RagingBullNation’s very own Johnny Toro will be hosting the winner of this unique fundraiser at the Red Bull game versus Kansas City on Oct.13.  The lucky child (only 15 years old and under may apply) and three guests will have the opportunity to enjoy pre-game festivities at our “Roadside Roundup” (tailgate) and then proceed to “The Corral” (Section 115) for the game, escorted by Johnny Toro and rest of RagingBullNation!!  After the game they can meet some of the players in the Bull’s Corner Pub!!  All of this in the company of Johnny Toro - the most recognized face at any Red Bull game!

Each entry is just $5.00. 

 All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the USO in memory of Johnny Toro’s father, Gennaro Russo.

To enter, please visit our Bull Market merchandise section of our website.  Alternatively, you can download the entry form here and either fax the entry form to (757) 257-6072, or mail it to:

RagingBullNation

P.O.Box 66

Harrison, NJ

07029-0066

Well, RedMetroBullStars fans are all too familiar with the current circumstances. Specifically, I have yet to witness a MetroStars or Red Bulls season where we do NOT sweat out playoff qualification. For once, I would like to see an “x” by the team name before the last game of the season!! In fact, the tension of last season’s nail-biter against CD Chivas USA (of all teams) is still percolating somewhere deep in my DNA. For crying out loud, I need a break from the stress!

The pitch-side pundits speculating about the playoff picture is certainly no relief. Frankly, I would, too. It is that time of year. However, when you see the New York Red Bulls teetering precariously on “the bubble” of the new playoff format, it just makes you want to scratch your head and ask, “This was the team that set the record for no goals allowed from the beginning of the regular season?”#@%@#&^%!!

Regardless, it is what it is.  At least to start, as RBN Nationals, we are committed to the team and MLS playoff qualification.  Then, we will give it all we have in the stands to see them through to the MLS Cup.  Marc de Grandpre once confided to me that his goal is to have an MLS Cup before playing in Red Bull Park.  I will tell you this . . . if we find any more remnants of toxic waste; maybe dating back to the famed “Spartan 300,” we just might pull it off.

While the embattled Red Bull Park project has its share of challenges, I am very much looking forward to its unveiling . . . in THIS millennium, please!As we prepare ourselves physically and mentally, alongside our “Boys of the Bull” for this home-stretch playoff push, we invite you to join us in The Corral (Section 115) to help us get the job done in the stands.

Do not think for one moment that your passion, pride, and vocality do not matter to the “Red and White Army!”  We are just as much a part of the team as the players themselves, especially when it comes down to the playoff race.  Honestly, I am not aware of any other sport where the fans and players work so closely together for a common goal.  So, please join us before, during, and after the remaining home matches to ensure that we will be seeing you again during the playoff matches!!!

Now, as my title suggests, I divert my focus to China.  I have been following the Women’s World Cup.  Fortunately, I do not have to get up at 1 AM or 2 AM to watch the games live, like I did for the Men’s World Cup in 2002.  Although for me, THAT World Cup was worth every sleepless morning.  Back to the present, it is the ladies turn to shine and substantiate their #1 FIFA World Ranking.  Admittedly, it is sort of weird not seeing regulars like Hamm and Foudy on the pitch.

However, their achievements and spirit are enshrined in the hallowed halls of Oneonta, NY.  Cheers to Kristine Lilly for carrying the torch of the past into the present, with new names like Wambach, Chalupny, and Solo to watch and remember.  Follow the ladies on their incredible journey in China, and if anyone sees or contacts Hope Solo, tell her I love her!  !!

I have never been accused of being fair-balanced in my BULLog, which is why it is not a regular “blog.”  So, if you have not heard about the Women’s National Soccer Team winning Group B and advancing to the quarterfinals to battle a momentous England side, WAKE UP!!!  If Sunday and Monday Night “Meatball,” “Major League Steroid Camp,” or “Thugball” do not do it for you (with all the egos, tattoos, criminal charges, and smack-talking), then consider really trying to learn about the honor, simplicity, and passion of The Beautiful Game, the world’s most popular sport . . . and deservedly so!

Rob Stone and Julie Foudy make an impressive ESPN press-booth team, more so that Wynalda and the “pitch-side puppets.”  When you start weighing your options with Shep Messing, you know it is has got to be desperate.  JP Dellacamera, ROCKS, though! Besides, the other competing teams like Australia, China, and Brazil are very exciting to watch, too!

I will be DVR-ing all the other quarterfinal matches.  I can bet that we will not be seeing Jim Rome in any soccer stadium any time soon, but then again, I should hope most of us are little more enlightened than Mr. Rome, anyway . . . To think that guy bears the name of the capitol city of Italy,  the 2006 Men’s WORLD CHAMPIONS . . . SHEESH, the irony!!!

YIRB

Chief Toro

PS 

Get a reality check MLB, NBA, and NFL, with all your ridiculous TV timeouts, endless substitutions and pitcher changes, 2-miute gun shooting, 100+ game seasons or 100+ point games (can’t be that hard to play or score, right?), preseason hoopla, and fanfare!!!  BIG @#@$$%!! DEAL!  None of your leagues have EVER boasted a true world champion!  The latest blunderous claim came from the Indianapolis Colts.  Now, move your little schoolyard activities over for some REAL sport!!!!!

Welcome to my first blog. I’m really new at this, so please be kind. I thought it would be interesting to see if I could capture our hearts in regard to our statement of purpose. I wanted to take it to a more personal level from what I have experienced over the last few years as a member, or “National” of RagingBullNation. To me, we’re more than the average fan would call a fan base. We’re three things rolled into one group.

First, yes we are fans, but not just any fans. We strive to epitomize what we believe that every team’s fans should be and we do our best to do it with class. We are dedicated people who love soccer and appreciate the entire organization from the owners, to the office staff, to the players. If there are any others I have missed, please forgive me. Collectively, these tremendous folks give us reason to celebrate. Whether they’re the Metrostars, the Red Bulls, or as we affectionately sometimes call them, the Red Metro Bull Stars. The staff does everything they can to bring us an MLS cup team. But, whether our team wins three games in a season or 23, we will support them.

We don’t give up when things are tough, rainy, or cold. We cheer them on regardless. We want to make every soccer fan that attends the games see that being a member of our group is fun, family friendly, and we welcome everyone to join us in our corner of the field, the Corral, section 115. We even have fans from opposing teams occasionally join us. I have to give props to the fans from Toronto FC. They are a loyal group and it was a blast meeting up with them all and celebrating with each other after the game. Thanks for being TRUE fans.

Secondly, we’re a family. “The Roadside Round-Ups” (it’s what we call our tailgate) are, to say the least, like a family reunion. It seems that almost every home game, we are blessed with new family members taht will, hopefully, join us for the new season. Some Nationals celebrate with the traditional cigar. There is always plenty of food and assorted beverages to go around. So, even if someone forgets, they’ll never be hungry or thirsty. And I believe we have one of the most diverse families around! We all have differences, but share one common goal: To show all who come to the games that we are a “total package.”

Lastly, we’re loads of fun! from nutty songs to rowdy cheers, we’re just fun to be around and I believe that we become contagious. We believe that every soccer game should be a fun experience, no matter the outcome. Although it’s tough to see a heartbreaker like the last New England game, we brush it off and look forward to the next game when Juan Pablo and Jozy will combine for some amazing plays and we walk away with three points. We do our best to keep it light, energetic, and in the spirit of the game and give all we have for the team that gives all they have. And we do all we can to let them know it.

Well, I hope that I captured at least some, if not most of what’s in the hearts of not only the Nationals, but those who jo in us for a game or two. You have all made each game my family and I attend a day to remember. I look forward to each home game where we get together for another family reunion. Thanks for inviting us and welcoming us into the corral. It has been a great couple of years. It’s only the beginning!

Well, thanks for lending an ear. Hope it wasn’t too sappy but that’s part of who I am.

– Chuck “Norm” Porr