If you were raised on the this planet during the last 6 months or so, you should understand the connotation of the title of this BULLog entry.  It has been some time since I have posted.  Honestly, I thought there were some other contributors, who would publish soon.  Alas!  We must post some fresh content here to keep things interesting.

What IS interesting (to me, anyway) is that the Red Bulls are starting to put together consistent performances together AT THE RIGHT TIME!  However, the Red Bulls have yet to lock their horns on a playoff spot.  The East Conference is chasing the Columbus Crew for the top spot, which I must say was not something anyone, even those “in the know,” would have predicted at the outset of this season.

Not to steal any sweat from the “hardest working team in MLS,” they did manage to bullhandle us at Crew Stadium last week, 3-1.  Honestly, when I saw Frankie’s CROSS float ever so perfectly over Jon Conway and under the crossbar, I wanted to vomit.  Ergo, my blog title!

Sorry, Frankie!  I love ya, but there is no way you meant to shoot that over Conway.  I would not even believe it if it were Angel, who is 100x the marksman you are.  Take credit for the goal, but not for “shooting” it in . . . PULLEEEEZZE!!!! ;-)  Robbie Rogers, I would LOVE to see you do that for the USMNT, NOT against US!  GEEZ!!!

OK, off my soapbox . . .

You can read the match statistics and news reports on www.nyredbulls.com.   This is not the focus of this BULLog entry.  What I would like to focus on is my trip to Crew Stadium.  Yes, I was the lone, horned nutcase in Section 124, right behind the Red Bulls bench.  I swear I could have easily gotten a piggy-back from Coach Osorio.  I was that close . . . FOUR rows back??!!

Herein lies the allure of MLS’ soccer-specific stadium campaign.  The “Crewligans” (I just made that up) were rocking in there corner and the crowd on hand was “light” according to the regulars, but they LOVE their Crew.  That is way it should be in my book.  Getting back to the Crewligans, I met one as I was walking up to the Will Call booth, and when he saw the horns, he feared that I might be a Toronto FC fan.  Apparently, they did not hit it off too well the last time TFC visited Crew Stadium.  Anyway, I was there with one purpose, TO HAVE FUN . . . and I DID!

After the 9-hour drive, my experience began with (of all things) a RED BULL tailgate.  Tara Brown, Red Bull Field Marketing Manger in the area, had arranged to have about 50 soccer enthusiast studients from nearby Ohio State University to celebrate before the game and attend the match.  This came as a pleasant surprise as I found the perfect parking spot.

It was an “all-you-can-eat/all-you-can-drink” celebration, replete with a DJ and mini soccer pitch.  Oh, I must not forget the conspicuous Red Bull MINI Coopers, either!  I was treated to Red Bull’s new beverage, Red Bull Cola, which apparently is not nationwide, yet.  Now, it tasted fine,  but I am a little leery of a beverage that is supposed to taste better when you burp (i.e., hints of lemon), according to at least one Wings Team [formerly Mobile Energy Team] member.  :-))   I will be sure not to armwrestle her anytime soon.

Since I had signed up for the Ultimate Tailgate package with my Crew ticket, I had to leave the Red Bull tent after an hour.  I spent the next hour on the concete stage area INSIDE Crew Stadium while the teams were warming up!  My ticket package included three beer tickets and all-you-can-eat bratwurst . . . NICE!!  The only thing better than that was the expression on the Crew fans’ faces when I first turned the corner to enter the “stage/picnic” area.

“HEY!  This isn’t the Red Bull tailgating area?!!!” I exclaimed.  I got few chuckles and double-takes because of my horns and “Chief” Red Bull jersey.  In the end, I met some great folks, who appreciated my devotion and passion for the game, as I did appreciate theirs.  Honestly, for me, that is what being a “responsible and respectful fan” is all about.

After schmoozing with the lovely “Crewzers,” the hardest working dance squad in MLS, I got the poster AND the T-shirt!.  Importantly, I was there when the Red Bulls were leaving the pitch to prepare for their pregame entry.  I called everyone out by name - loudly, so that everyone could hear - and I was respectfully acknowledged.  I wanted them to know that I was representing the entire Red Bull fan base on this day.

Overall, the experience was very positive; one that I will cherish.  I hope to visit other MLS soccer-specific stadiums, as I can manage it.  For now, I will check Crew Stadium off of my “bucket list.”  However, I would not mind going back . . .

We will have another crack at breaking the backs of the hard-working Crew.  Until then, RagingBullNation is compiling its list of Heart of the Bull candidates.  We hope to announce the winner of this prestigious fan-based accolade next month.  If any of you boys are slacking, now’s the time to take corrective action!

This year’s recipient will be in good company with Marvell Wynne and Joe Vide.  Yes, I know they both ended up with different clubs the following year.  I would not want to think of this important award as a “jinx.”  In fact, we prefer to take it as a compliment, because both Marvell and Joe have excelled in their respective new environments.  So, we RBN Nationals must have an eye for talent, whereas others may not.  Hmmmmm . . . .

Until our next post (hopefully by a guest author), please click here for some of the photos I was able to take while there.

YIRB
Chief Toro