Well, I think the MLS community, and perhaps the rest of the world, has heard plenty about the LA Galaxy’s pre-season preparations around the world, as David “Pied Piper” Beckham leads the throngs of media and adoring fans on a global odyssey . . .

Sounds good, eh? A little glamorizing MLS, maybe? I think this is a GOOD thing. However, as Opening Day at Giants Stadium is imminent, what of the NY Red Bulls preparations? Hmmmm . . . . a few re-signings, some waiving of players, oh and being defeated by the Red Bull Salzburg RESERVE squad once, and nearly a second time!?!! This is hardly anything to get excited about heading into the the 2008 season is it?

I was inclined to accuse the RBNY team and coaching staff of “whining,” but getting news that Dane Richards will be out for 3 months may indeed validate their criticisms of the officiating and the Red Bull Salzburg players’ mentality in the first “friendly” encounter.  On a more positive note, congrats for Jon [Make Way For] Conway for earning the No 1 keeper slot, even after last season’s notorious ‘keeper blunder after a ‘Los Mendes backpass.  This was the once instance where we would have opted for the indirect kick for illegal goalkeeper handling, instead of the GWOG . . .

Does JCO or the RBFO have some blockbuster news in store to jazz us up? If not, they boys had better produce on the pitch, and not oscillate unpredictably half way into the season. It is going to take more than record-setting consecutive shutouts to turn heads this time around . . .  The RBFO put this little video clip out recently.

RANDOM THOUGHT . . . Hey!  Anybody know where Arena ended up?  (crickets chirping . . .)

A nice start for the Red Bulls and a good step towards generating some excitement would be winning the Carolina Challenge Cup, in which the MetroStars and Red Bulls have consistently underperformed, even against USL-1 sides (i.e., Charleston Battery).  Beginning in 2004, this tournament seemingly means nothing to the unenlightened observer.  However, in every MLS season following this tournament, the winner has either claimed the MLS Supporters Shield or the MLS Cup.  Hmmmmm . . . .

Thank God for UEFA Champions League and Cup action, which is getting some time on ESPN for live coverage and morning highlights.  The recent announcement of the teams and schedule for SuperLiga 2008 is also fanning the flame of soccer passion.  If you missed last year’s inaugural version, the competition and the quality were very impressive.  Since the Red Bull camp has been pretty quiet as of late, visit the above sites or the most recent installment of Red Bulls Wrap to quench your thirst for soccer adrenaline!

I am not negative, but I would really like to see Red Bull “get involved” with some pre-season hype.  They were all about it in 2006 and 2007 with their ”Mobile Energy Teams,” etc.  It would be nice to have some good ol’ fashioned American hoopla right now. I am still holding DeGrandpre’s charge that they will win an MLS Cup BEFORE we begin playing in Red Bull Park. It might be a good think that this RBP project has not streaked forward . . .

Speaking of building new parks, Nick Sakiewicz, one of the most seasoned MLS executives and former MetroStars GM is at it again. Only this time, he is beginning with a clean slate in Philadelphia, apparently distinct from any association with AEG. It would be great to get a Philadelphia franchise. Of course St Louis is also in the running . . . Hey, MLS! Why not award them BOTH a franchise!?

Regardless, I cannot wait for opening day when I see all of my fellow RBN Nationals, again.  We battle the elements before, during, and after matches.  Then, we return home with lost voices, but the satisfaction of knowing we were there to support our New York Red Bulls at home or away.  Speaking of traveling outside of New Jersey for matches, it seems MLS has adopted a curious policy on the proportion of visiting fans for MLS matches.  This hardly incentivizes commitment to the team on the road, but we will still travel for our Red Bulls!

Well, that is enough for me on this go-around.  Here is a another link about the IFAB decision on the implementation of goal-line technology.  For crying out loud, why not just institute a video referee system, instead of two additional assistant referees on the pitch?  To be debated . . .

What is not debated is that Yours Truly is blogging for The American Outlaws as “TrueBlueYank.”  “The Outlaws” represent a new US Soccer supporters club, along with Sam’s Army.  With WCQ beginning this summer, it is never too soon to don the Red, White, and Blue!!!

Hey!  Those colors are in the Red Bulls’ uniforms.  We are in luck!! 

YIRB

Chief Toro

PS

Yours truly has a an “alter blog ego” for the USMNT . . . “TrueBlueYank!”

This entry was posted on Friday, March 14th, 2008 at 12:17 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.