Little did I know that my frustration over the MLSlive.tv “technical difficulties” would be a harbinger for the outcome of the match. Once again, DC United reaffirmed its superiority over the Red Bulls, lest there be any hope among Raging Red fans after the entertaining scoreless draw following a dominant performance by the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium a week earlier to the day. When I am on the road, or in the case of US Open Cup play, MLSlive.tv is an excellent alternative, if the “web wizards” on the backend can ever get it to work. Instead frustrated viewers, some of whom may have paid just to see the Open Cup match, were watching Cleveland Indian/KC Royals baseball . . . What the -BEEEEEP-!! MLSlive.tv Customer Service phones must STILL be lit up!

In lieu of visual stimulation, my partially working ears had TO struggle through the ridiculous commentary (there was NO doubt it was a DC feed), and my “mind’s eye” did the rest. Honestly, even reviewing the lowlights which were made available the following day (so there WAS a live feed that was NOT broadcast . . . ??!?!?!?!), while the Red Bulls (Guevara) responded 4 minutes later after DC’s initial strike in the 37th to go to the lockers with a goal a piece, it just seemed like the Red Bulls did not show up the second half, which resulted in a humbling loss. What was more discouraging is Nowak appeared to play his “B” lineup, while we played an “A/B” lineup, with Taylor Graham in for Jeff Parke. I could spend this entire blog trying to second guess Arena’s agenda in the US Open Cup, which at the least confers bragging rights, it is LEAGUE PLAY that ultimately matters to the coaches, I think . . . and hope!

Speaking of league play, the Raging Reds really RAGED for once in the second half of their encounter with RSL. Up until last night, the history between the two clubs has been unremarkable with three draws. However, it was a different story in front of another 11,000+ crowd on an overcast Saturday night. The New York Red Bulls EXPLODED with a franchise record of SIX (count them, SIX) goals, three of which were scored by an unlikely hero (at least based on this season’s history), Edson Buddle. Jordan Cila and Todd Dunivant also chimed in for their first tallies as Red Bulls, as well as fan favorite, John Wolyniec, . . . well, his first as a RED BULL, anyway.

The first half was unremarkable, except for the RSL send-off in the 8th minute. As is often case, the short-handed side stepped it up, and went toe-to-toe (no pun) with the Red Bulls. However, I have NO idea what Bruce et al said to the boys at halftime, but after the controversial (but not on the replay . . . Nate, you should have had that call, and not have the referee make it for you!!) first goal by Buddle in the 54th, IT WAS ALL RED BULL ALL THE TIME. My mom and dad, who were visiting me this weekend, got into it in The Corral. Yes, mom finally admitted she really IS proud of me . . . hehe We did not even have enough soccer ball tack-ups to honor all the goals. Our RBN flag banner was literally FULL.

Now, we have tacked up 5 soccer balls on our beautiful banner only twice before, but we NEVER needed a SIXTH! After 5, I actually started chanting sarcastically “NO-MORE-GOALS! . . . NO-MORE-GOALS!” Maybe not the best thing to do as the leader of a premiere fan club, but remember, I am known as the “Clueless Leader.” We just did not know what to do when Woly rounded off the “6-pack,” except yell, scream, and drum like crazy . . . UNBELIEVABLE!!!! The last 4 goals scored on Saturday night were milestones: 1) Buddle’s first hat trick as a Red Bull (maybe ever as an MLS player?); 2) Dunivant’s first MLS goal this season (as a Red Bull); 3) and Wolyniec’s first goal as a Red Bull (many of his previous goals have been memorialized in MetroStars history).

It was a special evening for the New York Red Bulls as well as for RagingBullNation. We had very relaxing pre-match Roadside Roundup; and a bunch of enthusiastic soccer playing (and soccer loving) girls from Demarest and Montville, as well as several families, and a few young men, who REALLY got into the cheers and celebrations and complemented the atmosphere in The Corral. After ward, it was down to the Bull’s Corner Pub to congratulate the team on a job well done, and negotiate the “sea” of anxious youngsters waiting to get “face time” with their favorite player. Although, from the looks of it, Johnny Toro gets the “Mr. Popular” vote for the evening, but who does not love JT, right?!

The energy was high, the Raging Reds were ROLLING, and I was just soaking it all in. I am truly lucky to be sharing these experiences with such wonderful people (Nationals and the rest of you), and to actually see how contagious our philosophy of team support really is. Others seem to gravitate towards us AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE, especially this past Saturday evening.

Ultimately, RagingBullNation is about me, you, her, him, them . . . ALL OF US. Unity, pride, passion, compassion, outreach, respect, and civility will fuel our continued success from season to season. Developing these attributes of our organization takes time and teamwork. With everyone involved in the mix, I have no doubts about the potential for this fan club. Perhaps I am boasting, but when you just witnessed what I did this evening, I deserve to boast . . . just a little.

I LOVE ALL YOU NATIONALS, THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN WHAT WE ARE DOING,

AND THOSE WHO HELP ALONG US ALONG THE WAY!

YIRB,

CT

PS: Before this weekend’s MLS matches, there was just 5 points separating second place in the East with the bottom of the East Conference. After, there is just an 8 point spread with just 8 matches left in the regular season. Stay on top of the drama by our last full season in Giants Stadium, maybe? Keep coming back here!! BOOKMARK US!!

PPS: Now, if you read my last BULLog, I was a bit upset with Canada. Well, from Bob, to MoJo, to Richie, to Bruce . . . NOW back to MoJo. Apparently Canada has accepted what the Red Bulls rejected. Whether you agree or not, we wish MoJo all the best, and hope that he helps to build his team from scratch. It is quite an opportunity, for which “The Brucester” cannot wait, I am sure . . . Before we concern ourselves with 2007, how about getting it done in 2006, eh? After a 6-0 trampling of RSL, we are off on the right hoof!

ATLANTIC CUP CLASH

I guess it should not have been a surprise when we realized we could not hoist our banners for our Roadside Roundup before the RBN/FCB or the RBN/DCU match. It appears as though Jerry is still having his laughs . . . KEEP IT UP . . . “F.U.D.A.!” What was NOT a laughing matter was the domination of first-place (in the league) DC United by the Red Bulls; nor was the fact that our boys were rewarded with only a point for their spectacular effort! Of course, if you look at recent seasons, I guess it would be only fitting for Arena to have at least one draw to his credit.

After a stellar first half against Ronaldinho et al, Meola et al recorded another shutout this season, and a special nod to Mendes who stopped a point blank shot with Meola nowhere in the vicinity late in the second half. Carlos, it looks like you drink for free this week! Even Amado was slide tackling, which should tell you the Red Bulls were up to the task. The Raging Reds really deserved to win, maintaining the majority of ball possession and threatening the most. However, the “Canadian Mob,” in the form of Mauricio Navarro, an Abiodoun Okalaja protégé no doubt, was “peculiar” to say the least. Send him to the NHL. He is not MLS worthy if you judge him from this match alone.

Dema made his presence known early (the 24 seconds of the match), but it was four of his teammates being cautioned by the end of regulation? Go figure! Young Joe Vide also saw action, and in the subsequent Raging Red Reserves match. The BEST was Eskandarian getting “spit out” to the bench in 78th minute. Plenty of time to enjoy a Red Bull and hope for playing time in the Reserve match, Alecko! Our boys had his number! Hehe Despite the player drama, it was a hard-fought and clean match in front of 11,000+ on a weekday! Nice work Red Bull Front Office!!! Lastly, I have a special message in the DC SECTION of BigSoccer for the DC fans who traveled the distance . . . it is not what you might expect!

The Corral was rocking with Russian exchange students, some American college students, some of my friends from Wayne, and a bevy of youth soccer teams all joining in our chants! It was really a great atmosphere. What was interesting is that I spoke with “Spooge Boy” the next morning (with what voice I had left), and he tells me he is exhausted after volunteering to drum for the full 90. Try the RBN BASS drum Spoogie! FINALLY, someone else gets a taste of what it is like to be full bore for the Red Bulls for an entire evening! I have said it before; it is a labor of love!

Honestly, the New York Red Bulls deserved 3 points, and in a way, it was not the best of outcomes, especially if you look at how Chicago has been doing lately. They actually leapfrogged us. With a game in hand against New England, the BEST case scenario is drawing with them in the standings at this point. However, while this season is in the stretch, there are plenty of matches left for the Raging Reds to control their own destiny. Of course, you could rationalize (club vs. club) that the Red Bull side came out on top with the “Raging Reserves” stealing 3 points from DC’s underlings.

Now, I am not one to specifically blame the referee team, because a championship team will overcome the odds or calls against them. However, that referee team that night was whacked, as were Shep and JP of MSG!!! WHAT were you guys thinking when you were analyzing the UNDENIABLE (of Metro folklore) handball in the box in the 76th minute!?? I understand the fine-line between hand hitting ball and vice-versa, but you INAPPROPRIATELY applied it in your analysis, EVEN IN SLOW-MOTION which CLEARLY shows Namoff PURPOSELY raising his arm in an UNNATURAL position (i.e., he did not need for balance) to block Youri’s ONLY option (i.e., to chip it back over a sprawling Namoff).

Neither of you thought Namoff knew where Youri was going? FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Instead of saving face and stroking each other’s ego on the broadcast, can you give some insightful commentary for once . . . show you actually UNDERSTAND this Beautiful Game? If you cannot, hang up the microphones . . . BOTH of you! Although, it really does not matter what you guys say, because the referees were right there with you. Chalk it up to being an inexperienced referee team . . . and Canadian! Oh, pipe down!!! As for Shep and JP, you guys should really know better by now.

“CREW CUT”

No, I am not referring the seasonal coifs of Stammler, Parke, and O’Rourke, but the fancy footwork by Ngwenya, who demonstrated his adept ability to cut the ball back against a defender’s run, leaving them picking up their shorts in the penalty area . . . more than once. Most notably in the 82nd minute, Ngwenya personified the Crew’s desperation for a win by winning a frantic footrace down the right touchline with Red Bull speedster, Carlos Mendes. Ngwenya cut the ball back and managed to squeak a low hard shot through the legs of a recovering Mendes, who undoubtedly screened (at least partially) a flat-footed Meola, who dejectedly retrieved the ball from the back of the net.

That goal was all that the worst place Crew needed. The irony is that despite the heroics of Meola for the first 82 minutes AND the Crew’s three points, the Crew are still bottom-feeding in the LEAGUE with the LA Galaxy?! For those of us at Sportfriends Soccer Club, it was no laughing matter. After watching our Red Bulls pull of spectacular and entertaining performances against the best club side in the world (FC Barcelona) and the best MLS side (DC United). The only thing that “The Butcher,” “Shaggy Toro,” “T5O,” Joe, Adam, and Stephanie could come up with is that the team was emotionally and physically drained from the previous battles, and the clash with the Crew coming within a week’s time. What gives?! To add insult to injury (figuratively but hopefully not literally speaking), the Raging Reds have a US Open Cup clash in 4 days with none other than DC . . . ON THEIR TURF!!!?

I mean, not even “Mr. Reliable,” Johnny Wolyniec, who made his traditional 70-something-minute entrance could compensate for the fatiguing Red Bulls defense, and seemingly paralyzed offense. There IS a silver lining in this cloud, and that is the Red Bull “player cakes” (there was even one for me, “The Chief!”). Did I mention the pretzels, chips, onion dip, and GREAT COMPANY AND CONVERSATION with Joe, Adam, and Stephanie from Totowa! I must say, I was impressed by the young boys’ knowledge of team and the league, as we discussed trades, league organization, and nuclear missile inventory. I will leave that for T5O’s blog! Incidentally, Mr. Jolley, Joe revealed your secrets for time-wasting!

Well, we had just hope and pray for the best this Wednesday. A weekday trip to DC will be a bit challenging, but not nearly as challenging as the next match with DC will be. Both teams will have something to prove in the knockout phase after a 0-0 draw in league play less than a week ago. I think our boys will need it, I know they will appreciate any support they can get. All I know is that Bruce, John et al have some explaining to do . . . to Richie!

YIRB,

CT

PS

I hate putting this in a post-script, but suffice to say, I AM STOKED about Wolyniec’s return! Welcome back, Woly! While his “re-debut” did not go according to script, I am sure his tenacity will pay dividends in the final stretch of the regular season, which is PACKED with East Conference opponents!

PPS

It was news to me, but did anyone catch the Red Bulls at NASDAQ! Bull Market forever!!!!!!! I loved Dunivant’s comments! He has a GREAT sense of humor, like me! TRIVIA: “Bull Market” was a suggested name for our section (Section 115) in Giants Stadium, which is officially known as “THE CORRAL!”

PPPS

By the way, Sportfriends Soccer Club has two events going on that may interest you:

• FRIDAY, AUGUST 25th (8:00 PM): In addition to $1.50 Miller Lite drafts, a Miller Lite “Girl” will be giving away hats, t-shirts, and key chains at “Miller Lite Night” at the club. Everyone present will be eligible to enter a drawing for an Atlantic City Getaway, including transportation, lodging, special events, and money for gambling!
• SATURDAY, AUGUST 26th (8:00 PM): 3rd annual fundraising soccer game for the Keith Englehardt Rehab Fund (Checks may be mailed to NJ Stallions Arena, 5 Penobscot St, Clifton NJ 07013) and The Phil Diffley Family Trust, featuring your favorite former national and international pro players. Autographed merchandise will be raffled off throughout the evening. Directions to Vanderburg Field in Marlboro, NJ.

We now draw your attention to . . .

2006 US OPEN CUP

Now, not to put off the organizers and financiers of this nation’s oldest team sport tournament, but it would be nice if US Soccer and/or MLS could facilitate better delivery of “real-time” US Open Cup match action to fans around the country. For those who did not make the trip to Wilmington this past week, you were likely frustrated that we were dependent solely on “Match Tracker” to follow the match on MLSnet. Perhaps, “Da Commish’s” recent boasting of an enhanced long-term media agreement with ABC and ESPN is the answer (audio)? Regardless, track the Red Bulls’ quarterfinal bracket progress here.

You really must be a Red Bull (soccer) fan when you stare at your computer monitor for 5 minutes (risking retinal incineration, because you fear blinking) without a single change, then four new entries appear when the screen refreshes automatically, and one of them happens to be a goal, two near misses, and a substitution. Oh, and let us not forget the old reliable screensaver that blanks out the monitor because you were afraid you might get CTS from refreshing your browser constantly. I certainly could have lived with audio, despite the sometimes inarticulate commentary sometimes, but we did not even have that luxury. Lessons learned . . .

For what it is worth, and I think there is psychological value here for the Raging Reds to have maintained their unbeaten streak and advance in the US Open Cup bracket. Despite the seemingly low-budget affair, through Match Tracker, it was a physical match throughout, with the Red Bulls dominating in the first half and capitalizing on that dominance as early as the 4th minute of the match. The GOOD thing about Match Tracker is that you have a handful of “unofficial” statistics at your disposal during the match, which pointed at some disturbing liabilities.

My two take-aways from the US Open Cup match are: 1) ANY MLS team with 16 looks at net against a USL 2 side, should be able to bury more than two; unless the Wilmington Hammerheads were simply playing out of their skin; 2) even though we were playing our A/B roster, we will need much more precision and tenacity to advance beyond high-fallutin’ DC United in Open Cup play, and more importantly, solidify our upper-table standing in MLS play, while slapping a reality on check on the Black and Red . . . all within a week’s time! Use your week and a half break wisely boys and HAVE FAITH!!

THIS JUST IN . . .

“Soccer Eurosnobs Worldwide Rampage after Chelsea is Blanked by MLS’ Best” . . . Now, instead of all the senseless bragging, I expect to hear stammering fools making excuses . . . LOVE IT!!!

What a match! It was entertaining, except for the ridiculous halftime show, and the MLS side played a confident and exciting brand of soccer. All credit to the players and Nowak & Co, who have muted the critics . . . temporarily, at least!! By the way, if you are not an Abidoun Okalaja fan (he was the referee who presided over this MLS milestone), there is hope with FIFA-sponsored programs like this! Canadian International, “De-Ro” made his mark with the lone strike in the 70th minute, which coupled with his outstanding play for the full 90, earned him MVP of the match, much to the dismay of T5O, as De-Ro cracks T5O’s Top 5 “Most Disliked MLS Players.” Still do not know whry, but give Great White North Savior some credit for the quality winning strike. Do not be surprised if he ends up in Europe . . . While Canada might break into the European arena; let us not ignore the Americans preparing for their upcoming seasons in Europe.

T5O, Mad Cow, and a soccer teammate of mine shared the experience with me at RBN’s Watch Party headquarters, Sportfriends Soccer Club in Wayne, NJ. “The Experience” also included a “Darts for Drinks” session, and some shoddy pool shooting. Regardless, we had a blast, and even conducted a little “business” as we intently discussed the progress we have made this season, and what we could do next season to build on our successes to date.

While some of us, including Johnny Toro, had planned to be in Chicago for the All-Star festivities, it was interesting to note that MLS conducted an “Ultimate Fan” poll during the All-Star match. We could not help but think that our very own Johnny Toro would have run away with the accolades. The DC United fan, OF ALL CONTESTANTS, was the winner of the “People’s Choice.” I guess when your favorite team’s coach and nearly half the roster is made up of DC United personnel, the SMS voting might just be biased a little, no? No worries, JT! YOU are the ultimate MLS fan!!!!!!

CARRYING ON

You are probably still wondering about the title of this BULLog, right? I cannot conclude this entry without addressing our loss. If you frequent this site, and particularly this blog or any the other blogs associated with this site, you understand why this has been a very difficult week for us as a “RagingBullNation (RBN) Family.” In fact, after what we have experienced and how we are coping together 1) amazes me, and 2) further strengthens the notion that we are truly a unique and close group; indeed, a family . . . Interestingly, a recent T5O survey reveals that one of the most attractive “benefits” of our club is the people!

Needless to say, the sudden passing of one of our most beloved Nationals, Gennaro (Jerry) Russo, stunned us all, especially in our small group where the absence of one is readily noticed. I am always curious about how death brings people together in an unprecedented way. I ask myself why we cannot come together like this more frequently under more positive circumstances? The answers to my curiosity are topics for another day, without killing the cat! However, the Russo Family should be comforted by the tremendous display of love, respect, support, and compassion from family, friends, RBN, and importantly, Red Bull New York. Jerry touched the lives of many.

With three Red Bull Front Office colleagues (i.e., Mike Quarino, Dan Steeves, and Kristen Mansur), MetroStars standout and now Red Bull youth development director, Giovanni (Gio) Savarese, presented Linda Russo with a Red Bull replica home jersey, which was autographed by the ENTIRE TEAM moments before leaving for Wilmington, NC, including Youri. Also, “Jerry” and the number “5″ were printed on the back, which has significance to the Russo family.

As Gio gently held Linda’s hands, and with RBN Nationals nearby to comfort Linda, Johnny, Peter, and the rest of the immediate family, Linda’s emotional outpouring personified how deeply her love for Jerry, and collectively their “connection” to Red Bull New York, runs. On behalf of the Russo Family and RBN, we are extremely grateful, including the many more Red Bull folks who helped make this very compassionate and classy gesture a reality.

In a public statement made back in early April by me concerning our transition from MetroNation to RagingBullNation, I emphasized the importance of relationships and implied how the New York Red Bulls and RagingBullNation have a “symbiotic” relationship, which directly impacts our respective “success,” albeit measured differently. After this week, my beliefs are further corroborated. While we are an independently organized and governed group, our relationship with Red Bull New York is truly unique and strong, and is poised to mature in the seasons ahead.

Speaking of MetroNation, during our first year as a fan club, we introduced the red “cow bells,” which were arguably ahead of their time. Given the “bull” connotation now, they might be even more appropriate noisemakers going forward! Before leaving the Russo Family and saying my goodbyes to everyone, Linda presented me with the red cow bell that Jerry ALWAYS rang (it still has the MetroNation stickers on it) at the matches. I was deeply moved, and as I struggle to compose myself and conclude this verbose but sincere emotional purging, I want to say how much I love my family, ALL of the RBN Nationals, and Red Bull New York. You can never say it enough, and there is never a bad time to do so.

Of course, we love you, too, Jerry; even though I am ” . . . named after your a–!” As you shed your Red Bull wings and don a more valuable pair, keep an eye on us as you sit in arguably the best seat in the Universe. More importantly, help the assistant referees with the offside calls and penalties, and trip up the opponents at the most opportune times, BUT do not let the referees book any of our boys for it! Lastly, make sure I do not fall head-over-heels over the front railing (especially on national TV) as I try to negotiate the steps while banging the RBN bass drum, which I cannot see around!

Jerry, while you may no longer be in The Corral, your bell will still ring, especially in our hearts . . .

YIRB

CT

PS

Check out the latest issue of Green Pitch magazine, which features former MLS standout, Bobby Convey!

So long, Eddie Pope!

New MLS/BigSoccer message board interface!

Totally unrelated and ridiculous link.