Tickets for the first seven New York Red Bulls 2008 regular season games at Giants Stadium are on sale now by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or logging on to www.newyorkredbulls.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Led by new head coach Juan Carlos Osorio, the Red Bulls, who are coming off a 2007 season in which they qualified for the MLS playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, return a number of key players. MLS Most Valuable Player finalist Juan Pablo Angel, designated player Claudio Reyna and 18-year-old U.S. international forward Jozy Altidore are all back for 2008.
The opening slate of games features a number of tantalizing matchups. After the Red Bulls open their 2008 campaign against former Boca Juniors star Guillermo Barros Schelotto and the Columbus Crew on April 5 (7:30 PM), the Red Bulls host Taylor Twellman and the New England Revolution on April 19 (7:30 PM) in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals. On April 27, the Red Bulls will battle Major League Soccer’s newest team, the San Jose Earthquakes, at 3 PM, in the first encounter since San Jose’s return to MLS.
On May 17, the Red Bulls will welcome their Eastern Conference rival, the Kansas City Wizards, who are led by U.S. international defender Jimmy Conrad (7:30 PM). Things will heat up a week later, when Mexican star and designated player Cuauhtémoc Blanco and the Chicago Fire visit East Rutherford for the first time in 2008 on May 25 at 3 PM.
The action at Giants Stadium continues on June 5, as Chivas USA, led by New Jersey native Alecko Eskandarian and Mexican international Claudio Suarez, will come into town for ESPN’s nationally-televised Thursday night game at 7:30 PM. Finally, on June 21, FC Dallas makes their only trip of the year to Giants Stadium at 7:30 PM.
For more information, please call the Red Bulls at 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
Feb 29, 2008
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS FOR FIRST SEVEN NEW YORK RED BULLS REGULAR SEASON GAMES ON SALE NOW
MORE FROM AUSTRIA ON LEAP DAY
Hello again from Red Bulls Reader on Feb. 29, Leap Day!! What dose leap day mean to us? Not much, other than another day of training.
In preperation for tomorrow's match vs. Red Bull Salzburg Juniors, the team trained at Red Bull Arena for both sessions. The morning session saw the team go through an 11 v. 11 scrimmage, while the afternoon session saw work on some set pieces.
Members of the metropolitan area media arrived today, and will be covering the team through next Thursday. The media represent both english and spanish media, so we are sure that everyone will be seeing the Red Bulls receive excellent media coverage from several different outlets.
The media was also provided a brief tour of the facility, which will have several similar elements to our own Red Bull Park. Without putting words in their mouth's, Red Bulls Reader things they were impressed with what they saw.
Following the afternoon session, the coaching staff watched the Red Bull Salzburg training session and spent some time with their legendary coach, Giovanni Trapattoni.
The only potentially poor news from the day was the weather forcast for tomorrow, which calls for gale force winds, which may effect the scheduled matches. Red Bulls Reader will do its best to keep you informed, and to provide in-match updates from the arena.
Until then, enjoy the extra day 2008 is providing. Read a little more about leap day here.
SOME RANDOM OBSERVATIONS FROM SALZBURG
After being in Salzburg for almost a week, Red Bulls Reader has noted a few things about life in Austria.
1) The hotel lobby is on Floor 0 on the elevator. The floors with rooms begin on Floor 1. Not a problem, just a little odd.
2) At sporting events, some of the fare is a little different, or presented a little differently than in the US. When ordering a hot dog, it comes in the following presentation: two hotdogs, still linked together, along with a small hard roll. As an American, RBR split the roll in half and shoved in the hot dogs. We think that the dogs are eaten outside the roll, with the roll eaten separetly.
3) The vendors in the aisles sell pretzels. No big deal. The interesting part is the vendors have the pretzels in wicker baskets. You read that correctly, wicker baskets. The pretzels are delicious, by the way.
4) The people are extremely friendly, courteous, and helpful. When wandering the streets searching for a place to eat, everyone is approachable and willing to help you out. Not exactly the norm in New York City.
The team trained this morning at the stadium, and we are about to head out for lunch now. Another training session this afternoon, followed by a team photo with Red Bull Salzburg.
Red Bulls Reader will check in again later.
Feb 28, 2008
DAY THREE IN SALZBURG
ABOVE: (Rookie Eric Brunner with friend at Red Bull Salzburg soccer match last night)
Another gorgeous day Salzburg greeted Red Bulls Reader this morning, as the team returned to the Taxham training grounds for their morning session. Maybe the team was inspired by the performance of Red Bull Salzburg last night, since the session was crisp and fluid.
The cool, clear morning offered an outstanding view of the Alps off in the distance. Even the toughest training session must not be all that bad with that view on a daily basis.
The afternoon session was a weight training session at the Taxham grounds. The team took advantage of another high quality aspect of Red Bull, as the equipment was top of the line. A few of the guys took some time to play some ping-pong as well, as there was a table located in te corner of the weight room.
Tonight the team attended the EC Red Bull Salzburg hockey team playoff game against rival EC Vienna Capitals. We may be asked to never leave Salzburg. With tonight's 5-2 whitewashing of EC Vienna Capitals, the team now leads the best of seven semifinal series 2-0, and RBS teams are 2-0 with a 9-2 aggregate in games attended by Red Bull New York.
As much as we want our fellow Red Bull teams to win every match they play, RBNY may be looking for a diffenent outcome this Saturday, as RBNY takes on the Red Bull Sazlburg Juniors (Reserves) before the Salzburg First Team battles FC Wacker Innsbruck.
Tomorrow the team trains at Red Bull Arena, and will pose with Red Bull Salzburg for a team photo.
Feb 27, 2008
SALZBURG, DAY TWO
After a good night’s sleep (see photo of training at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg above) to start to overcome the inevitable jetlag, the team went over to Red Bull Salzburg’s training facility for morning training. Red Bulls Reader followed along a little later on a bit cold and overcast, but still magnificent, Austrian morning.
Having rented a mini-van (or the European equivalent – a boxy van that dwarfed the average Austrian car) we headed over to the facility in Taxham, and, of course, were not sure exactly where it was, other than “near the stadium”. But, as has been the case in all instances so far this trip, the people of Salzburg in general, and the Red Bull Salzburg staff in particular, have been exceedingly courteous and helpful (maybe RBR is just a little too accustomed to northeast “hospitality”, and after asking a few staff members (with limited English speaking abilities), one gentleman was happy to hop on his scooter and lead us through a beautiful residential area of Salzburg to the facility.
First impressions of the training grounds: if this is what we should expect from the Red Bull Training Grounds (and from what I have heard we should), consider RBR impressed. The team trained on one of the many grass fields, adjacent to the training offices and on the field next to Red Bull Salzburg.
After a productive session, the team headed back to the hotel.
After the afternoon session, the team attended the Red Bull Salzburg/Cashpoint SCR Altach match at Red Bull Arena. Red Bull Salzburg, the defending league champ, is one point out of first as the club recently began the second half of its season. Red Bull Salzburg easily dispatched Altach, 4-0, to maintain its spot in the upper echelon of its league.
The match-day experience was awesome, the team was recognized by the crowd, and the guys enjoyed a convincing win for the home team.
On the agenda for tomorrow is more training, as well as a playoff hockey game for the Red Bull Salzburg hockey club against rival Vienna. Let's hope Red Bull New York can bring luck to the hockey team as well.
Until tomorrow...
Feb 26, 2008
ARRIVING IN SALZBURG IN STYLE; FIRST DAY IN AUSTRIA
Red Bulls Reader is traveling with the club on its 12-day preseason training trip to Salzburg Austria and will check in regularly with updates on what the team is doing and how the training is going.
The trip got off to a rousing start as the team took a chartered flight from JFK Airport to
Salzburg. Red Bulls Reader had traveled first class once before, but this chartered flight took it to another level and showed another example of the resources available to the club. The plane was a virtual hotel in the sky, with individual “suites” for each member of the traveling party that allowed us to sit normally, or convert the seat to either a recliner or a 72” bed! Red Bulls Reader took advantage of all three settings over the course of the “across the pond” journey. We had a great meal (those around RBR all ordered the steak sandwich – prompting many “put it on the Underhill account” quips) before settling in to hot towels and personal entertainment centers, with free television shows, music, games, and movies (RBR was in an Oscar mood, taking in Michael Clayton before viewing Eastern Promises).
We landed safely at Salzburg Airport at about 7:30 am local time, though many of us were beginning to feel the six hour time difference. After all, we left New York at about 5:00 pm on Monday and landed in the home of Mozart on Tuesday morning!
After bussing over to the hotel and checking in on a gorgeous day in Salzburg (cloudless sunny skies with temps in the low 60’s – let’s hope it lasts), the team was on its own until afternoon training at Red Bull Arena, the home field of their brother team, Red Bull Salzburg, the defending Austrian Bundesliga Champions. The team got a sneak peak at what their own Red Bull Park will look like, as the two stadiums have many of the same features.
After a spirited training session that shook off the rust from the long flight, the team returned to the hotel for the team dinner and, most likely, an early night of well deserved sleep.
First-year head coach Juan Carlos Osorio on what he hopes to accomplish this week:
Osorio on the upcoming game against Red Bull Juniors:
Over the course of their time in Salzburg, the team plans on taking in a Red Bull Salzburg soccer match, as well as a Red Bull Salzburg hockey playoff game, with several other off-the-pitch events scheduled as well. The team will play at least one exhibition game at Red Bull Arena.
Feb 21, 2008
ROOKIE ROTH OUT 3-4 MONTHS
Red Bull New York announced today that midfielder David Roth underwent successful left knee surgery yesterday to repair a detached medial meniscus from the medial joint capsule. He sustained the injury during the team’s preseason scrimmage against Hammarby IF on Feb. 15. The surgery was performed by Dr. Riley Williams at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Roth is expected to recover in 3-4 months.
Get well soon David!!
RED BULL YOUTH FANTASY CAMP 2008
Feb 20, 2008
RBNY KICKS OFF SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS
All programs are operated directly by the New York Red Bulls with Red Bulls youth soccer coaching staff providing a high level of professional coaching at all locations.
“Each camp program has been carefully designed by our player development experts,” said Sporting Director Jeff Agoos. “Boys and girls of all ages and abilities are able to hone their skills as they progress through a set daily schedule that specifically focuses on important technical and tactical learning outcomes.”
A range of camp sessions will be offered including community camps for beginner and development players, team camps for travel players and Elite Camps for advanced level soccer players. Additional programs will include a special one week ‘fantasy’ camp held at Giants Stadium and five residential camps which provide the opportunity for players to experience an intensive level sleep away soccer experience at top level facilities.
All camp programs will offer a unique experience that helps connect youth soccer players to the professional team. Other exclusive privileges and rewards include a Red Bulls t-shirt and ball, a ticket to a Red Bulls game, and the opportunity to play on Giants Stadium field prior to a game as part of an exciting post camp graduation ceremony. Selected camp locations will also have guest visits by professional Red Bull players.
To find out more information on our camp locations or to bring a camp to your community please CLICK HERE or e-mail: register@newyorkredbulls.com
The Red Bulls open their MLS regular season on April 5 against the Columbus Crew at 7:30 PM ET. For tickets, please call 1.877.RBSOCCER or CLICK HERE.
THIS WEEK'S TRAINING BEFORE SALZBURG
Here are a few notes to catch up with the Red Bulls after LA training...
The team came back from LA a few days early (Sunday to be exact) and had a few days off before returning to the Giants Stadium practice bubble for training today, taking part in 7v7 and 8v8 games.
The team will leave for Austria on Monday, and will take in all the sites and sounds of Salzburg, continuing preseason training at the home of Red Bull. Red Bulls Reader will be making the trip and will keep you all up to date on what the guys are doing, both on and off the training grounds.
In some roster/injury news, defender Tighe Dombrowski is no longer training with the club, forward Francis Doe and defender Jeff Parke missed the Hammarby match due to injury, and midfielder Dave van den Bergh was away from the team due to personal reasons (UPDATE 3:36 PM: Dave has returned to the team and participated in today's training. Welcome back!!).
After hearing all this news, why not buy some tickets!
Feb 19, 2008
RED BULL PARK PILE DRIVING PHASE NEARING MIDPOINT
With all the initial delays behind us, and following the commencement of construction on Red Bull Park, and the start of the pile driving phase, Red Bulls Reader is happy to note that the pile driving phase in nearing its midpoint.
As of February 19, approximately 1,200 piles have been driven out of the 3,000 or so that will be required. Work on the concrete pile caps, the next step in coming out of the ground, is scheduled to commence around the end of February.
Red Bulls Reader will strive to provide consistent updates on the progress of Red Bull Park throughout the construction process.
Feb 18, 2008
CLUB WAIVES FOUR
Red Bull New York announced today it has waived its rights to midfielder Elie Ikangu, forwards Chris Karcz and Randi Patterson and midfielder/defender Laurent Manuel as head coach Juan Carlos Osorio starts to shorten his roster as the team gets deeper into the preseason.
Ikangu, who was signed by New York in the 2006 preseason, appeared in one match in 2007, coming on in the 82nd minute against the Columbus Crew on May 19. In his rookie season, the 21-year-old Paris, France, native played in two games.
Karcz was signed by the Red Bulls on July 2, 2007 after being on trial with the team. The former Chicago Fire player featured in six MLS Reserve League games, scoring one goal and one assist.
Patterson, a graduate of the University of North Carolina - Greensboro, was drafted by the Red Bulls in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft in the first round (sixth overall). He did not see any regular season action, but played in nine Reserve League matches, tallying two goals.
Manuel was drafted by New York out of Brown University in the fourth round (49th overall) of the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft.
Feb 15, 2008
RED BULLS DOWN HAMMARBY IN PRESEASON FRIENDLY
Goals from newly arrived forward Oscar Echeverry and Juan Pablo Angel as well as defender Eric Brunner helped give the Red Bulls a 3-1 win over Swedish side, Hammarby IF, at The Home Depot Center on Friday morning. With the win, the Red Bulls move to 1-1-0 in the 2008 preseason.
The Red Bulls took an early lead in the 8th minute. After a turnover in the middle of the field, Claudio Reyna sprang free into the Hammarby half before sending a through ball to Echeverry, who got inside his defender and slotted a shot past goalkeeper Kristoffer Bjorklund.
Five minutes later, Echeverry was again in on the action, drawing a penalty kick at the right edge of the penalty box. Angel stepped up to the spot and buried it, making the score 2-0.
In the 28th minute, the Red Bulls tripled their lead. Off a corner kick, a Hammarby defender flicked it on right to the head of Brunner, who nodded it in from 10 yards out.
Hammarby's best chance of the half came in the 32nd minute when Sebastian Castro-Tello got free on the left wing and blasted a shot that just eluded the right post. Three minutes after the break, Castro-Tello was able to get into the box again before putting a shot right at goalkeeper Danny Cepero.
In the 51st minute, Hammarby again came close when Freddy Soderberg got free on the right wing and hit a shot just past the right post.
Hammarby was finally able to get on the board in the 66th minute when Dadomo was able to unleash a shot into the back of the net.
Scoring Summary:
NY: Echeverry (Reyna) 8'
NY: Angel (penalty kick) 14'
NY: Brunner (unassisted) 28'
HAM: Dadomo (unassisted) 66'
Disciplinary Summary:
NY: Kovalenko (caution) 38'
HAM: Dadomo (caution) 38'
NY: Freeman (caution) 88'
Here is how the team aligned in the first half:
---------Echeverry-------------Angel----------------------
------------------------Reyna-----------------------------
Roth----------Kovalenko-------Ubiparipovic--------Richards
Goldthwaite --------Brunner-------------------Leitch
-----------------------Conway---------------------------
New York Red Bulls (first half): Jon Conway (GK), Kevin Goldthwaite, Eric Brunner, Chris Leitch, Dema Kovalenko, David Roth, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Dave Richards, Claudio Reyna, Oscar Echeverry, Juan Pablo Angel
Second half alignment:
------------Laventure--------Wolyniec------------
------------------------Nunez-----------------------
Borman-------Stammler---Sassano-------Freeman
Palguta----------------Niziolek-------------Mendes
------------------------Cepero------------------------
New York Red Bulls (second half): Danny Cepero (GK), Scott Palguta, Ted Niziolek, Carlos Mendes, Danleigh Borman, Seth Stammler, Luke Sassano (John Wolyniec 82'), Hunter Freeman, Martin Nunez, Jerrod Laventure (Diego Serna 68'), John Wolyniec (Chris Megaloudis 68')
Hammarby: Kristoffer Bjorklund (GK), Mauro Saez Jarpa, Kleber Saarenpaa, Christian Traore, David Johansson, Claudio Dadomo, Louay Chanko, Sebastian Castro-Tello, Petter Andersson, Paulinho, Freddy Soderberg
Substitutes: Rami Shaaban (GK), Ivan Tedengren, Nicklas Gustafsson, Simon Helg, Isak Dahlin, Sebastian Bojassen, Marcus Thornstrand, Haris Laitinen
Feb 14, 2008
YAHOO! SPORTS RANKS TWO RED BULLS AMONG MLS' BEST
Martin Rogers of Yahoo! Sports ranked the top 20 MLS players in his Feb. 13 column, and two Red Bulls not only made the list, but were ranked in the top-10!! Jozy is eighth on the list, and Angel in 10th. Here is what was written about the the intimidating offensive duo in new head coach Juan Carlos Osorio's arsenal...
8. Jozy Altidore, forward, New York Red Bulls – Could be the future of U.S. soccer. The 18-year-old boasts strength, intelligence and maturity.
10. Juan Pablo Angel, forward, New York Red Bulls – A proven finisher who added an edge to the Red Bulls franchise.
For the complete list, CLICK HERE
Feb 13, 2008
FIRST PRESEASON SCRIMMAGE: CHIVAS USA
In their first preseason action of 2008, the Red Bulls dropped a 1-0 decision to Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center Track and Field Stadium on Tuesday morning.
Forward Ante Razov put Chivas USA tallied the game's only goal in the 4th minute, when he latched on to a Sacha Kljestan pass just inside the top of the 18-yard-box before turning and hitting a low left footed shot inside the far post.
With the starting lineup featuring returning designated players Juan Pablo Angel and Claudio Reyna, the Red Bulls had a number of chances in the first half. Two minutes in, MLS Rookie of the Year finalist Dane Richards was able to get free on the right wing before hitting a cross to Angel, whose open header bounced straight to goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Thirteen minutes later off a corner kick, Jeff Parke was able to hit a dangerous ball across the six-yard-box but no player was on hand to put it away.
After the Red Bulls changed their entire lineup after the break, both teams had a number of chances to put the ball in the back of net. In the 60th minute, Red Bulls midfielder Danleigh Borman had a close-range shot from 10 yards out after Chris Megaloudis found him on the left wing, but the South African put it over the bar. Less than 10 minutes later, Chivas USA midfielder Keith Savage was open off a free kick but his header went too high.
Guzan was able to keep the Red Bulls at bay at the end of the match. First, Megaloudis was able to beat his defender before putting a shot that Guzan had to parry away. Then, midfielder Michael Palacio hit a left-footed shot that was also saved.
The Red Bulls’ next scrimmage is on Friday at 1 PM EST against Norwegian club, Hammarby IF, at The Home Depot Center. The squad will be in the Los Angeles area until Feb. 19.
Scoring Summary:
CHV: Razov (Kljestan) 4’
Disciplinary Summary:
CHV: Cunliffe (caution) 42'
Lineups: This is the initial formation for RBNY
------------Angel-----------Serna--------------
--------------------Reyna-----------------------
Leonard-------------------------------Richards
------------Stammler--Kovalenko---------------
Palguta-------------Parke---------------Mendes
--------------------Conway----------------------
New York Red Bulls (first half): Jon Conway (GK), Scott Palguta, Jeff Parke, Carlos Mendes, Marshall Leonard, Dema Kovalenko, Seth Stammler, Dane Richards, Claudio Reyna, Diego Serna, Juan Pablo Angel
New York Red Bulls (second half): Zach Thornton (GK), Mateus Anjos, Eric Brunner, Chris Leitch, Danleigh Borman, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, David Roth, Luke Sassano, Michael Palacio, Chris Megaloudis, John Wolyniec
Chivas USA (first half): Brad Guzan (GK), Jorge Flores, Claudio Suarez, Jim Curtin, Alex Zotinca, John Cunliffe, Jesse Marsch, Marko Muslin, Sacha Kljestan, Atiba Harris, Ante Razov
Chivas USA (second half): Brad Guzan (GK), Jorge Flores, Marko Muslin, Mike Munoz, Zach Flores, Keith Savage, Dan Paladini, Kraig Chiles, El-Hadj Cisse (Nick Blanco 77'), Justin Braun, Chukwudi Chijinju
Feb 11, 2008
LOOK IN AT PRESEASON CAMP IN LA
NewYorkRedBulls.com had a chance to sit down last week with several players during the team's preseason training at Home Depot Center in California.
Two installments were delivered following conversations with Carlos Mendes, John Wolyniec, and Luke Sassano, and was capped off by a question and answer with Jozy Altidore, fresh off his first goal and start against Mexico with the US Men's National team.
CLICK HERE for Q&A 1
CLICK HERE for Q&A 2
CLICK HERE for Q&A 3
Feb 7, 2008
JOZY TALLIES FIRST GOAL, START VS. MEXICO
Jozy Altidore became the youngest US Men's National Team player to score a goal after his first half header gave the US a 2-1 lead vs. Mexico. Altidore earned his third full side cap on the game, and was also featured for the first time.
His goal, off a beautiful cross from Drew Moor, was replayed countless times on this night's sportscasts, and made ESPN SportsCenter's Top 10 plays!!
Watch the ESPN highlights
Read the MLSNet.com recap
2008 SCHEDULE MADE AVAILABLE
The 2008 schedule has been released, and the Red Bulls' season kicks off Saturday, April 5 when they host the Columbus Crew at 7:30 PM ET at Giants Stadium.
The 2008 season looks to be an exciting one in New York for the Red Bulls. The team will strive to reach new heights under the leadership of new Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio and the offensive duo of Juan Pablo Angel and Jozy Altidore. Angel, a MLS MVP finalist in 2007, looks to improve upon his record setting 2007 season where he netted a team-record 19 goals in 24 appearances, while Altidore looks to continue his rise after a successful MLS off-season which saw him earn valuable experience playing with the U.S. Men's National Team.
Notable on the Red Bulls 2008 home schedule will be David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy's return to New York on Saturday, July 19 at Giants Stadium at 6:30 PM ET. And, on Sunday, May 25, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and the Chicago Fire make their lone trip to New York. The two international stars begin their respective second seasons in MLS. Other notable home dates on the Red Bulls' schedule include Saturday, April 19, when they host the New England Revolution for the first time since their closely-contested 2007 Eastern Conference Semifinal match-up; and Sunday April 27, when MLS expansion side San Jose Earthquakes makes their only visit to Giants Stadium. Other dates to mark on the calendar include Sunday, May 25, when the Chicago Fire make their lone trip to New York, Saturday, August 9, when rival D.C. United visits, and Sunday, August 24, when the Red Bulls take on two-time defending MLS Cup Champion Houston Dynamo in East Rutherford.
Of the Red Bulls' 30 games, 19 will be telecast nationally via one of MLS' national television partners. The Red Bulls will appear six times on Fox Soccer Channel, five times on ESPN2's Prime Time Thursday, four times on HDNet (one of which is exclusive nationally), and four times on Spanish language Telefutura. The Red Bulls local broadcast partner MSG is expected to pick up a number of the remaining dates that are not exclusively broadcast on ESPN2, Fox Soccer Channel or HDNet. The MSG schedule will be announced at a later date.
Feb 1, 2008
PLAYERS PITCH IN WITH TICKET DRIVE
Red Bull New York has always put a high value on its fans, and another example of that played out Wednesday night, January 30, as several members of the team and technical staff teamed up with the sales team to personally call ticket holders to sign up for tickets for the upcoming 2008 season.
Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio, Sporting Director Jeff Agoos, assistant coaches Richie Williams and Des McAleenan, and the players were each teamed up with a member of the sales staff, and a contest was held to see which team could produce the most ticket sales.
Some of the players had no experience with sales, but their enthusiasm and passion more than made up for that. Seth Stammler was the most experienced of the players, as the midfielder-defender used his major in finance and marketing from the University of Maryland to his advantage all night.
Williams and Remy Cherin took home the top prize with a late surge, while Osorio showing the leadership and competitive qualities that led to his hiring as head coach, teamed up with Miriam Conguta to place second overall. Defender Hunter Freeman joined forces with Mike Quarino to take home third place.
Other players in attendance included Dema Kovalenko, Danny Cepero, Chris Leitch, Dane Richards, and Sinisa Ubiparipovic, as well as MLS SuperDraft selections Luke Sassano and David Roth, and Supplemental Draft selections Danleigh Borman, Laurent Manuel, John Gilkerson, and Michael Palacio.
One ticket holder who was called was Stephen Barry of Nanuet, NY. When asked about his thoughts on the experience, he stated, "When (Senior Fan Services Executive) Dan (Steeves) said he had players in the office, I thought there would be a tape. It was nice. Jeff (Agoos) took a while to talk with me."
"It's a nice touch, it really is," Barry continued. "I am in the ESC (Empire Supporters Club) and it's nice to know that the fans are appreciated. It's our team. We've been there through the good years and the bad years. The players and coaches will come and go, but it's good to know the team appreciates us. (The organization) realizes it's the fan base that counts. From the D.C. trip at the start, finally getting the stadium, it's the little things (the Red Bulls) are doing."
"My 13-year old daughter has been asking for a season ticket," said Barry. "Tonight she got one."