Archive for July, 2006
Sunday, July 30th, 2006
No, this is not the total amount of extra time added in the Red Bulls’ repeat performance from earlier this season against the Houston Dynamo, who happens to be the second-best team in all of MLS at the moment! Conversely, I could have also entitled this BULLog “-1,” as each team had a player sent off when things started getting nasty in the second half. It is the number of points the Raging Reds and all but one of their East Conference pals earned. If you must know, DC’s win streak was snapped by two RSL PKs . . . one in extra time! Extra time was the difference for the Revolution, too!
Unfortunately, a second-half strike by unlikely (or maybe unsung) hero, “Hang Ten” Henderson was neutralized by a Houston PK after some sloppy O’Rourke defending (which was cautioned), resulting in a draw. With a name like O’Rourke, you must need more than one minute to regain composure. Alas! Danny earned his second yellow in that time span, as did De-Ro (both in 71′) in a heated second half. Now, while the Red Bulls’ WIN streak is snapped, the UNBEATEN streak remains!! 
At this point in the season, pacing with the rest of the East is better than not pacing. After this weekend’s matches, all East Conference teams moved one point closer to DC United, who still has a commanding 19-point advantage over second-place New England at midseason. Despite the challenges ahead, the Raging Reds remain upbeat going into their US Open Cup match on Wednesday before the All-Star break.
I am going to cut this short, as my good friend, “The 5th Offical” (aka, “T5O”), has graciously agreed to be a “guest BULLogger” this time. Many of you may be familiar with his rantings and ravings from his independent web site. Admittedly, I have become somewhat of a fan of his perspectives, and thought that allowing him to share it through this web site would be neat. Not to mention, give me a little reprieve. Besides, you are all probably sick of me, anyway! ENJOY!
YIRB,
CT
** From the Desk of T5O . . . **
I have been writing my own blog for quite some time now and many of you know me from there. I will continue to post regularly to that blog but am honored by the request from Chief Toro to guest write this week’s Chiefs BULLlog. It seems as if those of you who have tried to avoid me by not going to my blog or web site are going to have to begin to tolerate me here! : -)
I attended my first RagingBullNation watch party EVER [hangs head in shame]. I know, I know, but before you start pointing fingers, just how many have YOU attended? Yeah, that’s what I thought! So, heres the dealwhy DONT we all attend more of the watch parties? Many of us travel a great distance to get to the game, what is the difference if we sit in the stands and watch it or gather around a TV and have a few beers and watch? Lets take a closer look
Game ” outside in the heat/rain/hurricane/etc.
Watch Party ” inside a bar, out of the elements
Game ” pay way too much money for a limited selection of crappy beer
Watch Party ” pay a more reasonable amount of money for a much better selection of beer, plus other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options
Game ” have to walk long distances for said beer or a bathroom
Watch Party ” ask across the bar for a beer and a much shorter walk to the bathroom
Game ” hang out with a great group of people
Watch Party ” hang out with a great group of people
In fact, in my current survey, 80% of those responding indicated that the ONE thing they consider the MOST IMPORTANT benefit of membership in a supporters club is that it involves a great group of people. (p.s. ” the survey is still open, so feel free to click on the link and give your opinions. It should take no more than 2 or 3 minutes to complete.) So, why not see more of each other? Attend the watch parties!
OK, on to the game. Danny.hey Danny.DANNY!!! What the heck were you thinking???? We barely held our lead for 2 minutes? OK, I vented and feel better. Chief Toro says ORourke was only doing his job, but it seems a shame we had to give up that penalty kick. When that Henderson goal went in, we started screaming so loud that the din of this busy bar could barely be heard. Alas, the joy in Mudville was short lived. But, a tie is better than a loss. I got tired of saying that earlier this year, but right now were still in sole possession of 3rd place, so I dont mind so much. I would, however, rather have been saying we were in sole possession of 2nd place, though!!!
Speaking of PKs and some controversy, the only official to have his own RagingBullNation cheer, Abidoun “Abbey” Okulaja, is at the center of more questions about his ability to officiate a game [Gasp! What a surprise to some of us.] In the D.C. loss to Real Salt Lake, dear ol Abbey called TWO (yes, count them, two) PKs in the last five minutes of play. And thats the last minute of regulation and four minutes of stoppage time!
I know my contribution today is short, and its not full of the usual banter about the game and wonderful links Marc always provides, but as I close out my inaugural contribution, I have two goodbyes to share:
First, JPP we hardly knew ye! Off to Brondby, we have seen our last, for now, of Jean Phillipe in a RB kit. Good luck, and thanks, MLS, for selling our leading goal scorer out from under us.
The second goodbye is significantly more profound and sad. I spoke a few minutes ago about the people of RagingBullNation. Why do I sit through the heavy rain, blistering heat, or even a hurricane or two ” its the people. Today, as I write this, a dear and beloved friend is dealing with the loss of his father. John Russo (aka, Johnny Toro) and his folks, Linda and Jerry, were some of the first people I met when I joined the family. Warm, wonderful, and truly unique, the Russo family became like extended family. With a swiftness that is almost numbing, we are all dealing with the passing of Jerry.
However you plan to deal with this sudden event, please spend some time thinking about and praying for John, Linda, and the entire Russo family. And please, take a few minutes to remember what a warm and incredible character Jerry was. I, personally, regret that I did not know him better or longer. [Brief 6-minute video tribute with wake and funeral information.]
Be well, stay well,
T5O
PS Sorry, Chief Toro, again here . . . some other noteworthy and timely news:
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Sunday, July 23rd, 2006
streak (str”k)
n.
1. A line, mark, smear, or band differentiated by color or texture from its surroundings.
2. An inherent, often contrasting quality: There was a streak of wildness in him (Olga Carlisle).
3. A ray or flash of light: the first streaks of dawn; a streak of lightning.
4. Informal.
o A brief run or stretch, as of luck.
o An unbroken series, as of wins or losses.
5. Mineralogy. The color of the fine powder produced when a mineral is rubbed against a hard surface. Used as a distinguishing characteristic.
6. Botany. Any of various viral diseases of plants characterized by the appearance of discolored stripes on the leaves or stems.
7. Microbiology. A bacterial culture inoculated by drawing a bacteria-laden needle across the surface of a solid culture medium.
While I would hate to think that the New York Red Bulls success is viral or bacterial in nature, #4 seems the most fitting for the purposes of this BULLog. Regardless of how short or long, our Raging Reds have established the FIRST bonafide win streak this season, and not a moment too soon! RagingBullNation is cherishing and celebrating this milestone with them!
Perhaps this positive turn of fate can be attributed to the psychological boost for the organization when it was officially announced that The Brucester would return to his old stomping grounds to guide a struggling club deserving of the best support that Red Bull New York can buy? Regardless, let us not ignore the fact that MetroStars offspring and New York Red Bulls protégé, Richie Williams, rose to the challenge, despite arguable inexperience. For that, Mr. Williams, we thank you, and we wish you continued success this season!
Beginning last Wednesday evening on the road in Columbus, THE PLAYERS rose to the challenge, yet again this season, to climb out of the East basement with their FIRST win on the road. This match was in limbo, until the second half when the Red Bulls committed to earning the result, with Hang Ten Henderson scoring his 50th MLS goal from a near impossible angle (Congratulations, Chris! Thank you, Noah Nutmeg Palmer!), and Jerrod Laventure scoring the FIRST MLS goal of his career, and what a goal it was! If Jerrod’s artful strike does not get nominated and then WIN Goal of the Week,” I will hunt ALL of you voters down for an explanation! You think the Golden Horns I wear are just for show?!
Speaking of challenges, backup (and potentially No.1, if Tony does not regain his previous form) netminder John No Way Conway stepped up again, and stonewalled the Crew offense for his FIRST consecutive shutout for the club! Lastly, but NOT least, Marvell The Marvelous Wynne had a break-out performance on the right flank, and really took it to the Crew defense!! Mom and dad must be so proud! It is so encouraging to see the youth on this team succeed!!! Uh, no offense, Chris! 
Aside from the entertainment on the field, what is most encouraging to me is that there is a sense that this team BELIEVES in one another! They may always have, but this is the FIRST time I think the fans sense it this season. It is this lasting emotion that will carry this team forward and increase our chances for success and glory. The old guard inspiring the new hopefuls WITH THE FANS BEHIND THEM, like RagingBullNation is.
So, as the title suggest, the Red Bull’s continued their East Conference “climb” against the ailing Wizards, who are under new management. The boys looked hungry and worked their butts off, echoing Coach Williams’ sentiments; to extend their win streak to THREE and bolstering their sole ownership of 3rd place standing in the East . . . just two points out of second. I just hope it is a charm! Hey, if you cannot score, you have to at least keep your opponent of the board, right?!
You could see it, and the “young guns” and Todd Dunivant (making his FIRST start and playing a full 90), turned in very solid performances! They were battling hard, even in the attacking third at time, and avoided some very threatening attacks as the Wizards stepped it up in the second half. Nevertheless, our Raging Reds prevailed again . . . without Youri, and this time, without JPP??
I do not have the desire or the energy to discuss Youri’s disposition, but an interesting development for JPP. As “The Butcher” and I were in the West tunnel waiting to recognized for our respective club’s fundraising efforts back in May for the Phil Diffley “SocCURE Marathon” Tournament, we both saw JPP with the “bling-bling” and threads minutes before the teams were to take the field. We assumed then that he was injured during warm-ups, because he was slated to start, according to the prematch report. However, it was because of a freshly finalized transfer deal to Danish powerhouse, Brondby. As of the posting of this BULLog entry, I think the ink is still drying . . . -SIGH- We wish him well. Now, the rumor mill will go into overdrive as to how Bruce and the Front Office will use the proceeds . . . . To be honest, I am more curious about Youri’s disposition. The silence is deafening, if you know what I mean.
Regardless, the positive vibes in Raging Reds Land continue as they hit the road again just before the All-Star Break to avenge a lackluster draw with the Houston Dynamo earlier this season. Hopefully, they can ride the crest of this all-around optimism to securing for the FIRST time this year, second place in the East! Ironically, we will need help from the Wizards next week and the feisty Crew. I just hope the Wizards decide to snap their losing streak. I am not sure anyone in our conference has a chance to catch DC, unless they just entirely implode.
Please join us at Mulligan’s for this match to help push for the Red Bulls to end the first half of the season on a strong positive note! See our Calendar for details. Houston fans are welcome, just like the brave rebel Wizards fans who joined us in The Corral! We just love the camaraderie! The New York Red Bulls are first and foremost on our minds!
YIRB,
CT
PS
Now that the buzz around the 2006 World Cups version of Crouching Frenchman, [not so] Hidden Headbutt is beginning to subside, you might be wondering about the result of all the media hoopla and FIFA investigations.
PPS
The buzz about the upcoming MLS All-Star match even made FIFA.com! Of course, playing a world-class EPL club like Chelsea, it is no wonder it was deemed newsworthy!!
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Saturday, July 15th, 2006
We could only CRINGE when we heard about the rescheduled time for the first Red Bulls v Rapids clash of the season. Who would be at Giants Stadium in mid-July in the middle of the afternoon on a Friday!? The RBNY web site says 5,504. The Mad Cow (f.k.a. Angry Metro) estimated 1,000. However, it felt like 1000 DEGREES (it was easily 90) outside as we SINGED in The Corral. However, it was all worth it, as the Raging Reds responded to my return to Section 115 by calming the visiting Rapids.
Of note was the fact that Amado was wearing the Captains band, and he finally PLAYED like a Captain. Although, he was little rusty on his six shots (accounting for more than half of ALL Red Bull shots during the run of play), he is still money from the penalty spot!** Jon Conway answered the call again, and was rewarded with his first clean sheet this season.
Speaking of the Mad Cow, it was great to have him back in form with us. In addition to our heckling of Kyle Beckerman, Mad Cow and others were teaming up on Joe Cannon, who was a much better sport about it. How could you not let chants like PIG PEN!! and COBI BECKERAMA! get under your skin? You could not help but hear us ALL throughout the stadium as the sparse attendance and stadium acoustics resulted in significant sound amplification. J
All heckling aside, Victor Grimm from Boulder was the beneficiary of his wifes generosity and pocketbook, as she sprung for his trip to New Jersey (it was Victors birthday week) to watch Celtic FC v CD Chivas Guadalajara as part of Celtics pre-season North American Tour. He wandered up to our Roadside Roundup before the match wearing his Celtic jersey. He confessed to being a Rapids fan, and admitted that the matinee match was an afterthought. He was traveling alone and looked a little lost.
Being a compassionate club, Victor bravely took our invitation to join us in The Corral. In retrospect, we are glad he did. We poked fun at one another, but in the end, we are all fans of MLS soccer! Interestingly, there were only two other Rapids fans I saw at the stadium. However, they were not has brave as he was. Sliante, Victor! I am just sorry you missed out on meeting the Irish Apple Shiner!
Well, the Red Bulls hit the road yet again to improve upon their last result against the Crew. I will actually participate in our first Watch Party at Mulligans in Hoboken. Check our RBN Calendar for details. Hopefully, the Rapids victory was a pivotal match to begin our climb out of this funk we are in before the All-Star break!
YIRB,
CT
** NOTE: Shep, your live commentary is worsening. There was NO foul by Magee just before the penalty was whistled. If anything, it was a slight flop by the Rapids defender. Cmon buddy! Actually, I want your job!!! J
PS
Mr. Denton, the next time you sign a young fans soccer ball after the match, try to be an adult about it. Adding REFS SUCK is not really necessary. You should be looking in the mirror and at your own teammates first. Victor and his two remote Rapid fan buddies showed much more class than you did.
PPS
Some more World Cup-related stuff, including some updates to the Zi-DONE fallout . . . LOL:
A matter of differing cultural interpretations
U2-One
PPPS
I think this is the most postscripting I have ever done . . . Hey! It is post-World Cup!
Incredible soccer skills showcase clip!
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Wednesday, July 12th, 2006
” . . . and sometimes others win,” according to a popular German phrase.
After spending more than 2 weeks in Germany during the peak of the World Cup fervor; absorbing their culture and a plethora of dietary delights, I can actually sympathize with this statement. Thus, you win when you deserve to win. We can site many examples challenging this notion during this past World Cup where the “better teams” did not always win, especially beyond the group phase. Conversely, the “lesser teams” get the glory.
It would be hard to argue against Italy’s achievement, especially as you look at previous World Cups. As for the USA, well they certainly did not meet expectations this time around. Now, with the revised FIFA/Coca-Cola ranking methodology, the USMNT is no longer in the Top 5, but at least we are ahead of Mexico this time! Brazil still tops the list, which is appropriate despite their lackluster performance. And France? Well, I think the elite media his handling that subject, along with “Zi-DONE”, just fine right now.
Having been back in the USA now for just 30 hours, I am still dazed by the wonderful time I had in Germany. However, the glow of my first World Cup experience in Europe (including tickets to the Finals) gradually fades, and I am left speechless (again) about the plight of our Red Bulls. To clarify, I was keeping up with Red Bull New York news while away, but just not watching the matches live. I cannot shirk reality any longer. With a string of losses and one draw while I was away (suffering defeat at the hooves of our bovine counterparts in the West: highlights / quotes); Youri being effectively “AWOL,” Tony Meola fighting an ankle infection for the next 2-3 weeks just when he was really “clicking” in net, it seems the best news out of the Red Bull camp is that Mark Lisi won the World Cup predictions?!!??? So, Mark. What are your predictions for the remainder of the Red Bulls season? Do tell!
To the players’ defense, the Front Office has not really been “stable” so to speak. Even Tony Meola alluded in post-match quote earlier this season that the team needs to focus on soccer and not “office meetings” about changes in the organizational structure or personnel. From Bradley to MoJo to Richie . . . The most recent changing of the guard does irk me a bit. While I can appreciate and understand the decision, the “transition gap” should be minimized because the team now relies on the limited experience of Richie Williams, especially on the road. No offense, Mr. Williams, but as confident as you might be, I think you would agree that you are “up against it” right now. I am surprised that a replacement has not been announced, yet. World Cup issues? I do not have the energy to speculate any further at the moment, as I am still fighting jetlag.
So, as a loyal Raging Red fan, I watch the team’s morale plummet and precious points “nutmeg” us as we approch the All-Star break. Honestly, I would be hard-pressed to find any Raging Red representation on this year’s All-Star team. Would that be unprecedented . . . not having at least ALL teams represented, regardless of performance (which on the surface, sounds ironic)? We might succeed with JPP, but at the outset of this season, one might have predicted team “kingpins” Amada and Youri, but I would argue otherwise at the present. Unfortunately, it seems that the fate of the Red Bulls season might be captured by the essence of the title of this BULLog entry, especially if you discount the future, which we cannot predict anyway. 
Well, we intend to keep supporting the team. After all, we are genuinely loyal fans, and that is what genuinely loyal fans do. Up until recently, one could draw comaprisons between MetroStars/Red Bull fans and Red Sox fans. However, 2004 changed everything for the MLB franchise. We are committed to being there and celebrating with the Red Bulls on their pivotal achievement, WHENEVER that is. This is the vision that continues to motivate me, and hopefully the rest of our Nationals! I cannot really speak for them, as I have been away for so long. I MISS YOU GUYS!
Speaking of which, some of us will gather for a quick bite and drink before the match this FRIDAY. We do not anticipate a lot people at all because of the inconvenient time for most gainfully employed folks. However, we will represent in and out of The Corral one way or another. We always do . . . no matter what! SEE YOU ALL THIS WEEKEND!!!
YIRB,
CT
PS
I really fought to avoid propagating the “Zi-DONE” fallout, because despite it all, I respect his talents. BUT, this stuff is too funny to overlook!!! LOL
Problem-solving skills
“Zi-DONE” Video Game
PPS
New RBN TV post!
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Friday, July 7th, 2006
As this will be my last post from across the Atlantic in Berlin, Germany, I thought I would focus on an underappreciated topic; the hospitality of Germany and its Nationals! Indeed even today, when one thinks of Germany (especially Berlin), one might recall the days of the “Iron Curtain,” Hitler’s regime, beer, and bratwurst. However, today’s Germany is quite the opposite of how it was and was portrayed by previous generations. From a person who has worked in Germany, and visited many times, GERMANY HAS DRASTICALLY CHANGED!
My host and good friend, Ulrich (”Ulli”), relayed to me one afternoon while driving around that the City of Berlin’s Public Relations Officer said (in German, of course) that the World Cup is the best PR opportunity for any country, especially for Germany. German citizens are very sensitive to how the rest of the world perceives them, and they have seized this opportunity to ensure that it is a positive perception. As a result, Germany has gone out of its way to open its doors to the entire world, and I would be hard-pressed to find ANYONE from any country who did not appreciate it, myself included.
!! NEWS FLASH !!: The Berlin Wall has been down for more than 15 years, Hitler has been dead for about 4 times that long . . . BUT, the beer and the bratwurst taste even better now, especially in the company of hundreds of thousands of passionate, multinational soccer zealots during the Berlin FanFest!
I should also add that there are 11 other historic and vibrant German metropolises that have hosted matches. Since arriving on June 23 (i.e., the Round of 16 on; YES, even though the USMNT did not advance - I would not miss this opportunity!), I have only been inside the Berlin Olympic Stadium once for a spirited group match between TUN-UKR, and visited Koblenz in the Rheinland region for somewhat of a scenic diversion to catch up with other friends. I have also come to appreciate, thanks to Ulli and many of his friends and mine (many of whom grace the most recent three installments of the BEV) that Germany is more than just a massive Oktoberfest or cruising down the autobahn between 100-140 mph, each of which has its own certain appeal. Between its beautiful visitor-friendly cities and quaint and picturesque riverside hamlets along the Rhein and Moselle Rivers, there is a nation with a rich culture and history beyond the shadows, which its citizens are eager to share.
If anyone thought that Germans were stoic pessimists of their national “fussball” team, please visit this site again, when I post a short video clip to clarify this misperception. Otherwise, review the FIFA World Cup web site in more detail. Thanks to my good friends Richard and Victoria, who arrived this morning to join Ulli and me for the finals days of World Cup celebration, we look forward to entering the Berlin Olympic Stadium ONCE MORE to watch the ITA-FRA FINAL!!! THANK YOU VICTORIA AND RICHARD . . . and my gracious host, Ulli! With friends like this, it really could not get any better for me! LASTLY; THANK YOU DEUTSCHLAND!
Now, I cannot close his post without a comment about our “Raging Reds.” -SIGH- They have PR challenges of their own, and we are doing our part to help. I honestly struggle at this point about what to say or do, other than keep representing positively in The Corral (Section 115), letting the boys and the rest of you know we are behind them, for better or worse. IT IS WHAT WE DO! Thanks to all the “Nat’s” who have carried banners and drums without me. It is important that we not rely on any one National to carry our group, but appreciate the synergy of commitment and cooperation from and with each other, and the New York Red Bulls! Being a TRUE fan of the New York Red Bulls, especially of our caliber, requires effort. Plainly stated, it is WORK, but a labor of love!!! To borrow the slogan from a popular advertising campaign . . . “Is IT in you?”
Despite the run of bad luck during the early stages of a tough road schedule against the Revs (news, quotes, highlights) and the Galaxy (news, quotes, highlights); and bad press with prominent players (Peguero, Djorkaeff), there have been some bright spots. “Hang Ten Henderson” reaches an MLS milestone, we acquire a solid and proven defender, and Richie Williams and the players have seen the effort improve amidst some tough recent “business changes” . . . all within the span of couple of weeks! None of this is easy to swallow! Finally, Edson Buddle is the FIRST Red Bull to receive “Goal of the Week” honors . . . . CONGRATS, EB! You can also find out more about his coiffure preferences in the latest edition of RBI.
On the other hand, the season is not trashed yet! We must keep working as fans, and trust that the team and its management continue to work hard to make the most of this season, which could still result in an MLS Cup! Like “T5O” says in his blog, carry the World Cup enthusiasm back over to the MLS. This league is going places! Be a part of the “ride,” and not the rhetoric!!
I look forward to reconnecting on July 15 for the Friday afternoon clash with the Rapids. Until then, send the good vibes and karma to Frisco, as our Red Bulls face the West Conference leaders this Saturday!
YIRB
CT
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