Archive for May, 2006
Monday, May 29th, 2006
I started this entry with the intent of focusing on one topic, but with MLS/international friendly twinbill on Wednesday, an international friendly on Saturday, and the USMNT final Send-Off match Sunday (yesterday, as of this posting), I thought it best to combine them as subtopics so that we would not have rebrand ourselves again as “SPAMNation!” Besides, you will likely hear very little from me for a couple of weeks. I must provide enough fodder to span this chasm of knowledge and opinionated pontificatory musings (?????). So, off we go . . .
>> “HUMPDAY” STEERED AWRY < <
While to the gainfully employed, “humpday” is a welcome milestone in the week-in and week-out drudgery, it looks as though the climb could potentially get steeper for our Raging Reds, especially if our East Conference comrades do not falter in their matches this weekend. The Red Bulls dropped all points last Wednesday night in the waning minutes of the match against the “Steers,” compliments of a confident and tricky Carlos Ruiz. UGH! Well, needless to say it as a real downer after such an exciting victory against Chivas USA last weekend. Relative to the season timeline, we are only a quarter of the way through with diminishing breathing room. So, if MoJo and the boys do not steer this bull in a different direction . . . -GULP-
While the defense was stretched and strained last night, one bright spot was that Stammler put his stamp[ede] on his second consecutive match, with a deftly bent ball into the far side netting thanks to a telepathic pinpoint through-ball by Mark Lisi. The Red Bulls threatened on a few other occasions in the first half, but the Hoops pretty much owned the second half and our defense was broken down. Although, I thought Carlos Mendes (until he was substituted because of an injury) and Jeff Parke have really matured in the back in this game. Yes, our backline has some inexperience, but you do not necessarily step on in your first MLS season and play flawlessly . . . As we all know, soccer is unforgiving. . .
This was a special evening, as it was a twinbill tilt, with Giants Stadium hosting the Ecuadorian and Colombian national teams in an international friendly. I thought the referee team did an exceptional job, as did the Ecuadorian and Colombian fans, who really cranked up the atmosphere. Many of them were in their seats for the Red Bull/FC Dallas match, but it was a sea of gold jerseys in the 100s, and 200s, with some scattered in the 300s. Frankly, I could not tell who was who in the stands, but thankfully, Colombia wore blue and Ecuador wore gold on the pitch. It was an entertaining match, in which we (RagingBullNation) actually relaxed a little, with the exception of Johnny Toro [Rosso], who was in full regalia, and must have posed for 50 photos, I swear! Nobody cares about Chief though, the man behind scenes . . . oh no! Forget that Golden Horned, bass-drum-banging geek! Apparently, his forlorn face made it into a local newspaper in Barcelona. We are awaiting the copy . . . 
Apparently, we relaxed a little too much in between the conclusion of the Red Bull match and before the international friendly in the Bull’s Corner Pub, as some “stadium official” in a pin-striped suit (according to one eyewitness) came and took our RBN “national flag” banner away???!?!?! It is not like it is a painted sheet, for crying out loud!! We waited for about 30 minutes by security only to be told to call back the next morning after 9 AM. The bottom line is GS security did not have any banner. It was not until Friday afternoon that Paul Byrne of the RBFO located it on top of a dumpster all neatly folded up??!?!? Thank you, Paul, for your diligence.
As for the well-dressed COMPLETE MORON who took our banner and did not think to make sure it was returned to its proper owners (and managed to “lose” all of our hooks for it) you had better get a clue about us really quick . . . YOU JERK! [Tu eres un tonto idiota!]
>> UND, TSCHUSS!! < <
-WHEW- Now that I have vented on that matter, we had our first “Barnstormin’ Breakfast” in Lot 15 before the Red Bulls/FC Bayern Munich friendly on the following Saturday, at which we came up with some food and beverage “specials,” if you will. Tell me what fan club does that!!?!? The weather held out, which set the stage for a little experimentation with Bull’s Breath Mimosas, Bull-Drivers, Bloody Bulls, and Johnny Toro Tacos! MMMmmm . . .MMMmmm . . . GOOD! While the Red Bull organization does not condone or promote the consumption of alcohol with its product, as an independently governed and organized fan club, WE DO! So, if you STILL think we are just an extension of the Front Office . . . think again, or rather, just think . . . It was a quite hot and humid side, but that did not seem to stop the Red Bulls from putting the ball in the net!
The match was entertaining, and interestingly, Guevara played a full 90, even sinking a PK in the back of the net. However, it was JPP who worked the scoreboard the most with two tallies, and Buddle reappeared on the box score sheet with just his second strike of the year. Can you imagine when he really gets in gear with JPP up front?! Regardless, of your opinion of Guevara, he did score, and most of us applauded and praised the effort, which was acknowledged by Amado during the subsequent run of play. We had one “conscientious objector” in our ranks. Although Amado seems to still be off peak form, it seems that he has squared up with his teammates, especially after seeing how he was received by them and congratulated by after the PK.
OK, it certainly is NOT all about Amado, but I think I will preempt the reader here. Ultimately, “the issue” is between him, his teammates, the coaching staff, and the RBFO, who are all priorities over the fans in the sports business . . . like it or not. The residual effect, in my opinion, is the compromised relationship with his fans and the media, in order of descending priority. This can also affect the team as a whole. It may take time to repair the damage, but if he gets his head and heart in the game like the “El Lobo” of old, then I am confident his “chemistry” will rekindle, and time will heal all wounds, and we will ALL benefit. Otherwise, we still have an issue . . .
The Bull’s Corner Pub was the perfect place to unload our gear and mingle with the players and other fans. MoJo actually stopped in, and spoke with a few of us. He sounded very optimistic about what he saw, and of course, the result. Now, for all you nay-sayers and spineless, so-called Bayern “fans” who whine, “We had 10 players absent because of obligations for the World Cup.” . . . yadda . . . yadda . . . Is it your collective admission that FC Bayern is a shallow side? Are all ten players starters?
Regardless of how you slice it, in the end, NOBODY with any shred of competitive instinct likes to lose, especially when the Bundesliga CHAMPS drop points to the current second-to-last place MLS side. History reveals that this is not the first time Bayern Munich has been defeated by an MLS team. Believe me. When the Red Bulls scored the go-ahead goal and the insurance fourth goal, the Bayern players were NOT apathetic.
Putting it into perspective, it is a friendly, the Red Bulls won, and there are a lot of tangible and intangible “positives” from this result for the Red Bulls. Thanks for playing Bayern, sample our culture and take in some sights, and go back home. See you again, sometime! Come to think of it, instead of making excuses, a TRUE European championship side might hold themselves accountable for the result. Too bad you cannot say the same for ALL their fans . . . THIS GOES FOR USMNT FANS, TOO, WHO WERE DESPICABLE AFTER THE MOROCCO MATCH!!! YEAH, YOU!!!
Now, the Red Bulls are off to play a formidable Kansas City side on June 3, but with Johnsson, Conrad, and Wolff off to Germany, the odds are better for the Red Bulls for keeping the Wizards “magic” in check.
>> EN ROUTE TO GERMANY < <
Speaking of USMNT, thanks to “Mama Bull” and the rest of the Sorren[Toro] clan, I was able to be a part of the third and final “Send-Off Series” match against Latvia. Clad in a real sharp-looking red and blue kit that debuted in this match, the USMNT ended its series with another victory against a very respectable Latvian side. Occasionally, it is only fitting in a World Cup year to use our web site to pay tribute to the USMNT journey to and from Germany . . . but don’t come home too soon!
It was a great atmosphere! There lots of cool handouts, including Gatorade towels, DTOM tally towels, which were ironically shaded Latvian maroon????, and this interesting “Next Stop . . . Germany” publication. After the final whistle, Rentschler Field went dark and a tribute to the long arduous road traveled by the Red, White, and Blue during the last 2 years was played over the Jumbotron. Even the USMNT players themselves were mesmerized by it at midfield.
With a standing-room-only crowd, the team acknowledged the fans and paraded off under a “pyrotechnic umbrella” for some respite before heading to Germany. Many fans will follow them, but near or far, the hopes and dreams of an emerging soccer nation will be realized vicariously through all of you. Godspeed, boys . . .
YIRB,
CT
PS
Our very own Citizen, Mike Apple, is now a regular contributor to www.nynjsoccer.com, which is one of our partners. Mike quasi-blog was initiated this past Saturday with his first installment. Now, I am not an Pulitzer author, but it is an EXCELLENT read, and I am looking forward to future installments. Please be sure to check out his “Apple Shiners” column, and let him know what you think! By the way, Mike, thanks for helping me come up with your RBN nickname . . . “Shiner Toro!”
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Sunday, May 21st, 2006
Last night’s match against “The Goats” (Chivas USA) was no less exciting and stressful for us Nationals than the Metros/Revs 5-4 goalfest on September 17, 2006. In fact, the scoreline was the same, using up all our soccer ball pin-ups to fill up our RagingBullNation “DOT NET” banner. In one match, the Red Bulls scored as many goals as they did in the previous FIVE (5) matches!?
We would have traded Abiodun Okulaja for ANY other referee. GEEZ! I have never seen a good game from the latter. Of course it is a matter of opinion, but I guess FIFA could not care less about our American officials, as there are none in this year’s World Cup. Hmmmmm . . . .
Normally, I would link you to the match highlights, but apparently MLSLIVE.tv wants to corner the market on this footage. Out of all matches, the first Red Bull win with 9 goals scored in regulation, and I cannot get the highlights. WHAT GIVES?! For Pete’s sake, I am a full-season Bull’s Eye ticket holder for the New York Red Bulls!! They should be sending me DVDs every week! Speaking of DVDs, we have a very special Collector’s Edition on sale in our Bull Market. Check it out!
Anyway, here are the match quotes, and the match details can be more eloquently delivered professional sports writers who get PAID to do it. However, I am not giving up on the video highlights. Just give me what little time. Now, our East Conference counterparts gave us a little help with Columbus and DC each sharing a point; FC Dallas squashing any type of Revolution; and RSL maintaining their winning ways over the Wizards. Unfortunately, we are still in the last place, as the Fire paced us with a victory over the Dynamo. Go figure!?
. . . We interrupt this blog to bring you this important news alert . . . (apparently MLS was late with highlight updates)
It certainly felt good to see our Raging Reds triumphant . . . AT HOME . . . FINALLY! Although, you really have to wonder, as I did last September, how we let up THREE goals. The fourth was ridiculous call in the 95th minute for a PK. ??????? Leave it to Abiodun . . . The Corral was absolutely ROCKING with several youth teams and especially the Green and White Army of Northern Ireland, who incidentally fe1l 1-0 to Uruguay in a friendly. Regardless, what a fun spirited bunch, and I am sure they will grace the fans with their presence in Chicago, too, when they take on Romania in a friendly. They helped keep us going for the full 90+!!!
I cannot help but feel really proud of the boys for achieving history, as well as Jean Philippe Peguero (a.k.a., “JPP” or “The Sniper”) logging the first hat-trick in Red Bull history. Perhaps more inspiring was Young [Gun] Seth Stammler’s performance with a 36 yard ground-hugging rocket (his first MLS goal of his career) and his encore: an exquisitely directed header off a Djorkaeff paced and bending serve. He is certainly coming into his own. All of this . . . without Amado. Hmmfff . . . As much I despised his actions from two weeks ago, I cannot help but wonder if maybe even he was inspired. Perhaps it could help bring him back around. Maybe ignoring the team’s request not be anywhere in the stadium, is his way of either saying “Up yours, MoJo!” OR I would prefer “Hey, coach do not completely separate me from a team I love.” Either way, it will not be easy for Amado the rest of this season, no matter for whom he plays. Time will tell . . .
After the match, we all headed to the Bull’s Corner Pub (BCP), and mingled with some of the RBFO staff and the players as they made their way through the throngs of admirers, signing autographs. I really like the BCP concept. Although a little pricey, it is convenient and comfortable. We managed to close the place down . . . AGAIN . . . and we are glad we did. Because JPP and EB swung by to great the remaining fans who were lingering, including us. We got a good photo op - a perfect end to an exciting evening of New York Red Bulls soccer. We all had a great time!
Speaking of time, time is something we do not have much of before next match against a very strong FC Dallas side, which is currently perched atop the Western Conference, and the entire league, for that matter. BRING IT, HOOPS!!
YIRB,
CT
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Monday, May 15th, 2006
-SIGH- Not being a risk-taker, I would have confidently wagered that our Raging Reds would have more than 5 points at this point in the season . . . and certainly NOT 5 draws out of 6 matches to date. To compound our frustration, DC United, The Crew, and The Revs each picked up 3 more points this week. Even with a game in hand compared with DC and Columbus, we still cannot catch them mathematically. Fortunately, and I know I have said this before, the season is still young. However, I cannot help but reminisce about last year and how we earned a playoff berth by just ONE POINT. So, points at this early juncture in the season MATTER . . . A LOT. I know MoJo and boys know that, so we stand behind them as we go forth in this important May home-stand!
As for the match itself, it was a physical encounter complete with drama on and off the field. Red Bulls’ Jean-Philippe Peguero (We’re down wit’ J-P-P, yeah, you know he!) opened up the scoring with his first goal as a Raging Red in the 27th minute. The most frustrating part is that we conceded a PK goal in the 68th minute, allowing the Fire to level it off. From The Corral it looked like a weak call, but the replay on the match highlights show it was a good call, and an arguably careless challenge in the box by O’Rourke, but these things happen. Both sides had chances to go ahead, which they did not convert. We agonized over a Djorkaeff far post worm-burner that rattled the post in the 82nd minute. The last real Red Bull game-winning threat was foiled by Thornton in extra time, the sequence for which was sparked by an incredible overlapping run by Marvell Wynne down the right flank, who replaced an under-producing Guevara. Guevara made know qualms about letting MoJo, the team, and the fans know how he felt about that. For the record, I do not think there is ANYBODY who was watching the match yesterday who understood or appreciated his lack of professionalism and sportsmanship.
OK, I refuse to dwell on it, and I will leave it up to the RBFO to deal with. In addition to a shining Wynne, Jon “Make Way For” Conway, who except for the PK, parried nearly all attempts by the Fire (the crossbar helped out on a late Jacqua strike). Unfortunately, his opportunity to start came at the “expense” of Tony Meola, who injured himself in the pre-game warm-up. Tony has been playing extremely well to date. Although, it is nice to know that our current #2 keeper can step up on short notice and get the job done. Nods also to Stammler and Henderson, whom I thought also played extremely well. Way to go, boys!
Since my last post, I have started reading Mark Perryman’s “Ingerland: Travels with a Football Nation.” It is an insightful and amusing first-person account by Mark of his personal interactions with soccer/football fans around the world, with references to third-person accounts. If you ordered your copy and are interested in cutting to the chase, RagingBullNation (f.k.a., MetroNation) is referenced on pages 266-271. Those memories of englandfans’ visit are still vivid.
Back to the present . . . next week’s match is against Chivas USA, and if you were around last year, you know that Giants Stadium might feel more like the Home Depot Center if we do not rally as a unified fan base behind our Raging Reds. So, join us in The Corral (Section 115), or sit where you want. Chances are no matter where you are sitting, you will hear an easy chant or cheer that you could easily augment with your own voices and enthusiasm. So, save your energy, because you will need every single bit of it on May 20!!
Lastly, but CERTAINLY not least, as many of you who have been following RagingBullNation know, we collaborated with Sportfriends Soccer Club (Est. 1933) in Wayne, NJ, this past weekend in an amazingly successful 7v7 charity soccer tournament, the Phil Diffley “SocCURE Marathon” Tournament. Adult men’s and over-30 teams played non-stop from 7:00 PM on Friday, May 12, to 3:30 AM Saturday, May 13, and managed to raise more than $21,000. RagingBullNation was a part of it all, and sincerely thanks Sportfriends Soccer Club and all others who volunteered their time and effort, and donated towards the Phil Diffley Family Trust, including family, friends, referees, coaches, and league administrators.
YIRB,
Chief Toro
PS
I have compiled a few additional links that might be of interest to you . . . ENJOY!:
We made it on MSG!!
Winning at ALL costs?
Joga Community
AJ’s BLOG
ESPN’s World Cup Ad Campaign
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Sunday, May 7th, 2006
While the Red Bulls attempt to work their way up from the bottom in the month of May at home (unfortunately, only one of the three matches this month are against East Conference opponents), I am encouraged that we will not depleted during the 2006 World Cup, for which I will be traveling to Germany. This might bode well for our Raging Reds who need to plug away at earning and maintaining playoff-worthy positioning against formidable opponents like the Wizards and Galaxy. Meanwhile, I will take this opportunity to “plug” a few things during this lull in Red Bull action this week:
USMNT:
Congratulations to the Stars and Stripes Brigade selected for the 2006 World Cup. Regardless of the fact that I have conditional semifinal match tickets should the USA advance that far, I am TOTALLY STOKED on heading to Germany for the Round of 16 on. Even though I lack match tickets, Germany is rolling out the proverbial Red Carpet for its international visitors, and I am looking to soak it all in. Despite any stereotypes, the Germans are some of the most hospitable people, and the countryside is gorgeous . . . not to mention the delicious beer and Wiener schnitzel (which has AUSTRIAN roots . . . Hey, Dietrich!)!! Having traveled to Germany extensively in the past, for both for business and pleasure, I am looking forward to catching up with friends and partaking in the Spirit of The Beautiful Game . . . Joga Bonito! My prediction . . . USA advances to the Semifinals this year as the WINNER of Group E (Remember, I have the $100 bet with my barber!)!!
Naming Johnny
Thanks for all your votes for Johnny’s new nickname. We will be having a “naming ritual” at our Roadside Roundup before the Chicago Fire match on May 13. We will also dub other Nationals with some new nicknames, which were not necessarily put up for vote!  Incidentally, a shout out to Johnny for hosting a cookout at his house on Saturday afternoon (I think he might be just waking up now . . .)! LOVE THIS WEATHER . . . cannot wait for the summer!!
“Ingerland”
Do you remember when we hosted London englandfans at our charity MetroGate last year? What an incredible experience, which lasted over the entire Memorial Day weekend! In any case, London englandfans leader, Mark Perryman, has recently published a book about his experiences traveling with the group all over the world, including their historic visit to the USA last year. In fact, MetroNation contributed to some of their experiences, and is featured in the book! If you are interested in learning more about the publication and how to order it, click here.
We Came, We Saw, We Are . . .
Speaking of MetroNation, if you pine for the days of ol’ Red and Black glory, you are in luck! As many of you know, RagingBullNation was formerly “MetroNation” last season, which was our inaugural season. Now, as RagingBullNation, we have deliberately and carefully taken measures to respect the rich MetroStars history which preceded the New York Red Bulls. Consistent with this objective, we have captured and compiled the photographic and video highlights of our inaugural season on a Collector’s Edition 2-DVD set. This unique DVD compilation features most of our original MetroCam footage and some original soundtrack (courtesy of Mike “Irish” Apple). While we work towards creating an order entry interface in our Bull Market, you can reserve your copy by “sending” a $30 donation to our nonprofit club, plus $5 S&H via PayPal ($35 donation total to shop@metronation.net; please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery). View the trailer
“SocCURE Marathon” TM
This Mother’s Day weekend we will be conducting, along with Sportfriends Soccer Club (Est. 1933) a charity 7v7 tournament. We are looking to raise at least $10,000 for a soccer “brother” in need. All are welcome, even if just want to look on. The clubhouse will be open, serving food and beverages for the duration of the tournament, which will kickoff with a special ceremonial youth match at 7 PM on Friday, May 12, and continue into the wee hours of May 13. The Men’s Open/O30 tournament kicks off at 8:00 PM. To learn more, visit www.PhilDiffleyFamilyTrust.com.
Bring Your Old Soccer Gear!
As we did last year, RagingBullNation will collect appropriate soccer gear for the USSF Passback campaign. We will do so at our Roadside Roundup in Lot 15 before the June 10 match against the Houston Dynamo. Just look for our banner hoisted high!
Well, that’s about it for this bye week. Join us at our Roadside Roundup this Saturday afternoon before our Raging Reds take on the Fire!! GO RAGING REDS!!
YIRB,
RagingBullNation
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