With seemingly record low temperatures in COLoraDo and COLumbus[D] on Opening Day, in their respective venues, unpredictable snow flurries; the unveiling of the Red Bulls’ sharp new BLUE kits; and the outstanding debut performances by Dane Richards and Ronald Wattereus, I could not think of a wittier title. OK, so Wattereus is actually Dutch, but Holland is close enough to Denmark to warrant my ignorant creativity! Sorry, Ronnie! Just roll with me on this one!

Well, I wish I was at Mulligan’s on First in Hoboken watching the match on hi-tech flat-screen televisions, but I was visiting my family for the holiday weekend. While I am encouraged by enhanced agreements between ESPN and MSG to promote MLS and particularly Red Bulls soccer, New Hampshire could not care less. -SIGH- Thus, I was frustrated yet again by the nearly unreliable MLSLiveTV feed, which FINALLY broadcast about 15 minutes into the RBN/CLB match.

Now, living in Virginia Beach, VA (and Virginia could care even less than NH about Red Bulls soccer . . . I hope to change this, but NASCAR, Pro Poker, and Pro Bass Fishing have an edge), I will just have to deal with these technology issues for the time being. However, the advantage is that I have access to ALL MLS matches no matter where I am, as long as I have a good broadband connection. So, while MLSLiveTV is not perfect, it is a reasonable cure for an insane, ex-leader of a Red Bull supporters club, and [MLS] soccer addict, like myself. So, if you remotely relate to this description, check it out. The price is certainly right.

Did I miss anything, you ask? Fortunately, no. In the first 15 minutes of the Red Bulls “first dance” of the 2007 MLS season with the Columbus Crew, there were no noteworthy highlights. UNfortunately, I did not miss anything during the ensuing 75 minutes, as RBN drew with CLB. Before the halftime whistle, it was all Red Bull, with an inspiring performance by rookie, Dane Richards, who, with Wynne-like quickness, will obviously be a threat on the flank for the Red Bulls. “Captain America,” Claudio Reyna, also set the standard on both sides of the ball, something that Guevara never caught onto. The locker room must not have been heated because the Red Bulls were nearly non-existent in second half. Thanks to Wattereus’ acrobatics, The Crew was kept off the board . . . but so were we. Danny O’Rourke seems to have settled in Columbus.

It could have been worse. We could have shared the same fate as DC United, who looked horrible against the rebranded [NHL] “Avalanche-Esque” cRapids (I cannot let this go). Now, just because I am south of the Mason-Dixon Line, does NOT mean I am sympathetic to DC’s cause. It is nice to be ahead of them in the point standings after Week 1. I just hope we stay there! :-) Although, being it was First Kick after all, I had to watch, and . . . I did enjoy it . . . . SHHHhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kudos to Colorado and Dick’s Sporting Goods for a beautiful stadium. While the announcers’ repeatedly emphasized a “sold out” stadium, I could still easily read “C-O-L-O-R-A-D-O” in the TV-side stands. ??? Regardless, it was an exciting match. The New England/Chicago rivalry always promises drama, and it delivered. There was a GREAT atmosphere at Bridgeview Park! I wish I could have watched the video feed of the Toronto/Chivas USA clash, but the video highlights and the article helped me review in my mind’s eye. While the atmosphere was second to none, it was mostly Chivas, who spoiled MoJo’s and Toronto FC’s debut. All of this makes me appreciate the growth of MLS in the last 11 years and anticipate more Red Bull Park. Speaking of MLS progress, check out MLS Works and MLS’ Game First initiative. Not too shabby, MLS! Keep it up.

I now turn my Golden Horns northward next weekend, when I trek back up Rt 13, I-95, then the NJ Turnpike to East Rutherford, NJ, to part-take in the Red Bulls’ home opener, which I have affectionately termed the “Battle of the Bovines!” What I am looking forward to most is reconnecting with my fellow Nationals, and perhaps, new Diplomats in Lot 15B at our Barnstormin’ Brunch!

steer
- noun, plural steers, (especially collectively) steer. a male bovine that is castrated before sexual maturity, esp. one raised for beef.

I can hear it now . . .

Oh, I’d rather be a Bull than a Steer!
Oh, I’d rather be a Bull than a Steer!
Oh, I’d rather be a Bull, rather be a Bull,
I’d rather be a Bull than a Steer!!

I CANNOT WAIT!

YIRB,
Chief Toro