I took advantage of a recent (but unfortunately infrequent) trip back to northern NJ to catch the exciting USA-ARG match. Living in southeastern Virginia hardly affords me easy passage to and fro, especially for the Red Bull matches. Indeed, I endured plenty of criticism as I caught up with some of the RBN Nationals during the international friendly. I will apologize upfront for my infrequent presence, but let it not confuse your perception of my passion for the Red Bulls and the “BEWTFLGAME”.  (Why is this moniker on my US Soccer replica jersey so hard to comprehend?)

The next morning, after recovering from the pandemonium of Giants Stadium, I stopped by the RBFO in their new 8th floor “penthouse” at One Harmon Plaza to catch up with some of the “old faces.” Importantly, a new face made itself known while I was there . . . Erik Stover, who is Marc de Grandpre’s successor. While some in our supporters club community bemoan yet another transition of sorts, especially of someone with such close [former] ties with NJSEA, I wanted to approach the source directly. Mr. Stover was kind enough to oblige me.

The long and short of our discussion was that Erik brings a wealth of experience to the table, perhaps more than his immediate predecessor, Mr. de Grandpre. Now, I do not want to slight Marc’s efforts. In fact, I thank you, Marc, for the sacrifices you have made to advance the Red Bull New York franchise. We wish you all the best in your future personal and professional endeavors. While some are suspicious of Erik’s former ties to NJSEA, I choose to embrace them.

It is clear he knows what NOT to do. Furthermore, with a committed world-class organization behind him, he has the resources to “get it right” at the outset. He confided that the decisions that have been made over the past couple of years were executed with a clear vision.  To me, this implies a long-term strategy, and Erik concurred. There is a commitment at all levels in the organization, even in Europe, to build a bonafide world-class sports franchise in the United States that will elevate the quality and level of The Beautiful Game here.

I found Mr. Stover’s proclamations insightful and thought-provoking. Clearly, there is more at stake here than the life expectancy of a beverage brand. In fact, I kid you not when I tell you that with Red Bull Park on the horizon and a projected mid-season shift from the Meadowlands to Harrison in 2009, this organization being held accountable by many constituents, including shareholders and the arguably most important . . . US . . . THE TRUE FANS!

Red Bull New York has one shot to get it right. Erik has convinced me that there is a uniform mindset with singularity of purpose. There WILL be consequences if expectations are not met or exceeded.  The accountability goes both ways.

With such significant investments made to date and return-on-investment horizon that could be measured in DECADES, one can only conclude that Red Bull New York means business . . . . SOCCER BUSINESS. All in all, I left our meeting with even more enthusiasm and excitement, and rejuvenated to galvanize our dedicated masses to the cause.
Thank you, Erik, for your time.  Especially, it is good to see all the “familiar faces” continuing to do a great job, too!

Let the meek inherit the Earth! The patiently passionate shall inherit an unprecedented soccer dynasty!!

YIRB
Chief Toro

It was certainly a game we will never forget.  No matter how hard we try, we will never be able to block those images from our minds.  Goal #3 was bad enough but when I looked up and saw that 5 on the scoreboard, I really wished someone would wake me up from the nightmare.  All there is to say is “What the %^&* happened?”  The guys looked sluggish and totally out of sync.  Very reminiscent of some U14 games I have suffered through!!!  We could only hope this was our lowest point of the season and that we won’t see our team struggling this way again.

Since I let a week fly by before writing this, we have now played another game.  I was unable to watch the game since it was exclusively on a station that most people and bars do not subscribe to.  Therefore, I was forced to follow the always-exciting Matchtracker - nothing better than reading a soccer match several minutes behind the flow of play!!!!  Unfortunately, we lost but it does seem we brought a lot of fire to the pitch - based on the number of fouls and yellow cards.  I mean, it’s not like we were playing DC!!  But I will need someone to tell me if we had managed to shake off the horrid play of the weekend before.

Now, I would like to go back to May 25.  Although the Red Bulls left much to be desired, RagingBullNation had a banner day!!!  Starting the day with a BarnStormin’ Brunch is always a winner in my book.  We were joined by some very special guests.  First, Linda Russo brought her friends from Soldiers Angels.  The set-up was fantastic with many pictures and letters from our soldiers.  I would like to thank everyone who brought items or donated cash for the collection to send care packages to U.S. service members!!  As the letters on display showed, these packages are deeply appreciated.  We were also able to send a Thank You note to a soldier.  If you were unable to help on the 25th or would like to do more, please visit http://soldiersangels.com/ to find out how you can make a difference in the life of one of our American heros.

In addition, we were also joined by Colm Kirby and his family.  Colm was the lucky winner of this year’s “Spend a Day with Johnny Toro”.  He and his family enjoyed our spread which included pancakes, eggs, bagels, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings and, of course, hamburgers and hotdogs.  With his make-up and horns on, Colm enjoyed the game right next to Johnny the whole time.  Congratulations again to Colm and a huge Thank You to all who entered.  Once again, all the money raised will be donated to the USO in loving memory of Jerry (Johnny’s dad).

After the game was over (so glad the end finally came), we headed out for a post-game Roadside Roundup.  Johnny fired the grill back up, we set up the canopies and tables, took the coolers out again and hoisted the flags (U.S. and Airborne) up high.  As if it wasn’t good enough to be hanging out with friends again on an absolutely gorgeous day, we were then joined by about 25 members of our armed forces who had come to the game through the Tickets for Troops program.  Although many of these sailors and Marines only stopped by long enough to take some pictures and have a quick soda, several were able to stay and eat and visit.  Kudos to Johnny for sending out the invitation to the troops and thanks to everyone for opening up your coolers to share with these very special guests.  This made May 25th the most memorable Memorial Day I have ever experienced!!!

Thank You RagingBullNation for being the loving, giving, caring group that you are.  Although we may never be ale to forget the game, we will also always remember the rest of the day and that is a great thing!!!