Greetings Nationals,

Being my first blog I’m going to keep this short and sweet. I would first like to thank AJ and the Board of Directors for their confidence in me. I shall strive to not let you down. I know that this decision was not an easy one for AJ to make, but one’s health is paramount. Second, I would just like to let everyone know that my intention is to stay the course of the plan that AJ laid out at the start of his term; I may do things a little differently than AJ, but he and I share the same vision of what RagingBullNation is and what it will become.

Moving forward, I’m happy to announce that the next episode of RBN’s podcast, “Voice of the Nation” (hosted by yours truly and AJ) is in the early planning stages and should be out in a few weeks. If you haven’t heard the first episode check it out at web.mac.com/ragingbullnation.

That’s all I really have to say for now, if anyone has any questions I can be reached at execdir@ragingbullnation.com. In closing I’d like to leave you with a few words from AJ, himself:

“It has been a wild and wonderful, albeit short ride. Although not much time has past under my leadership, much has been done: we have added a good number of Nationals, we welcomed our first Diplomat Visa member, our web site now has double the number of monthly visitors over the same time last year, we produced a podcast that many have listened to, and the club is strong and healthy enough to smoothly deal with a sudden and important transition such as a change in leadership. Although I will not have the wheel in my hand going forward, I stand behind Chris and future RBN leadership to insure a healthy and forward-moving organization. I encourage you to do the same. Thanks to all who have helped get us to where we are and to those who have been so supportive of me in the last few weeks. Stay tuned, there’s more to come.”

P.S. I’d just like to remind everybody that the Red Bulls have a bye-week this week, but return to action on June 30th in Columbus. I hope you’ll stop by Mulligan’s on First in Hoboken, I’ll be sending out an Evite or an e-mail about it soon. Either way I’ll see you all on July 14th!

Cheers,

Chris (“Shaggy”)

Their name is the Red Bulls!
Their job is to score goals!
When they score a lot,
We’ll be on top,
Walkin’ in a Red Bull Wonderland!

Not slight Johnny Toro’s creativity on this cleverly worded and original RBN chant, we have come a long way since Felix Bernard penned his famous jingle in 1934. After last night’s disappointment, we are moving away from SURreality to reality, which is: we are vulnerable, and our Boys of the Bull will need to put 100% into every 90-minute match to bolster their East Conference rank and playoff candidacy. Marc de Grandpre once confided in me last season that his penultimate charge was to earn an MLS Cup before the christening of Red Bull Park. It is possible, but if one thought it would be easy, think again . . .

I am mystified Clint Mathis’ second ejection this season in the first half for what appeared to a careless foul on his part. In my opinion, unlike the Houston Dynamo encounter last April, his ejection was the pivotal point in the match. His absence was clearly missed, instead of inspiring, despite a one-goal lead at the half thanks to the prolific Angel. Clearly, Arena had a makeshift lineup out there with Kovalenko and van den Bergh in the back, who did their best. However, Conway was caught in no-man’s land and van den Bergh’s side was exploited twice by Eddie Johnson in the second half.

Give credit to Eddie Johnson, who will surely garner honors for his record consecutive hat tricks, but also give credit to our Red Bulls on the road. The 3-2 result is misleading, especially if you analyze the box score stats, including ball possession. It did not appear to be that close, even after late and unlikely strike by Dema. KC deserved to win that match, and Clint needs some anger management, or something. He is valuable to the team, and it was proven last night. However, if one is not on the field, it is hard to plead their case.

Now, we will get a second crack at Wizards, but not until we meet high-flying Toronto and our arch-nemesis, DC United. Speaking of Toronto, has anyone been following their progress, namely the FAN SUPPORT at BMO!!?? For crying out loud, I am admittedly jealous. The atmosphere at BMO makes ice hockey look like ice fishing!!! I hope we get there someday, especially with the future opening of Red Bull Park. Juan Pablo Angel would also like to see our fan base grow, and I quote:

“I figured the hardest thing to play with is that amount of people. I think the people that are coming now are enjoying the different kind of game, scoring more goals, somewhat unannounced. Hopefully, we can bring more people around. I think we’re doing everything we can do bring more supporters. We just want to send a message out to everyone that we need them, we want to see the stadium with more people.”

Now, JP has been doing his part. Do some soul-searching, and ask yourself if you are doing yours. We are as responsible for the Red Bulls’ success and failures as the players, coaches, and administration. Angel said it best. So, get more involved with RBN. Be there at our Roundups, in The Corral, and at the Watch Parties! We are in this together, and THAT IS THE REALITY!

YIRB,
Chief