Well, if last Saturday’s clash with DC United in the Carolina Challenge Cup was any prediction of the outcome of the Red Bulls’ season opener on April 2 at RFK Stadium, the busses may not fill up as quickly on Sunday morning. However, having listened to the majority of the radio broadcast for this match, it seemed to be an even contest. Unfortunately, the team’s morale seemed to slump in the 79th minute, when Youri received his second caution of the match. Any hope of a comeback was quelled with newly signed Taylor Graham’s second caution in the 86th minute. Moreno’s 56th minute strike was apparently enough for DC to advance over the eventual 9-man Red Bulls side. -SIGH- On the bright side, the following Sunday, the Red Bull Reserves blanked DC United Reserves thanks to a Thiago Martins hat-trick and some expert play-making by Chris Henderson!

While the outcome of this match might temporarily vindicate the Red Bull nay-sayers and skeptics, the fact remains that MLS league play is what really matters. As we learned from last year’s Atlantic Cup clashes, it is difficult to predict the outcome of a season, especially if you limit your reference to one pre-season match. So, while we all hoped for a different outcome, we are all still looking forward to stampeding down to DC and bucking United right out of RFK. We believed in MoJo and the boys as the MetroStars, and we believe in them today, as Red Bull New York!

On another note, I want to thank our eclectic, passionate, and energetic national, Juan Carlos “Los” Gutierrez, who is spending his time down at the Carolina Challenge Cup for the duration. He managed to snap a few photos during the Red Bull/DC match, and at least one photo spoke volumes . . . You know what they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words!” We look forward to having Los and the rest of the Manhattanites with us this season!! I also included a montage of sorts from the “Meet the Coach and GM Meeting” at The Stout last week. (Thanks, Corey, Binks, Jeff, Brad, et al!!!)

Hopefully, some better news is forthcoming from the Carolina Challenge Cup. Regardless . . . I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SEASON TO START!!!!!!!!!!!

YIRB,
MetroNation

For our updated Initial Position Statement, click here.

As many of you should know by now, part of MetroNation’s “Vision” is community/charity outreach. In fact, it played a major role for us in our inaugural season: raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, contributing to the USSF Passback campaign, and assisting Hurricane Katrina victims relocated to the north Jersey area.

Well, we are getting an early start this year by working with Sportfriends Soccer Club (Est. 1933) of Wayne, NJ, to conduct a marathon adult men’s 7v7 tournament to raise money for a local soccer coach and player, Mr. Phil Diffley, who is suffering from ALS or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” We hope to expand to youth boys and girls, women’s, and coed teams in the coming years, but this first one is trial-and-error for us. We did not want to overwhelm ourselves out of the gates. For more information, on this horrible and debilitating condition, check out www.alsa.org.

To learn more about this historic event, which we hope to make an annual one, visit www.phildiffleyfamilytrust.com. Net proceeds from this event will support Phil’s wife and 5 children, as Phil can no longer support his family on his own. Please keep Phil and his family in your thoughts or prayers.

Please help spread the word. Perhaps you would even want to register a team of your own?

YIRB,
MetroNation

PS
Incidentally, while the buzz is still hot, and if you are still in the dark but curious, here is MetroNation’s “position” on the MetroStars-to-New York Red Bulls transition . . . UNTIL we have had a chance to meet with RBFO.

PPS
Did you see the latest FIFA rankings . . . HOLY RED, WHITE, AND BLUE, BATMAN!!!

Since yesterday, we have been bombarded by e-mails from within and outside of MetroNation. While we would love to respond to each one personally, it is just overwhelming. Consequently, we have prepared an initial statement that reflects our current perspective, based on the facts available to us at this time. If you have trouble accessing this document, please contact us at moreinfo@metroantion.net, and we will send the PDF file directly to your e-mail address.

As we gather more facts and rely less on speculation, we will update you. Thank you for your support and understanding.

YIRB,
MetroNation

Well, we have been buzzing about the inevitable for days now . . . it is official. And now, even the team’s web site has been changed over. You can also hear what Alexi has to say about it here.

For those wondering what MetroNation will do, an official statement is forthcoming, once additional “variables” are clarified. Two things are for certain . . . 1) we are NOT going anyhwere! More details will follow pending the revelation of addition facts about the deal, and 2) we are resolved to work together with the Red Bull New York organization to transition smoothly and continue supporting MLS soccer in the Tri-State area.

YIRB,
MetroNation