As with any soccer match, halftime provides physically exhausted athletes and mentally exhausted coaches’ reprieve from the distractions of the bright stadium lights, Jumbotron animations, cheers, and jeers . . . 15 minutes of solitude to reflect, interject, and respond.  Metaphorically, it is halftime for the MLS regular season, as we eagerly anticipate the MLS All-Star festivities in Colorado.  Now, it is time Yours Truly to reflect, interject, and respond to the events of the first half of the Red Bulls season:

First to Worst 

The glory of a record-setting defensive start to the season gradually wanes as the Raging Reds are seemingly collapsing upon themselves, letting up too many goals, and now, not scoring any either.  MetroStars die-hards are all too familiar with this storyline.  With two DP players, you would think the team would be faring much better.  Juan Pablo Angel was on a tear after his debut, and so far, he has been the only one worthy of the DP designation and benefits.  Furthermore, he is a tremendously classy player, and the only true striker I have observed actually playing tenacious defense at times!  However, he is not immune to criticism, and if he does not start putting the ball in the net, he will receive plenty.  So, where is “Captain

America?”  As much as commentators remark about Reyna’s unsung deeds, I just don’t see it that way.  As an avid soccer player and fan, I respect Claudio’s achievements and contributions to

US soccer over the last two decades, but being one of the highest paid DP’ers in MLS, even Janet Jackson must ask, “What have you done for me [MLS] lately?”

For fair balance, I cannot place the entire blame of the Red Bulls’ mid-season slump entirely on the shoulders of two DP players.  We have Cletus, Wattereus, van den Bergh, Freeman, Parke, Mendes, Kovalenko, etc.  What of the supporting cast?  How can this team play like the seasoned veterans they are, again?  The answer to this question might be found among the star-studded coaching staff.  Seemingly, MLS coaches around the league have Arena’s number.  With the exception of the last Revs match, where we were outplayed, in my opinion, there must be more to the strategy and tactics of the Beautiful Game than erratically lobbing quality balls to one lone striker in the box.  If not, then DC or Marvel comics should put out a “How To” book on soccer.  Knowing the mentality of the Red Bulls Front Office administration, I will be the first to tell you that Bruce Arena, John Harkes, Richie Williams, et al are not beyond being held accountable.

Stay tuned, and pray for an upswing post All-Star break . . .

For Club, For Country 

With the bitterness of the 2006 World Cup let-down and the Copa America flop still lingering in my mind, I turned my sights to the promising “next generation” of American soccer during the FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada.  Is it me, or do these hormone-infested athletes play like grown men?  Except for the expected “hormone tempers,” it is amazing the quality, energy, sportsmanship, and passion these young athletes bring to the pitch.  One only has to review the

USA v URU match, which went into OT.  What an inspiring come-from-behind performance against a South American side which seemed to have a technical advantage.

I think that extended match took its emotional and physical toll on the boys, when they encountered a scrappy Austrian side.  They just did not seem to have their legs under them.  The extremely slick and wet artificial playing surface combined with their emotional and physical fatigue spelled defeat in the end.  Now, I am still trying to get my head around Rongen’s decision to put RSL’s #2 netminder, Seitz; very capable but obviously hobbling; in for the full duration of the OT match.  Even Rongen bragged about the depth of the U20 squad during a post-URU-match press conference.  Perk would have done well, but who knows if he would have made the difference.  What I do know is that the soccer was not the greatest for either side, and MLS’ Altidore, Szetela, and Adu did not seem to factor in when it really counted.

Realistically, I do not hang my hopes for American soccer on one match.  However, I would like to prove the critics of our brand of soccer soundly wrong and consistently, someday.  For now, the future of American soccer looks quite bright.  Keep watching!

BeckhaMania 

OK, so you might have tuned into the big hoopla surrounding Mr. Beckham’s official arrival to the LA Galaxy.  Congratulations to Alexi, AEG, MLS, and the LA Galaxy organization for closing this deal.  While I think MLS executives are astute enough to understand that MLS does not need just another poster-child (e.g., Adu, Altidore), Beckham garners the attention of the world to MLS, unlike any of his “starlet” predecessors.  It will be interesting to see how successful David is on the pitch, with egos like Donovan and Jones.  Nevertheless, it should make the second half of this season exciting.  Honestly, if and when he retires from soccer, I hope there is a plan to keep him in the USA for three reasons: 1) contribute to the growth of American soccer through his academy work; 2) personify the ridiculousness of getting tattoos that show about the collar of your suit during a media conference, and 3) feed the “Posh Spice” glamour campaign.  She is a little easy on the eyes, no?

Speaking of which, do not be surprised to see

America’s latest “power couple” gracing the Silver Screen, as rumour has it.  It will likely get sickening over the next several months, but thank God the LA Galaxy will not win the MLS Cup!    Then, it would ALL be over.  For a humorous interlude on the Internet, you must check out:

“When Beckham Meets Bush.”

Leadership 

This concept could apply to any of the above subtitles.  However, RagingBullNation has undergone some leadership changes and reorganization over the last several months.  With a quality group of Nationals, I am proud to say that we continue to thrive amidst logistic and physical challenges.  Why not consider being a part of our “movement,” and gain insight into what it means to be a New York Red Bulls fan, not to mention having a !$@!$##$! blast on game days . . . home or away!?  You can be a National or a Diplomat.  We make it easy and fun.  Come help us support the Red Bulls!

YIRB

Chief