep possession of the ball, seemingly a step too slow.  It’s possible that the Red Bulls could turn to Jeremy Hall but that would be a lot to thrust on the rookie and it’s more likely that Jeremy’s responsibilities would probably be behind Jorge, covering more ground and playing either box to box or even as a right back platooning with Luke Sassano, Nick Zimmerman and potentially Carlos Johnson if he joins the club.

Lastly, fan favorite Mike Petke is also being thrust into the limelight as he is probably going to start (at least until decisions are made on trialists) as the lone centerback in a 3-5-2, 3-4-1-2, 3-1-4-2 or alongside Andrew Boyens or Kevin Goldthwaite in a 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.  Is Mike ready for this challenge at this stage in his career?  I’m sure he would say that he is.

6. Red Bull ‘rithmetic: Who will the Red Bulls add and subtract during the year?

New York is looking to sign two defenders in the next couple of weeks.  Will it be Costa Rican Carlos Johnson and Spaniard Albert Celades or will Argentineans Gabriel Quirulef, Nicolas Villafane, Salvadoran left back Alfredo Pacheco, Trinidadian Aklie Edwards, Mexican Jaime Duran or Honduran Emilio Izaguirre that join the team?  I’m already assuming that Oscar Echeverry will not be offered a roster spot and the team will keep John Wolyniec as the fourth forward.  Also, I think that just Danny Cepero and Jon Conway will be the team’s goalkeepers.  I’d like not to lose anyone else but the team might have to release someone like fan favorite and solid contributor Carlos Mendes unless second round draft pick, Babajide Ogunbiyi, does not sign with the team.

7. How much will New York benefit from speed?
 
Can you imagine what the Red Bulls would be like if Bruce Arena had not traded Marvell Wynne?  Even without the USMNT defender, New York has some serious pace with Dane Richards, Dominic Oduro, Khano Smith, Mac Kandji and Matthew Mbuta leading the charge and Jeremy Hall and Danleigh Borman probably not far behind.  Hopefully, the Red Bulls can put this speed to use and couple it with another type of speed – the fast thinking – that Juan Pablo Angel and Jorge Rojas possess along with accurate passing.

8. What will be the Red Bulls challenge area in 2009?

In 2007, the Red Bulls played poorly against the top four MLS teams.  In 2008, they played poorly on the road for most of the year (although they turned this around in the playoffs).  What will be the team’s challenge area in 2009?

9. Which young players will make an impact in 2009?

Will Luke Sassano, Danleigh Borman, Danny Cepero, Mac Kandji and Matthew Mbuta continue with their solid play from 2008 and will Jeremy Hall, Jack Traynor and Nick Zimmerman be able to contribute to the first team?  With help needed in central defense, will second round draft pick Jide Ogunbiyi sign with the team?  I believe he will not sign for anything less than a senior contract; and with the team looking to sign veteran defenders, it looks less and less likely that this will happen.

10. Who will win the 4th annual “Heart of the Bull” Award?

For those of you unfamiliar with the Heart of the Bull, it is awarded to the player who makes the most positive contributions to the New York Red Bulls first team and to interacting with the fan base/season ticket holders.  Will Seth Stammler become the first player to repeat as a Heart of the Bull recipient, or will another player step up to win the award?  Until his injury, Seth produced steady defensive midfield play coupled with being an anchor for fans – interacting with the 12th Man, as well as helping raise money and awareness to supporting basic living needs in Haiti.  Other Heart of the Bull finalists from last year included Jon Conway, Dane Richards and Kevin Goldthwaite.  The field is wide open in 2009, and any of the 24 players could win the award.
 
11. What will be the impact of the CBA and RBA?

The CBA or Collective Bargaining Agreement, which governs player contracts, expires in 2009 and so a new one has to be established.  This is very important for two reasons: 1. MLS cannot afford an interruption of any kind; a lockout/strike would be disastrous. 2. the new salary cap and other key features of the new CBA will dictate how the league is perceived.

Right now, with some entry players earning less than $20,000,[2] MLS is viewed as an inferior league.  The minimum a player earns must be higher; also, the league should get to a point where it can offer some European players around $300,000 per season without putting a strain on the team’s balance, because too few players represent too large a percentage of the team’s salary cap which today is around $2.1 million.

The league should strive to increase the salary cap by $3 million to $5.1 million and increase the roster size by at least six players to 30.  This would make a huge difference to the quality of the league and MLS’ ability to compete in international tournaments.  However, money is not a panacea and the league would do well to learn from USL, given how well their teams have done in this year’s CONCACAF Champions League.

For over a decade, New York fans have waited patiently for a soccer specific stadium.  RBA or Red Bull Arena, will open sometime in early 2010.  While opening day can not come soon enough, Red Bull fans are fortunate to have an owner who is making the stadium focus about soccer; alternative stadium uses are completely secondary.  For that fact alone, it’s been worth the wait.  Opening day in the new stadium will be quite an event and hopefully it will include participation by key players in this franchise’s history.[3]

The benefits of this New York franchise ownership group do not stop there, but carry over to now include fan interaction as well.  Managing director Erik Stover and Coach Juan Carlos Osorio have been tremendous in answering fans’ questions in a number of forums such as Red Bulls Reader, an ESC drive and Soccer by Ives.  I encourage everyone to join the New York Red Bulls bandwagon now before it’s too late; in today’s economy, one will not find a better value for your entertainment dollar than by becoming a Red Bulls season ticketholder in the RagingBullNation fan club section.

Here’s wishing the Red Bulls a great start to the 2009 season!

TNT
 
ENDNOTES:

[1] Even if New York just wins the U.S. Open Cup, this would have the added benefit of qualifying New York for the 2010 CONCACAF Champions League preliminary round. 

[2] The minimum player salary has increased from $13,000 to $20,000 for the 2009 season. 

[3] E.g., Gio Savarese, Roberto Donadoni, Tab Ramos, Clint Mathis, Tim Howard, Eddie Pope, Amado Guevera and Jozy Altidore along with current players.  One person who may not be invited is Patrick McCabe who is the player agent representing two players drafted by the Red Bulls the past couple of years that have yet to sign a contract with the team.

Before we preview the Red Bulls’ 2009 season, it’s important to reflect back on 2008 which was a roller coaster ride of highs and lows not unlike each of the preceding dozen years of this MLS franchise.  Distinct from past seasons, however, New York capped off 2008 with a gutsy, improbable playoff run that led to the team’s first ever participation in MLS Cup.  While the Red Bulls lost 3-1 in the final to the Columbus Crew, who were led by center attacking midfielder Guillermo Barros Schelotto, it was still a great season for New York.  Overall, the Red Bull fans who kept the faith were rewarded with some
memorable performances.  Congrats to the entire team on their 2008 efforts, especially to Juan Pablo Angel, Dave van den Bergh, Seth Stammler and Juan Carlos Osorio!!!

Late in the 2008 season, a playoff spot – let alone a top five MLS finish to guarantee qualification in either the 2009 CONCACAF Champions League or the SuperLiga tournament – looked increasingly unlikely.  On August 9th, the Red Bulls were tied with the Kansas City Wizards for last place in the Eastern Conference.  Three days prior, New York had played FC Barcelona in an exhibition match and suffered a 6-2 whipping.  “It’s funny, but I really think the Barcelona game helped us (sic),” Mike Magee said. “We saw how it’s played at the highest level, and it brought us together. [1]”  New York proceeded to
reel off three straight wins, starting with a 4-1 victory over DC United followed by two shutouts: 2-0 against Toronto FC and 3-0 against the then two-time defending MLS Cup Champion Houston Dynamo.  While New York had managed good wins at home (e.g., Chivas and FC Dallas) and impressive ties on the road (e.g., New England) earlier in the season, this impressive three game stretch in August was critical to saving the Red Bulls 2008 season.

But it was not always rosy.  Among the lows were injuries to key players, player transactions, league suspensions and poor performances at other critical points in the season.

Juan Pablo started the season injured.  He played less than half of the first part of the season and was visibly hampered when he did play then.  Claudio Reyna did not make the positive impact expected of a Designated Player; in his final season, he played only in parts of six games and his final game before retiring was a 5-1 loss to Chicago at home in May.  Injuries also sidelined Dave van den Bergh, Seth Stammler, Dane Richards, Oscar Echeverry and Hunter Freeman at some point during the season.

With a couple of games left in the season, the club lost starters Jeff Parke and Jon Conway for purportedly ingesting something called Jungle Warfare which contains a league banned substance.[2]   Conway and Parke had been solid and their absences suddenly thrust young Danny Cepero and Diego Jimenez, loaned midway through the season by UAG Tecos, into the spotlight; in light of these circumstances, both Danny and Diego performed admirably during this crucial period.

Play by three other of Juan Carlos’ new arrivals – Venezuelan MNT left/center midfielder Jorge Rojas, Argentinean defensive midfielder Juan Pietravallo, and Venezuelan MNT centerback Gabriel Cichero –- was perplexing as it ranged from very favorable to effective and even to very costly (e.g., turnovers, poor marking, inopportune fouls, etc.).  When New York really needed to win in late September and October – but even a tie would have considerably helped them out – the Red Bulls lost 5-4 to Colorado at home, 3-1 to Toronto at home and 5-2 to Chicago away in the last game of the season.  The play by these three amigos in these three losses was awfully disappointing and left fans woeful.  In the end, New York needed the Columbus Crew to tie or beat D.C. United on the final day of the regular season in order to qualify for the playoffs.

Under these conditions, no pundit saw how the Red Bulls could get past the Dynamo in the first round of the playoffs but New York not only did just that but did it in style with a solid 1-1 tie at home followed by a second 3-0 shutout against Houston, this time on the road.  It was a fantastic overall team effort with Dane Richards, having the best game of his MLS career in the final and deciding match and scoring a goal and setting up the other two.  Then, New York took a 1-0 lead over Real Salt Lake on a van den Bergh goal and managed to hold onto it to make it to MLS Cup.

There were many heroes in 2008.  When Juan Pablo’s health improved, he exploded with a dozen goals, despite being double and sometimes tripled-teamed, to finish the regular season with 14 – fourth best in the league – and team MVP honors.

Dave van den Bergh and Seth Stammler were also among the more valuable players with both having a handful of stellar game performances.  In training camp, Dave van den Bergh was one of the first names surfaced of players on the trading block, however, he proved himself all season long and during the playoffs at a variety of positions, carried the team when Juan Pablo was injured and finished second on the team in both goals and assists.  Seth was very effective in the midfield, played part of the season through a painful injury (before having surgery) and took home the 2008 “Heart of the Bull” Award for his overall performance on the field and interaction with the New York Red Bulls’ supporters.  Dane Richards overcame two injuries and led the team in assists.

John Wolyniec put forth his usual tireless effort but had difficulty scoring and setting up teammates until the playoffs where he had 2 goals, an assist and other contributions.  Earlier in the year, the Red Bulls traded away one of their primary offensive threats and promising young star Jozy Altidore, to Villareal.  The departure of Jozy was inevitable and the Red Bulls were wise to get significant compensation for him.

Defenders Kevin Goldthwaite, who led the field players in minutes played, Chris Leitch and Carlos Mendes performed significantly better under Juan Carlos Osorio than under prior coaches.  A number of young players, namely Andrew Boyens, Luke Sassano, Sinisa Ubiparapovic, Mac Kandji, Mike Magee, Matthew Mbuta and Danleigh Borman had important contributions during the 2008 season.

Special to note is how they came together as a team with the following twelve players standing out in the playoff run: Juan Pablo Angel, Dave van den Bergh, Dane Richards, Andrew Boyens, Danny Cepero, Kevin Goldthwaite, Diego Jimenez, Chris Leitch, Carlos Mendes, Luke Sassano, Sinisa Ubiparipovic and John Wolyniec.  It was a season to remember.  Thank you New York Red Bulls!!!

[1]  Red Bulls Turn Into Tough Team, The New York Times, Jack Bell, September 17, 2008
[2] What I learned at the Supporters Summit, The Kin of Fish blog, November 22, 2008
 
 TNT

YIRB

CT

PS

And now for something completely different . . .

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

Indeed, I have watched and attended previous MLS Cups, but for the first time, Red Bull New York fans could call this MLS Cup “their own.”  While we did not succeed in winning the cup, our boys were out there battling for it.  The angst of 13 years of futility was translated into unconditional pride and passion from sections 117 and 118 in the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

 A diversified group of supporters, Empire Supporters Club, Garden State Supporters, First Row Idiots, and of course, RagingBullNation came together to applaud the final push for the MLS Cup; something none of us thought would have happened this season.  Therein lies the rationale behind the title of this BULLog update.  Special thanks to Corey Vezina from ESC who took on the age-accelerating task of coordinating travel, lodging, tailgating, and stadium logistics.  Truly, Corey, I feel your pain . . .

As perhaps the only RBN National who was able to follow the team’s travels throughout the playoffs, I would be lying if I did not wish that more of our Nationals and Diplomats could have “made the rounds.”  Of course, there are scheduling and financial challenges to this strategy, especially these days.  Nonetheless, it was great to have our “International ManBeast of Mystery” (a legend in HIS own mind), Johnny Toro Rosso at my side, as well as season-ticket Fans #1 and #2, Herb Weltig and Gene Ryknowski, respectively.  Lastly, Caro and ‘Los were there sporting the old “MetroNation” scarf . . .NICE TOUCH!

Each made their own sacrifices to be there, and I believe we can all say that it was worth it.  Yes, it could have been just a LITTLE BIT better, but the experience of being there for YOUR TEAM (certainly, for the first time) was incredible.  Another beneficiary of all the excitement was “Flat Jared,” whom you will see scattered in some of the photos from my travels during the 2008 MLS Playoffs.

Flat Jared is my 7-year-old nephew’s 2nd-grade class project, which is based on the Flat Stanley concept.  Let’s just say Uncle Marc made the most of this opportunity. ;-)  Consequently, all of us basked in the glory of being active participants, including the New York Red Bulls, in MLS’ consummate competition, the MLS Cup Final.

I do wish that Keli Sorrentino (aka “Mama Bull”) and her family (John, Christopher, and Thomas) could have been there to share the experience with us.  Indeed, I believe she earned it, especially after picking up the ball and assuming leadership responsibilities for RBN this season.  I speak from personal experience when I say that is a role that you love to hate and hate to love . . . think about that for bit.   I will not pine too much as The Sorrentinos are cruising the Carribean, I believe.  It’s a toss up folks! 

So, this most special of all Red Bull seasons finally reached its life expectancy, instead of being cut drastically short.  Again, we will all decompress, recharge, and reconvene in April for another MLS Cup campaign, which should not seem like such a “fantasy” anymore, but perhaps an achievable reality!  As a result, there will be lots to do in the off-season, especially as we anticipate the scheduled christening of Red Bull Arena.

Keep up with all the off-season drama here at www.RagingBullNation.net (Thanks, New York Times for screwing that one up), www.nyredbulls.com/, and www.mlsnet.com/.  Either way, there is more drama to be had come Opening Day in April, when MLS will welcome another franchise, Seattle Sounders FC.  As the indomitable Commish, Don Garber, has repeatedly emphasized, 2008 was a special year for MLS, exceeding many if not all expectations . . .

TAKE HOME MESSAGE:  Keep it in perspective . . . There’s a lot more to look forward to from the Red Bulls and MLS going forward in the long run.  See you all next season!

 YIRB
CT

What IS interesting (to me, anyway) is that the Red Bulls are starting to put together consistent performances together AT THE RIGHT TIME!  However, the Red Bulls have yet to lock their horns on a playoff spot.  The East Conference is chasing the Columbus Crew for the top spot, which I must say was not something anyone, even those “in the know,” would have predicted at the outset of this season.

Not to steal any sweat from the “hardest working team in MLS,” they did manage to bullhandle us at Crew Stadium last week, 3-1.  Honestly, when I saw Frankie’s CROSS float ever so perfectly over Jon Conway and under the crossbar, I wanted to vomit.  Ergo, my blog title!

Sorry, Frankie!  I love ya, but there is no way you meant to shoot that over Conway.  I would not even believe it if it were Angel, who is 100x the marksman you are.  Take credit for the goal, but not for “shooting” it in . . . PULLEEEEZZE!!!! ;-)  Robbie Rogers, I would LOVE to see you do that for the USMNT, NOT against US!  GEEZ!!!

OK, off my soapbox . . .

You can read the match statistics and news reports on www.nyredbulls.com.   This is not the focus of this BULLog entry.  What I would like to focus on is my trip to Crew Stadium.  Yes, I was the lone, horned nutcase in Section 124, right behind the Red Bulls bench.  I swear I could have easily gotten a piggy-back from Coach Osorio.  I was that close . . . FOUR rows back??!!

Herein lies the allure of MLS’ soccer-specific stadium campaign.  The “Crewligans” (I just made that up) were rocking in there corner and the crowd on hand was “light” according to the regulars, but they LOVE their Crew.  That is way it should be in my book.  Getting back to the Crewligans, I met one as I was walking up to the Will Call booth, and when he saw the horns, he feared that I might be a Toronto FC fan.  Apparently, they did not hit it off too well the last time TFC visited Crew Stadium.  Anyway, I was there with one purpose, TO HAVE FUN . . . and I DID!

After the 9-hour drive, my experience began with (of all things) a RED BULL tailgate.  Tara Brown, Red Bull Field Marketing Manger in the area, had arranged to have about 50 soccer enthusiast studients from nearby Ohio State University to celebrate before the game and attend the match.  This came as a pleasant surprise as I found the perfect parking spot.

It was an “all-you-can-eat/all-you-can-drink” celebration, replete with a DJ and mini soccer pitch.  Oh, I must not forget the conspicuous Red Bull MINI Coopers, either!  I was treated to Red Bull’s new beverage, Red Bull Cola, which apparently is not nationwide, yet.  Now, it tasted fine,  but I am a little leery of a beverage that is supposed to taste better when you burp (i.e., hints of lemon), according to at least one Wings Team [formerly Mobile Energy Team] member.  :-))   I will be sure not to armwrestle her anytime soon.

Since I had signed up for the Ultimate Tailgate package with my Crew ticket, I had to leave the Red Bull tent after an hour.  I spent the next hour on the concete stage area INSIDE Crew Stadium while the teams were warming up!  My ticket package included three beer tickets and all-you-can-eat bratwurst . . . NICE!!  The only thing better than that was the expression on the Crew fans’ faces when I first turned the corner to enter the “stage/picnic” area.

“HEY!  This isn’t the Red Bull tailgating area?!!!” I exclaimed.  I got few chuckles and double-takes because of my horns and “Chief” Red Bull jersey.  In the end, I met some great folks, who appreciated my devotion and passion for the game, as I did appreciate theirs.  Honestly, for me, that is what being a “responsible and respectful fan” is all about.

After schmoozing with the lovely “Crewzers,” the hardest working dance squad in MLS, I got the poster AND the T-shirt!.  Importantly, I was there when the Red Bulls were leaving the pitch to prepare for their pregame entry.  I called everyone out by name - loudly, so that everyone could hear - and I was respectfully acknowledged.  I wanted them to know that I was representing the entire Red Bull fan base on this day.

Overall, the experience was very positive; one that I will cherish.  I hope to visit other MLS soccer-specific stadiums, as I can manage it.  For now, I will check Crew Stadium off of my “bucket list.”  However, I would not mind going back . . .

We will have another crack at breaking the backs of the hard-working Crew.  Until then, RagingBullNation is compiling its list of Heart of the Bull candidates.  We hope to announce the winner of this prestigious fan-based accolade next month.  If any of you boys are slacking, now’s the time to take corrective action!

This year’s recipient will be in good company with Marvell Wynne and Joe Vide.  Yes, I know they both ended up with different clubs the following year.  I would not want to think of this important award as a “jinx.”  In fact, we prefer to take it as a compliment, because both Marvell and Joe have excelled in their respective new environments.  So, we RBN Nationals must have an eye for talent, whereas others may not.  Hmmmmm . . . .

Until our next post (hopefully by a guest author), please click here for some of the photos I was able to take while there.

YIRB
Chief Toro