This post was started Thursday morning (Berlin time), while the rest of you Stateside are probably saying, “What the &%!*&?!!!” after trying to sleep well after yet another draw, under “new management.” Instead of the New York Red Bulls, perhaps the “Tri-State Chameleons” might be more appropriate, with all the changes in personnel and attitudes, apparently. Do not get me wrong, I love our Raging Reds, but even a fan like me gets fed up sometimes, with all the NON-SOCCER-PLAYING drama!

Now, with 5 of the 7 matches in July on the road, I just hope the boys can make amends for the opportunity costs to date. I have to say that the match highlights were some of the most boring I have ever seen. Also, Richie Williams sounds more like a player than a coach in his quotes. What do you expect when you suddenly become an interim head coach in you first season as an MLS coach? PRAY FOR POINTS IN JULY, RICHIE!!! You know, maybe there should be a PR campaign to call him “Richard Williams,” instead of Richie. Sounds more authoritative, no? Of course, “Dick” certainly sounds more masculine, but leaves Coach Williams open to the wrong connotations.

Yes, I have been following what has been going on, but just without watching the matches live. Love the ‘Net, right? Honestly, I sort of felt MoJo’s dismissal coming, but I thought it might wait until after the All-Star break. The rumor of Bruce Arena possibly being tapped as his replacement does not excite me too much, as I felt he was partially (if not wholly; trying to be realistic here) responsible for the USMNT’s anticlimactic performance in Germany.

Before I forget, I want to shout out to “T5O” to clarify that I am trying to SHARE my experiences in Germany with the rest of RBN, not “rub your snouts in it.” Although, with all the BS (no pun) surrounding the Raging Reds as of late, I can understand how my musings might be perceived that way. Also, T5O is doing a great job with his web site and his blog, and all the other soccer-related extracurricular activities. Rock on brother!!! A shout out to the rest of you . . . I am alive and kicking here in Deutschland! (We are currently amidst trying to procure tickets to the GER-ARG quarterfinal match!)

Next, our very own “Donny Toro” has been busy with the New York Red Bulls’ youth soccer alliance. Frankly, we miss seeing him around, but he has been hard at work with this initiative. Congratulations on the recent success of the TRYSC!!

Instead, of rubbing it in, perhaps this “bullet list” is less irritating for some, but I do want to capture what has been transpiring here, relative to the World Cup:

• Sad to see the exit of Ghana, who played incredibly, except for scoring. Still, I thought they deserved to win. Without any CONCACAF representation in the brackets now, I am “secretly” supporting “The Azzurri,” who really did not deserve to advance this far (but celebrated their victory in the streets as if they won the World Cup). Oh well, my surname almost requires it. JT, you got your wish!
• Ironically, Budweiser is the ONLY alcoholic beverage available INSIDE the stadiums. I wonder what marketing guru decided to position America’s arguably worst quality brew in a nation known for its traditional and strict brewing standards . . . producing some of the best beer in the world??? Is their idea of making a good impression? Thank God, for biergartens!!!!
• I have been able to see A LOT of Berlin while bike riding, including cozy suburbs and even lakeside snoozing! It is quite a beautiful and diverse city. Compared with NYC, it is much easier to get around, even by car. However, I think cyclists in NYC went extinct with the dinosaurs, no? They all became clueless pedestrians and aggressive cab drivers! My host, Ulli, and I are planning to travel to the Rheinland area (Koblenz) tomorrow or the day after. Being in Germany, beer will be easily accessible, but wine tasting might be the choice while there!
• We would have been departing a day later if we were able to score some GER-ARG tickets. We came close, but no cigar. The highest bidder won, and we are also trying to get tickets to the FINALS! Ulli is slightly disappointed, because he has never seen Germany play in a stadium . . . EVER . . . and he is born and raised in Berlin??? Oh, well! We watch it on TV with my friends in Koblenz . . . -SIGH-
• I am now addicted to Nutella. It is FAR better than any other sandwich spread I have ever had, which means it is better than chunky peanut butter or margarine! If you can find it in any store in the USA, buy it . . . LOTS of it!
• I brought a lot of USA Soccer rubber wristbands over here with the intent of using them as a token of friendship and soccer spirit. Admittedly, there are not many oppoprtunities to give them out, with the USA out. HOWEVER, I have given some out, and the recipients have been grateful. While we all have different political views (some just cannot wait to tell me what they think of President Bush or the USA), we ALL LOVE SOCCER! In fact, one recipient (raised in former East Germany) did not want to open her package, because it was unadulterated American labeling.
• I have been struggling to learn German with Ulli, who takes every opportunity to be sarcastic. However, I reciprocate with his English! The most pleasant lessons so far were with his 12 year-old niece, who is learning English in school, and is quite good! When in Koblenz, I will look forward to reading my friends’ daughters baby books to “beef up my vocabulary.”
• A referee collegue of mine sent along this blog site, which is a good sounding board about the officiating in the World Cup. YIKES! Speaking of officiating, I received a souvenir referee whistle, which also happened to have a bottle opener built into it. Hence, I think I discovered why Markus Merk killed the USA-GHA match . . . it is just too easy to Officiate While Intoxicated or “OWI” for short . . . yeah, OWeeeee!!!!!!!
• Despite not being able to avoid cigarette smoke ANYWHERE around here (and probably all of Europe), I enjoyed some traditional homemade German currywurst and potatoes, thanks to Ulli’s sister, Steffi, who live across town. Let us not forget the half liter bottles of Berliner Pilsener, too!
• Speaking of cigarette smoke, I can only chuckle when I see the advertisement not to smoke while inside the stadiums. Yeah, good luck with that one! Although, I am glad NJ has joined the “bandwagon,” so to speak!
• It is now nearly 10:00 PM or 22:00, and it looks like it is 7:30 PM outside. I have noticed that it stays lighter out much longer here. It is kinda cool, but it makes it hard to fall asleep some “nights.” Thank God (again) for the beer!
• JT, you will be happy to know that I am sadly out of shape now. However, I have been eating and drinking some of the best food and beer around along the way. . . . now, THAT is rubbing it in!!

In closing, check out this video clip . . . what a trip!! Also, if you want to review all the goals scored thus far in the World Cup, check this site out. More when I return from the Rheinland . . . and I will keep tabs on our Red Bulls!

YIRB,

CT

As my updated “Herd” article suggests, just because I am amidst the World Cup fervor here in Germany, I have not forgotten our New York Red Bulls, who unfortunately failed to earn a critical 3 points over the Chicago Fire; a team between which we are looking to gain some distance. Although, it is a little more difficult to watch the matches live, as they kickoff at 1 AM or 2 AM Berlin time. I did catch the highlights, or should I say LOWlights, from a “Raging Reds” perspective? From what I can gather from the candid quotes, it was a not a pretty scene in Chicago, excepting perhaps Tony Meola’s performance. I recommend that you visit our link to the “T5O” blog, which will undoubtedly contain more opinionated feedback; not to mention LOTS of information about Brazil’s progress, especially the upcoming match against Ghana, the team that knocked the USA out.

I am looking forward to returning to The Corral for July 15, but until then, I am making the most of my time here in Germany during the World Cup. The BEV installment should give you a good idea. Upon touching down, I battled SERIOUS jet-lag to go to the Berlin Olympiastadion to watch UKR-TUN. Not a terribly exciting match, but the fans were great, and we enjoyed ourselves there. However, NOTHING compares to the experience I shared with about 1,000,000 (NOT a typo; according to the German media) fans along the “Fan Mile” in the heart of Berlin, which spanned from the Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column.* Germany was very convincing in its 2-0 rout of Sweden, and the fans were chanting “FINALE! FINALE! FINALE!”

I get the feeling we just might see Germany in the final this year. I will post a video clip when I return to give you a better idea of the pandemonium. GEEZ! I just hope I am alive to see this type of enthusiasm in the USA some day. We will need to wait 4 more years, and already, we will be without a USMNT mainstay, Claudio Reyna. Incidentally, be sure to check out the final installments of Studio 90, which I thought was a great way to follow the team in Germany. I was hoping I could do that more personally while here, but alas, the Round of 16 was not our destiny this time around. This will not stop me from enjoying the World Cup excitement, which is unrivaled!!!

Meanwhile, RBN will continue to its part when the Red Bulls are home or away. If you have not already, check us out!

YIRB,

CT

PS

Incidentally, if you missed the USA-GHA “breakfast party” at the Sportfriends SC clubhouse, it made the Herald News (Page 1; Page 2). Billy “The Butcher” is not a bad short-order cook!

* Interestingly enough, the name of the “Fan Mile” street is “17th of June,” a former German national holiday (and my birthday). How weird is that!!!?

While there were no birthday cakes, presents, or candles to blow out, there were fireworks in Germany on June 17!! You see? Even the #2 ranked team in the world can have an off day, against a side 46 rankings below them?! I have gone through multiple iterations of this BULLog, which have mimicked my volatile emotional state. As of the posting of this BULLog, Italy did its part against the Czech Republic in their final group phase clash, but the USMNT did not answer their call against the “Black Stars” of Ghana, which had a tremendous group phase. “Dark horses?” Maybe not so dark now . . . -SIGH-

Granted, first impressions are important, and the USA screwed up against the Czech Republic, and arguably never recovered. However, “throwing them under the bus” just speaks to the emotional impact of the World Cup, and in some cases, the ignorance of the “squeaky wheels.” For example, the annoyingly narcissistic, profusely pompous, and vaguely verbose Giorgio Chinaglia essentially insulted the USMNT on air during his prematch commentary. Perhaps his senseless comments are a symptom of a deeper issue, which is he is a “has-been,” who will never garner the respect of a Pele. I will bet $100 that he is jealous of that fact, and angered that he is no more respected than Eric Wynalda. You on, Georgie? I am feeling as lucky as the Italians were on June 17! BASTA!! Incidentally, Georgie has demonstrated any business saavy, either, which is why I am glad he is not involved with management of the New York Red Bulls!

Speaking of $100 bets, thanks to the USMNT’s outstanding effort against Italy, I was spared a $100 haircut from my barber, Sal. Instead, per the terms of our wager, I was treated to a great complimentary haircut (normally $16) and the opportunity to hang a USMNT poster next to Sal’s 1982 Azzurri team poster (when available). At the outset of our wager, Sal predicted that Italy would shut us out with three goals. Furthermore, he predicted that we will not advance to the Round of 16. I regret to say that he was 50% right . . .

However, my faith in the Red, White, and Blue was rewarded with an inspiring effort to draw with Italy, which I thoroughly enjoyed in the company of many other USMNT fans (including Josh and Matt Landau, who traveled from Arizona just to share the experience with us!) and a few brave Azzurri fans in “The Bubble!” Now, to clarify, it was a “Gentlemen’s Bet” with my barber, NOT a bribe, which the Italians and the Uruguayan referee for the match seemed to share a mysterious common history. Regardless, it was an incredible result given the USA were on the short end of a 10 v 9 battle for essentially the entire second half, AND with a goal disallowed (albeit, correctly)!!

After the “spectacle” in The Bubble, in which some of our Nationals were interviewed, we headed back out to our Roadside Roundup in Lot 18A (temporary location during the State Fair . . . Wooopeeeee!), and decompressed, debated, and shared the enthusiasm of what the effort meant to the USMNT and their fans. It was good fodder, as we were all charged up for the subsequent Red Bull/Galaxy match in Giants Stadium. ALAS! Our “Raging Reds” pulled off what seemed to elude them for so many matches this season . . . A WIN . . . THREE POINTS!

Overall, it was not necessarily a “pretty” match, but it was nice to see Buddle tally another goal, and Seth Stammler continued to establish himself as a threat, WITHOUT racking up another caution! WHEW! Of course, JPP figured in the second tally only a minute later. Thus, we are no longer East Conference bottom feeders! Keep climbing, boys! (* Uh, Shep? The SAR missed the offsides on LA’s goal. I am surprised you did not mention it your commentary . . . not even close! In fact you were adamant that he was onside????)

“The Corral” was jumping, with literally swarms of youth soccer players, and their parents, joining in our cheers and chants. I made a special effort to walk up and down the aisles this time, which was quite effective. A few photo ops and even some autographs . . . nothing JT has not done before, right? Hey, it was a good ego-stroking! Anyway, with the number of kids who wanted to play the Raging Bull bass drum, I think I will start charging $1 a swing, which should quickly restore our burgeoning nonprofit fan club to solvency! LOL

We even bantered back and forth with a handful of LA Riot Squad lads, who bravely took their position RIGHT NEXT TO US. We did not know what to expect, but as it turned out, we had some good laughs, and found out that nearly all of them will be evicted if they do not come up with next month’s rent. So, perhaps we will establish a collective “MLS Fan Foundation” to help the more financially needy of us soccer fanatics . . . . maybe . . . . next season . . . Props to the LA Riot Squad for being just cool MLS fans. You are now in the good company of the likes of Revolution fans, and we really like them! Honestly, it is the way it SHOULD be!

In my last post, I mentioned the new “Apple Shiner” series on www.nynjsoccer.com. Well, he forgot to tell me that Chapters Two and Three were posted. Incidentally, “Shiner” brought his dad and sister down this time around. So, we are establishing our roots in Upstate! YEAH! Actually, I hope to eventually bring the “Shiner” series over to our site soon. Stay tuned!

This is my last post before departing for Germany. Yes, I was planning on going, regardless of the outcome of the group phase. The day I touch down, I am getting tickets for the TUN-UKR match, which is shaping up to be a dramatic and deciding one. As for the USMNT, we can point all the fingers you want at whom you want, but in the end, I only saw them play like they meant it against Italy. I do believe the future for US Soccer is still bright, but for individuals representing US Soccer, maybe not so bright. Ironically, I have conditional ticket vouchers for the semifinals if the USA advanced that far. Maybe in 2010? Rest assured I will not betray our beloved “Raging Reds,” as I will be following their progress, too, over the Internet as they embark on a busy stretch. I certainly will NOT be following the World Domino Tournment on ESPN2 . . . too funny, and TOO CONFUSING for this simple soccer fan!!

Regardless, I will continue to follow the drama during the knockout stages, keeping a keener eye on both Italy and Ghana, in particular. Either way, I just cannot wait to be a part of all the excitement and pageantry that I have been seeing on TV. Although, I could do without the entire commentary staff of ABC and ESPN, except for Alexi . . . and that’s no bull! Do not fret, because while I am away, I will follow the Red Bulls on the Internet, and our fan club will represent for our Watch Parties at Sportfriends or Mulligans; and home matches in The Corral, until I return! CHECK US OUT!!

As I age, birthdays become less and less significant to me. However, the emotions of this past one and the following days, combined with the drama of this World Cup, will linger for a long while! In the end, I do not want to let my current emotions get the best of me, as the USA makes a disappointing departure from world’s greatest competition. Again, first impressions count for a lot, but last impressions . . . . well . . . last. I am emotionally drained from the group phase, and frankly, do not have the energy to elaborate. However, I remind myself that 175 other nations were sent packing long before the USA was . . .

YIRB,
CT

PS

Gene, is this you? If so, where is Herb? AWESOME!

Oxymoron? Perhaps. Yours truly was M.I.A. in “The Corral” this past weekend, because I was officiating the Pro-Am division of the North American Sand Soccer Championships (NASSC) in Virginia Beach, VA. I wish “T5O” was with me, who would have appreciated the Brazilian teams who competed. Frankly though, “Mini-Me” might have become a little jealous!

Despite the incredible weather and scenery . . . AHEM . . . and display of soccer skills and endurance, I really felt lost Saturday evening. In an area of the country where the “Marboro Man,” NASCAR, and Redskins/Dallas rivalry reign supremem, it was hard to find my beloved “Raging Reds” on TV. I did not have my computer with me, so MLSLive.TV was out of the question, and I was not going to pay the rate at an Internet cafe . . .

Alas! I discover on the ESPN SportsCenter ticker later in the evening (as I fight to stay awake) that we pulled another draw. NO RELIEF from one-pointers! I am not going to comment any more, because well I was the unlucky one who was not able to share the experience with my fellow Nationals. Although, according to T5O, our Nationals held their own and were recognized for their efforts by some of the players, especially Carlos Mendes after the match. Thanks, Carlos! One of our newest Nationals filled in on the Raging Bull bass drum, even without the strap and mallets . . . . Anyway, check T5O’s blog out for the details on “GAMEDAY;” of which I hope somebody saved me a few copies like I asked. Of course, here are the video highlights and quotes you have come to expect from me.

I was so busy during the NASSC tournament, that I could not even watch any of the World Cup matches, which have proven to be quite exciting thus far. I did, however, find “Hometown Heroes” in Virginia Beach, at which I watched an anticlimactic opening performance from our Red, White, and Blue hopefuls. There were few noteworthy highlights for USMNT fans, BUT for Red Bull fans . . . Keith, Ronen, and another “Idiot” were seen (much to my pleasant surprise) holding up red, white, and blue “U-S-A” placards during the pre-game video cameos!

“Idiots” on the world’s stage at the world’s greatest sporting event . . . we ARE on a downward spiral!!! Because of the USA-CZE result, I am changing my plans to return to NJ later, AFTER watching ITA-GHA, the result of which is now extremely important to USMNT fans. HOPE IS NOT LOST FOR YOU SKEPTICS AND DISGUSTINGLY FICKLE, SO-CALLED FANS!!! WHERE WOULD WE BE IF THE COLONIAL PATRIOTS ROLLED OVER AFTER THE “BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL” ON JUNE 17, 1776???!

Speaking of June 17, this Saturday (2006) will not only be my birthday, but also a definite MUST-WIN match between USA and ITA - on which I have a gentleman’s bet on with my barber, if you recall. BE SURE NOT TO MISS THE RBNY WORLD CUP VIEWING SCHEDULE, ESPECIALLY THIS SATURDAY!! AS ALWAYS WE WILL BE THERE! Incidentally, if you have not seen the new look of our website; paying homage to the WORLD’S GREATEST SPORTING EVENT AND OUR USMNT, what are you doing still reading this BULLog?!!!!!

YIRB,
CT

PS

Thanks to those who donated to the USSF Passback campaign last weekend. Incidentally, we donated all of our “new” MetroNation gear to the Salvation Army.

Making me wait, making we wait . . . FOR THREE MORE POINTS!

You could see it in the Red Bulls play, and MoJo’s reactions in the technical area. Things just did not go smoothly for the Raging Reds at Arrowhead Stadium in KCMO, who managed to slip away with another draw on the road. Perhaps they could feel the collective bellyaching of Red Bull fans watching from abroad. Thanks to MLSLiveTV, I was able to bellyache with the rest while up in New Hampshire visiting my family. YES, we have cable “all the way up there,” but just not MSG! There was not much to see, but if you must . . .

With this sixth draw, the best we can hope for after the results this week is making up one point on Chicago, who still avoid residency at the bottom of the East table, even after losing to RSL. However, our nemesis, DC United, blanked the stuggling Revs, which keeps them in leap-frogging distance of us. Congratulations to Chris “Hang 10″ Henderson for scoring his first goal this season in dramatic fashion, despite a heroic effort by Bo Oshoniyi to deny him. However, accolades must go to Tony Meola. Without his amazing smothering of a 1v1 attempt (which oddly was excluded from the video highlights), this entry might have a different “spin.”

Frankly, it is pretty amazing that Tony was designated as an alternate to this year’s World Cup roster, after recovering from a near career-ending injury all last season. Ironically, despite Tony’s incredible performance in net for the Red Bulls this season, it is only Conway who has a win logged in the books. KUDOS to you Tony, but I think we need you in NJ more than Germany, no offense . . .

On the positive side, we did come away with one point on the road, but against a seriously depleted KC side due to World Cup call-ups. After checking our schedule, we get to play Kansas City at “full-strength” (theoretically) THREE more times in the regular season. Now, I am not a certified coach, but I have been playing and officiating long enough at the competitive amateur and professional levels long enough to make the following observations, which contrast Thomas Foote’s rather “rosy” assessment of the match and the effectiveness of the 3-5-2 (just check the box scores):

1) Ball possession was non-existent anywhere in the field. You would think that 5 midfielders could do a better job, other than just “clogging the middle.”

2) No “fire” (NOT the Chicago kind) in the attacking third. JPP did not factor in at all, except for 50% of the offside calls (buy him a handheld GPS; or JPPS - “JP Positioning System” . . CRIPES!) Buddle’s fresh legs created chances as a sub, but he could have made some better decisions with the few opportunities he had.

3) Inexperience with playing a 3-5-2. Usage of the flanks was largely absent, especially in the second half, preventing us from spreading the Wizards lineup to enable short-ball possession for longer durations.

I thought our 3-back defense was as solid as could be (THANKS, Parke, Mendes, Jolley!), and with some backtracking by some of our five midfielders, including Amado (who has apparently reconciled with MoJo and his teammates), the back line was able to hold its own. However, it seemed that we often lost our shape in the second half. We obviously cannot rely on a one-goal lead.

Perhaps changing player positions and/or mentality to play a 3-5-2 better, or play another formation will help? MoJo and the boys need to figure a way to score more goals, because our defense should not be asked to weather the shoulder most of the burden all season. I am not sure we have much more time for the system to “gel,” if we have hopes of a solid playoff position.

Again, no specific solutions, just observations, which is a “pet peeve” of mine, but the Red Bulls pay people good salaries to come up with solutions. I have my hands full leading (cluelessly) our fan club, which is deserving of a salary in and of itself. RBN Nationals, pass the hat around!!!

Although, the “equalizing gift” awarded by the inexperienced referee team did not help our Red Bulls’ cause. The foul (and it was a foul) was clearly outside the box. To have awarded a PK in this circumstance will not get them any international appointments any time soon. However, that does not excuse the fact that our Raging Reds must start “RAGING” (positively) on the field, and start scoring!! We needed more from the midfielders and forwards tonight.

-SIGH- So, I will miss Woly’s homecoming on June 10, but I am praying for three points. I am sure his Staten Island buddies will make their presence known. As always, RagingBullNation will make its presence known in Lot 15 for the USSF Passback Campaign before the match. Of course, during the match, we will do our part in The Corral (Section 115). LOOK AND LISTEN FOR US!!!

Now, this is my last “pre-World Cup” post, and I can barely contain my excitement over this year’s tournament and the potential of the USMNT. You will notice some changes to our site throughout the duration of the World Cup to pay tribute to this historic event, including a new “Herd it Here First” post. Be sure to come back for enrichment by the omniscient “Chief Toro” . . . that is if you have nothing better to do! Speaking of World Cup, our RBN Calendar features the match schedule, but you can also follow the USMNT daily “grind” in Hamburg(er), Germany, and during World Cup match play with US Soccer’s “Studio 90″ audiovideo “chronography”.

If you do not understand the “gravity” of the World Cup and how it completely overshadows any other sporting event, including our often over-glorified “American sports,” then you should read this. Reach out beyond your own self-imposed mental limits, and be enlightened! Get into the spirit by creating your own World Cup online persona!

YIRB,

CT