RED BULLS FALL TO DYNAMO, 1-0

A much better effort against Houston tonight, but alas, a Brian Ching goal separated the two sides. Head coach Juan Carlos Osorio thought that the team did well in the first half but did not keep possession well enough in the second and a set piece play left the Red Bulls going home with no points.

Reaction from Osorio:


Dane Richards:


Jozy Altidore:


There's a quick turnaround as the Red Bulls return home Thursday to face Chivas USA at 7:30 PM.

What are your thoughts on the match? Who were some of the standout performers? Were you impressed by the effort? Where does the team need to improve on its next game?

RED BULLS-DYNAMO PRE-GAME

Good evening from a humid Robertson Stadium as your Red Bulls take on the two-time defending MLS Cup champion, the Houston Dynamo. Just a few notes as we prepare for kickoff:

- Forward Juan Pablo Angel DID NOT make the trip to Houston. Prior to the team’s departure, Angel picked up a virus and was deemed unfit to travel.
- Claudio Reyna (right hamstring) did not travel with the team to Houston. Dave van den Bergh also didn’t make the trip as he and his wife, Alexie are expecting their second child.
- Houston is missing several key players as well. Defender Eddie Robinson is missing today’s game due to a red card suspension. Goalkeeper Pat Onstad and midfielder Dwayne De Rosario are away on international duty with Canada.
- Red Bulls went 1-1-0 against Houston last year. In last match at Robertson Stadium, the Red Bulls lost 4-0. Hopefully, the tide will turn tonight!
- With Angel out, John Wolyniec will make his second start of the season alongside Jozy Altidore.
- Seth Stammler also returns to the lineup after missing three consecutive games due to a lower back injury. Stammler was given the Captain's armband for, we believe, the first time in his career.
- Dane Richards, who attended to San Jacinto Junior College in Houston during his first two years in college, and Hunter Freeman, the team’s resident Texan, both have large contingents of friends and family at the game.

Here are the lineups tonight:

New York Red Bulls: Jon Conway (GK), Kevin Goldthwaite, Jeff Parke, Andrew Boyens, Chris Leitch, Danleigh Borman, Seth Stammler (c), Luke Sassano, Dane Richards, Jozy Altidore, John Wolyniec

Bench: Zach Thornton (GK), Carlos Mendes, Hunter Freeman, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Chris Megaloudis, Mike Magee

Houston Dynamo: Tony Caig (GK), Richard Mulrooney, Bobby Boswell, Patrick Ianni, Craig Waibel, Geoff Cameron, Ricardo Clark, Stuart Holden, Corey Ashe, Brian Mullan, Brian Ching (c)

Bench: Corbin Walker (GK), Mike Chabala, Brad Davis, John Michael Hayden, Kyle Brown, Franco Caraccio, Chris Wondolowski

Join the Red Bulls staff at Mulligan’s on First in Hoboken to catch the game on HDNet with kickoff set for 8:30 PM. As always, leave your pre-game and in-game thoughts here!

TGIF: ODDS AND ENDS

It's Friday, so that means its the end of the work week and only one more day until the Red Bulls take on the Houston Dynamo on HDNet. Since today is traditionally a big Happy Hour day for most people, we added the above picture of what not to do when drinking. RBR did confirm that the fan was a college friend of Danleigh from URI, and Danleigh wanted to add that although he was happy to celebrate his marker with a close friend, he does not condone his friend's actions, and would discourage anyone from attempting to duplicate it.


Anyway, the club is looking to bounce back after its forgettable match last Sunday against Chicago against the two time defending MLS Cup champions. RBR caught up with some players to get their thoughts on the match:

Jeff Parke on bouncing back:


Seth Stammler on Dwayne De Rosario:


Kevin Goldthwaite on Brian Ching:


Here are some links from this week that we thought might interest you:
AmericanSoccerReader: Hunter Freeman Blog – Hunter’s Corner

SportsIllustrated: Doing a Number On Soccer

Yahoo! Sports: Starting the World Cup war of 2018

SoccerByIves.net: Red Bulls Update: Reyna out, van den Bergh Questionable for Houston

BigAppleSoccer.com: BOUNCING BACK

The International Fixture: They make it look a lot easier than it actually is

Did you check out the new episode of Red Bulls Insider? It will have a more in depth look at the Power Wheelchair event. Also due up on the Sights and Sounds page is this week's 3 Questions With Coach game preview and the latest episode of Red Bulls Wrap.

This week's Viewing Party will be at Mulligan's on First in Hoboken. Come on out to watch the match with fellow supporters as well as Red Bulls staffers. Drink specials will be available.

Have you signed up for the Red Bulls Weekly E-Newsletter?

What are your thoughts on this weekend's match? Will the Red Bulls bounce back from last week's debacle? What will the First XI look like? What are the keys to getting a positive result? Give us your thoughts.

RED BULLS TO PLAY FC BARCELONA AUGUST 6TH AT GIANTS STADIUM

Red Bull New York and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) announced today that 2006 UEFA Champions League Winner FC Barcelona will play the Red Bulls at Giants Stadium on Aug. 6th as part of the club’s U.S. Tour. Game time is slated for 7:00 PM ET.

Tickets will be available exclusively for Red Bulls season ticket holders to add-on additional seats (Barcelona tickets are already included in full season ticket plans), as well as for current 8-Game and 4-Game plan holders to purchase their seats, from Monday, June 2nd at 10 AM through Tuesday, June 3rd at 5 PM. After this exclusive window, group tickets and a special ticket package that includes the FC Barcelona match and the LA Galaxy match on Saturday, July 19th will be available exclusively through the Red Bulls front office and on www.newyorkredbulls.com. For more information please call 1.877.RBSOCCER. 4-ticket packs for the FC Barcelona match will go on sale Friday, June 13th, with Individual tickets going on sale through TicketMaster on Tuesday, July 1st.

This will mark Barcelona’s third trip in the last five years to the United States, as the team toured the US in 2003 and 2006. The two sides matched up during the 2006 tour, with Barcelona emerging with a 4-1 win in front of a near-record breaking Giants Stadium crowd of 79,002 on Aug. 12.

FC Barcelona, coached by Josep Guardiola and recognized for its spectacular brand of attacking soccer, featured some of the world’s greatest players this past season, including FIFA World Player of the Year runner-up Lionel Messi (Argentina), three-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), and two-time European Golden Boot winner Thierry Henry (France).

Along with Messi, Eto’o and Henry, the Catalan giants have seven other players who featured in the recent 2006 World Cup in Germany. This list includes Mexico’s standout defender Rafael Marquez, Lilian Thuram (France), Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy), Carlos Puyol (Spain), Xavi Hernandez (Spain), and Iniesta (Spain).

NOTE: Some of these players are out of contract. None of the above players are confirmed to play in the match.

Barcelona will be making their first trip to the United States since 2006, when they took part in a three-game summer tour of the United States. FC Barcelona played at the Los Angeles Coliseum (1-1 vs. Chivas de Guadalajara on Aug. 6th), at Reliant Stadium in Houston (4-4 vs. Club America on Aug. 9th), and the fixture against the Red Bulls. Following the matches this August, the team will return to Spain to continue its preseason ahead of the kick-off to the 2008-09 La Liga season.

Barcelona completed the 2007-08 La Liga season in third place and advanced to the semifinals of the Champions League as well as the Spanish Cup.

RED BULLS MAKE OFFER TO JIMENEZ

The Red Bulls have offered a contract to Mexican defender Diego Jimenez. Coach Osorio spoke about the offer and what the left-footed player can bring to the team in Brian Lewis' article on the New York Post Extra Time Blog. Read the full article by CLICKING HERE.

Do you think he would be a good signing? Does this potential signing signal additional signings during the transfer window?

RED BULL NEW YORK NAMES ERIK STOVER MANAGING DIRECTOR

Red Bull New York announced today that Erik Stover has been promoted to the role of Managing Director of Red Bull New York effective immediately. Stover replaces Marc de Grandpre, who resigned on April 9, 2008.

Stover joined Red Bull New York on March 1, 2008, as Vice President, Operations and General Manager of Red Bull Park. Previously, Stover served as the General Manager of Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego since 2005. Prior to his tenure at Qualcomm Stadium, Stover spent nine years with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority where he served in a number of positions rising to the position of Assistant Vice President of Stadium Operations of Giants Stadium. Stover’s background includes facility and event management for both sports and entertainment properties. In addition, he had been involved in facility construction and renovation projects at both Qualcomm Stadium and Giants Stadium. He is a graduate of Penn State University.

Stover will oversee all of the business and commercial aspects of the team. In addition, Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio and Sporting Director Jeff Agoos will report to Stover.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH?

RBR went to the Mets game last night and when recently called up outfielder Nick Evans' photo was splashed on the JumboTron, I thought I was at Giants Stadium seeing a Red Bulls defender.

Hunter Freeman and Nick Evans, separated at birth? You decide. Just something to start off your hump day.

RED BULLS RELEASE ROSTERS FOR HIGH SCHOOL CUP (200th Post!!)

Red Bull New York unveiled the rosters for the Red Bulls High School Cup, presented by adidas. The second-annual Red Bulls High School Cup will take place on June 21 at Giants Stadium following the New York Red Bulls' match against FC Dallas at 7:30 PM ET. This exclusive event brings together the top New York and New Jersey outgoing high school seniors, as both states will battle for local bragging rights in this All-Star showdown. Players were selected based on nominations from a variety of media outlets, coaches and individuals familiar with New York and New Jersey high school soccer.

New Jersey
Goalkeepers- Grant Schonberg (Pingry), Alan Bernstein (Wayne Hills).
Defenders- Brian Hessemer (Scotch Plains-Fanwood), Christian Nogueira (Kearny), Rob Arent (New Providence), Kevin Brown (Wayne Valley), Matt Beverin (Glen Rock), Zackary Woerner (Atlantic City).
Midfielders- Daniel Korenyi (Cinaminson), Marco Zanfardino (St. Benedicts), Giovanni Zammillo (Morris Catholic), John Fiorenzo (Ramapo), Manny Caicedo (Clifton), Eric Card (Vernon Township).
Forwards- Ibraham Kamara (North Brunswick), CJ Crooks (Seton Hall Prep), Luiz Bento (Harrison), Rodrigo Santiago (Morris Hills), Tyler Tompkins (North Hunterdon), Mike DeVizio (Scotch Plains-Fanwwod), Kyle Bethel (Howell).
Coaches- Mike Rusek (Harrison), Thomas Breznitsky (Scotch Plains-Fanwood).

New York
Goalkeepers- Alex Aurrichio (Half Hollow Hills West), Ryan Goettel (Cicero-North Syracuse)
Defenders- David Neumann (Arlington), Greg Bennett (Kenmore West), Pat Cantwell (West Islip), Marlon Letlow (Roosevelt)
Midfielders - Matt Kristek (Vestal), TJ Popolizio (Shenendehowa), Byrant Knibbs (Pine Brush), Matt Labriola (Chaminade), Joshua Faga (McQuaid), Scott Zorn (Churchville-Chili), Biko Edwards (MLK), Craig Santangelo (Sayville)
Forwards- Will Ogden (Byram Hills), Lawrence Papaleo (Syracuse CBA), Nathan Bourdeau (Baldwinsville), Matt Schuber (Webster Thomas)
Coaches- Martin Jacobson (MLK), Micky Cohen (MLK)

TWO ACADEMY PLAYERS RECEIVE PARADE HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICA HONORS

Two members of the Red Bull Academy Under-18 team have been named Parade High School All-Americans. Forward Walter Hines and midfielder Matt Kassel both received this
prestigious honor.

The duo have been instrumental in the outstanding season the Red Bulls U-18s have been having this season, which saw the team post a 17 match unbeaten streak (11-0-5).

The two young stars have also been recognized with call ups to their respective Under 20 national teams. Kassel was called up to the United States U20s for a series of friendlies with English Premier League Reserve teams, while Hines has been called up to the Costa Rica U20's for World Cup qualifying.

The Red Bull U18s played the US National Team U17s over the weekend, with the US U17s earning a 3-2 win in an exciting match, which saw two goals from Jonny Exantus and the Red Bulls U18s also hit two crossbars. The U18s followed up that match with a 2-2 draw with Empire SC with Kassel and Hines each tallying a goal.

To watch some video of the match with the US U17s, see below.

RED BULLS VS. CHICAGO POST MATCH REACTION

Below is video from the locker room following today's match vs. the Chicago Fire.

Jozy Altidore Post Match:


Dane Richards Post Match:


Luke Sassano Post Match:


Juan Carlos Osorio Post Match:


What are your thoughts on today's match? Are there any positives to be taken away from the match? Who do you think played well? What do you think the team needs to do moving forwards towards the Houston match?

RED BULLS VS. CHICAGO RUNNING COMMENTARY

90+ minute: Full time. 5-1 Chicago. Check back later for post match video.

89th minute: A header by Goldthwaite off a Freeman corner goes over.

88th minute: Another Angel header right at Busch.

85th minute: With Chicago still defending well, time is running very short for NY to make the comeback that seems too far off.

79th minute: NY sub: Sinisia for Reyna.

78th minute: Chicago sub: Woolard for Barrett

74th minute: A counter from NY gets a shot to Angel, but its right at Busch.

73rd minute: Goal NY! Altidore heads one past Busch from Hunter on a corner.

71st minute: Chicago sub: Frankowski for Mapp.

71st minute: A long ball from Goldtwaite to Angel's head is saved.

68th minute: Off the restart, Angel's header goes wide.

67th minute: A scuffle in front of the Fire net away from the ball. Soumare with Angel, then Altidore gets involved. Yellows to Soumare and Angel.

64th minute: Fire sub, King for Rolfe.

62nd minute: 5-0 Fire. Blanco's corner is headed off the post. Sageras puts the rebound home.

60th minute: Goal Fire. Barrett heads one under Conway from right in front of the net. Assists to Mapp and Blanco. 4-0 Chicago. Not good.

54th minute: Blanco puts it past Conway for a 3-0 lead. Magee and Altidore for Mendes and Richards.

53rd minute: PK called on a foul on Boyens in the box.

50th minute: Freeman plays a entry pass to Angel's head, but its wide.

48th minute: Cross from Blanco to the back post finds Rolfe wide open. Another diagonal ball for Chicago. 2-0 Fire.

46th minute: Doesn't look like changes for either side.

HALFTIME: Chicago has been focusing on their left on offense with the Red Bulls focusing on their right. Should be interesting to see what adjustments are made at halftime. Magee and Altidore are warming up for NY.

45+ minute: Halftime. 1-0 Chicago.

45th minute: 2 minutes of added time.

44th minute: A nice feed from Hunter to Richards earns a corner, but no threat.

41st minute: Chicago is content to send in long balls. NY is beginning to string together passes and get more productive crosses.

40th minute: From Goldthwaite, a turnaround by Borman goes just wide. Almost 3 in 3 games for the rookie.

39th minute: On a restart, Parke gets his head on the Reyna cross, but it goes wide.

32nd minute: NY is starting to settle in defensively, but is still have trouble stringing passes together on offense. With a 1-0 lead, does Chicago start to lag back a bit?

29th minute: Reyna's cross to Reyna goes wide. Segares is frustrating Richards on the right flank. That was his first good cross.

27th minute: Most of the Fire diagonals have come to the right side of the NY defense, leaving Golfthwaite with not much to do on the left side.

23rd minute: Corner for Chicago on another diagonal ball. Blanco plays it short and its well defended by Reyna.

21st minute: Angel with a shot from the top of the area, but its wide. First semi-chance for NY.

20th minute: Blanco wanted a penalty against Parke, but the call is not made. He is not happy. New York is not holding possession well so far.

19th minute: The Fire has come out with great intensity, and the Red Bulls are looking to try and match it with mixed results so far.

13th minute: New York looks to have a lack of focus on the defensive side. A Goldtwaite turnover to Rolfe almost leads to a goal from Blanco. Chicago is attacking with diagonal balls, something the Red Bulls had defended well to this point in the season.

7th minute: Blanco finds Barrett with a diagonal in the area. Easy finish. Goal Chicago.

7th minute: Nice diagonal ball leads to a shot from inside the area, but not on frame for the Fire.

4th minute: Some good counters from the Fire, and some not so collected defense by the Red Bulls so far.

2nd minute: Correction on that, its Boyens in the back, Parke on the right and Goldthwaite on the left.

1st minute: Looks like a diamond in the back, with Mendes at the top and Parke at the back.

1st minute: And we're off...

PRE-GAME: The lineup looks a little different, don't you think? That was the way it was listed on the official lineup, though we think that Angel might be the lone striker up top with Borman and Richards on the flanks and Parke or Mendes marking Blanco in the midfield. A strong effort on defending Mr. White is certainly a key to the match this afternoon. And a fantastic Memorial Day it is!

PRE-GAME- Here's the Fire's lineup:

-----------------Barrett-------------------

Mapp-----------Blanco-------------Rolfe

------------Conde----Pause-------------

Segares-Gutierrez---Soumare--Prideaux

-----------------Busch--------------------

PRE-GAME- And for the Red Bulls, the lineup is listed as this:

-------------Angel---------Sassano----------------

Borman------------Reyna---------------Richards

---------------------Mendes------------------------

Goldthwaite--Parke----Boyens--------Freeman

--------------------Conway-------------------------

PRE-GAME: RBR had a chance to get down on the pitch about an hour ago, and the turf is already pretty hot. Should be interesting to see if this effects play at all as the turf will only get hotter as the day progresses. Makes you wonder what it will be like on the field in the dog days of August.

LINKS DU JOUR

With the match with Chicago less than 24 hours away, here are some links related to the game as well as some others RBR came across during the week:

USA Today: Red Bulls, Fire say no grudge; it's just a game

New York Times Goal Blog: Red Bulls’ Sniper Trying to Regain Form

Preview from the official site: Fire, Red Bulls battle for East position

New York Times Goal Blog: In The Pool: Jozy Altidore

New York Times: Red Bulls Rookies Earn Praise, but Not Much Money

NY Daily News Español: Un ‘paisa’ con piel de toro rojo

BigAppleSoccer.com: The Back Is Better

SoccerByIves.net: Red Bulls Update: Reyna and Altidore fit, Stammler doubtful

New York Post Extra Time Blog: Reyna expects to play, other Red Bull notes

RED BULL PARK UPDATE

Just a short update on construction progress at the stadium for those of you that haven't seen the half time updates that MSG has been showing!

We began pouring concrete for the pile caps (concrete foundations for the stadium) on April 17th and have completed about 115 of the 300 required. We anticipate completing the concrete foundation work by the end of June and starting the steel erection in the West Building area at the beginning of July. The plumbers have begun the installation of drain lines below the Locker Room areas in the West Building and will continue around the south side of the stadium as the concrete foundations are completed. The pile driving will finally be completed next week.

RED BULLS VS. CHICAGO PREVIEW

RBR attended today's training session, and caught up with Mike Magee (a Chicago native) and Luke Sassano to get their thoughts on the match with the Fire

Mike Magee on the match:


Luke Sassano on the match:


In training news, Claudio and Jozy both went through the full session, and should be available for selection for the match. Seth Stammler did not train and is unlikely to be available. David Roth and Oscar Echeverry both participated in the session as they continue to rehab knee injuries. Both are likely a few weeks away still.

What are you thoughts on the match? What do you see the formation looking like? What are your keys to earning a positive result? Are you going to be attending the match? Do you think Osorio not being on the sidelines will effect the play of the Red Bulls at all?

INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKETS PACKS FOR GALAXY MATCH NOW ON SALE

Individual Game Ticket Packs for the Galaxy game on July 19 are now on sale! Get your tickets now for the return of Beckham, Donovan, and Edson Buddle to the tri-state area to be a part of what should be a great atmosphere at Giants Stadium. Last season's matchup brought out the largest attendance in MLS history and produced a thrilling, 5-4, Red Bulls win.

Over 30,000 tickets have already been distributed for this match, so call today to secure your seats!!

CLICK HERE to order online, or call 1-877-RBSOCCER.

DAVID ROTH ON THE USS KEARSARGE

David Roth's visit to the USS Kearsarge as part of Fleet Week was featured on the lastest episode of MSG, NY, so hopefully you got a chance to check it out. RBR will try and track down some video of the event, but in the meantime, here are some photos of David onboard the aircraft carrier.

David is in flight gear before boarding the helicopter
that will take him aboard the ship


David is greeted by MSG's Tina Cervasio upon arrival


David interview's the ships doctor


David gets the VIP treatment and a photo op with the USO girls

RESERVE MATCH POSTPONED

For those of you that had been asking, the New York Red Bulls Reserves match against the Chicago Fire Reserves, scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed. No makeup date has been announced at this time.

NEWS AND NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY'S TRAINING SESSION

RBR went out to training today and returns with the following report:

1) The team trained in two equally divided groups, with one group going through finishing drills while the other played small sided games. This is a typical Osorio session, as finishing drills and competitive sessions are par for the course from the Red Bulls mentor.

2)Forward Oscar Echeverry participated in the full session for the first time since injuring his knee a month ago. He looked sharp and went through the full session, but it is unlikely that he will be available for selection this week.

3) Midfielder Claudio Reyna was back in training after missing the last two matches. He has been upgraded on the injury report, and if things go well the rest of the week, should be available for selection against the Fire.

4) Gordon Kljestan, brother of Chivas USA midfielder Sasha Kljestan, trained with the team. He also played in the reserve match against the Kansas City Reserves last Sunday, coming off in the 76th minute.

5) Defender Chris Leitch also participated in the full session and seems healthy enough to be available for selection.

6) Midfielder Seth Stammler did not practice.

IN THE NAVY...

Red Bulls rookie midfielder and two members of the Red Bull Street Team will be part of the Parade of Ships today on the aircraft carrier, USS Kearsarge. This is Fleet Week in New York, and the Red Bull trio helicoptered out to the ship early this morning and will sail with the ship into port in Manhattan. RBR is tagging along with a camera, so hopefully a photo or two will come out and will be posted either later today or tomorrow. We will also do our best to get reaction from Roth and the guys.

The team gets back to work today as the Red Bulls start to prepare for Sunday's match with the Chicago Fire. If you don't have tickets yet, why not?!??!?

Oh yeah, and today is the Champions League final, in case you forgot (however unlikely). Who do you think will win the match? Who will be the hero? Will the English fans behave themselves in Moscow? Will the beleaguered pitch hold up? Give us your thoughts.

RED BULLS ANNOUCE ACADEMY TRYOUTS; HOST A RED BULL TRAINING SESSION

Tryouts info for the Red Bull U14, U15, U16, and U18 teams was announced recently on the official site. CLICK HERE for more details.

Want to host a Red Bulls training session in your town? CLICK HERE for more information from the official site.

A LOOK BACK AT LA; BORMAN GARNERS GOAL OF THE WEEK NOMINATION

A large group of Red Bull supporters were at the LA Galaxy game at the Home Depot Center on May 10, and they threw a big party before the match before rooting the club on to a 2-1 victory.


Here is a video of the event:


Also, Borman's Flick-Flop inducing goal has been nominated for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week.

You can vote for Danleigh (should you see fit) by CLICKING HERE

A CASE OF THE MONDAYS

The team has the day off today, and some of the players are taking advantage of the day off to make a public appearance. Sinisia and Ricky Schramm are headed up to New Britain, CT to appear at the New Britain Rock Cats minor league baseball game and the team's Soccer Night At The Stadium promotion. The duo will help distribute mini soccer balls to the first 1500 kids (12 and under) and RBR has learned that one of the two will pull a Mr. White and throw out the first pitch before the game. If you are in the area, come and check it out!

Also, with Borman's second goal in as many matches, and with his unique and memorable goal celebration, RBR will be working with Danleigh this week on a name for his "celebration". What we did find out is that the goal celebration is an homage to his father's celebrations following his goals as a professional in South Africa. He speaks about is in this article on the official site. Any suggestions we should run by Danleigh tomorrow?

BULLS RESERVES DROP 2-1 DECISION TO WIZARDS

MONTCLAIR, NJ (May 18, 2008) – A Nelson Pizarro goal three minutes from full time gave the Kansas City Wizards reserves (3-0-2, 11 pts.) a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls reserves (1-2-0, 3 pts.) at Sprague Field Sunday morning. Forward John Wolyniec scored off a penalty kick for the Red Bulls.

The Wizards had the game’s first scoring chance in the 15th minute. Off a good passing sequence in the middle of the field, Eloy Colombano found himself with space on the left wing and swung a ball into the box that Ivan Trujillo headed over the bar. Five minutes later, New York almost got their name on the scoresheet when forward Chris Megaloudis forced a point-blank save from goalkeeper Eric Kronberg outside of the six-yard box.

Kansas City went ahead in the 38th minute. Aaron Hohlbein slid the ball through to Colombano, who cut to his left before curling a shot into the top right corner from the top of the penalty box.

The Wizards almost doubled their lead two minutes before the break when Trujillo connected on a Colombano corner kick but headed it just over the bar.

In the 72nd minute, the Red Bulls earned a penalty kick when Wolyniec was wrestled to the ground in the box by a Wizards defender. Wolyniec stepped up and drilled it into the top right corner to tie the game.

In the 83rd minute, guest player Chuck Kim almost put the Red Bulls ahead when he rose up and headed a Wolyniec cross just past the right post.

Four minutes later, Kansas City earned a late game-winner. Midfielder Kurt Morsink received the ball on the left wing from a cross-field pass and curled in a cross to a wide open Pizarro, who nodded it past Thornton.

The Red Bulls almost tied the game late when defender Chris Leitch was left open on the back post on a Sinisa Ubiparipovic corner kick and put a header on goal that was knocked away by Kronberg.

The Red Bulls’ next Reserve League match is on May 25 at home against the Chicago Fire at 5:30 PM ET. Kansas City’s reserves face the Columbus Crew reserves on June 15 at home at 11 AM ET.

Scoring Summary:
KC: Eloy Colombano 2 (Aaron Hohlbein 1) 38’
NY: John Wolyniec 1 (penalty kick) 72’
KC: Nelson Pizarro 2 (Kurt Morsink 1) 87’

Disciplinary Summary:
NY: Chris Leitch (caution) 74’
NY: Jonathan Giraldo (caution) 86’
NY: Chuck Kim (caution) 86’

Kansas City Wizards: Eric Kronberg (GK), Ryan McMahen, Rauwshan McKenzie, Aaron Hohlbein, Matt Marquess, Roger Espinoza (Nelson Pizarro 61’), Kurt Morsink, Kerry Zavagnin, Kevin Souter, Eloy Colombano, Ivan Trujillo (Michael Kraus 77’)

Subs not used: Boris Padro (GK), Geoff Miles*

New York Red Bulls: Zach Thornton (GK), John Gilkerson, Carlos Mendes, Chris Leitch, Danleigh Borman (Angel Rivillo* 46’), Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Gordon Kljestan* (Jonathan Giraldo* 76’), Ricky Schramm, Kevin Mesa, John Wolyniec, Chris Megaloudis (Chuck Kim* 76’)

Subs not used: Caleb Patterson-Sewell (GK)

* - Guest Player

RED BULLS VS. WIZARDS POST MATCH

RBR caught up with some players and coach for post match reaction.

Hunter Freeman Post Match:


Andrew Boyens Post Match:


Danleigh Borman Post Match:


Juan Carlos Osorio Post Match:


What are your thoughts on the match? Who was the man of the match? Who was the unsung hero? Are you impressed with the chances the Red Bull offense are creating? What about the defensive effort?

KANSAS CITY AT RED BULLS - RUNNING COMMENTARY

90+ minute: Game over. 1-1 tie. RBR will be back later with post match video.

90th minute: 3 minutes of stoppage.

89th minute: NY is defending well following the equalizer.

85th minute: 3rd sub for KC: Colombano for Pore.

84th minute: Osorio shown a red.

82nd minute: GOAL NY!! Borman with the tally, in a similar spot to last week. Another bad celebration, but it looks more polished this time. Assist to Angel and Altidore.

79th minute: KC sub: Morsink for Victorine for KC.

77th minute: Red card to VDB and tellow to Arnaud. 10 men for VDB who will miss the Chicago match next Sunday.

73rd minute: Two more chances and a near hand ball earns another corner. Goldthwaite's header goes over.

72nd minute: Angel heads the ball wide off a long throw from Goldthwaite. A lot of chances for NY without one finding the netting.

68th minute: Angel's shot saved by Hartman. Sassano's follow headed over the bar.

67th minute: Altidore is fouled just outside the area. Great chance for NY.

63rd minute: Off a long throw in, Angel one-times one, saved by Hartman. VDB's follow goes just wide.

61st minute: KC: Arnaud on for Sealy.

60th minute: Another yellow to KC. This one to Marinelli.

60th minute: A yellow to Pore for grabbing VDB's jersey from behind.

58th minute: A close range shot from Borman saved by Hartman. Almost another goal dance from Borman.

54th minute: A complete scrum in front of the net gets NY about four or five chances including a clear off the line by Victorine before Hartman jumps on it.

54th minute: Corner for NY.

50th minute: VDB with a shot wide from just outside the 18 after a nice individual effort by Borman.

46th minute: Subs for NY: Borman for Magee. I don't remember hearing Magee's name much in the first half, which could have prompted the sub. VDB slides to the center, with Borman on the flank.

45th minute: Halftime. 1-0 KC.

45th minute One minute of stoppage.

42nd minute: A giveaway by Conway leads to a dangerous opportunity and a corner for KC.

36th minute: Goldtwaite down on the field. Looks like he got kneed in his balky lower back.

34th minute: The Red Bulls seemed to have regrouped after the goal and are starting to assert themselves offensively.

33rd minute: Chance Myers and Altidore are having a nice individual battle tonight.

32nd minute: Magee finds Richards open on the flank, but he is called off sides.

29th minute: Jewsbury clears one off the line off an Altidore shot. Almost an equalizer for NY.

29th minute: Another good cross from Freeman earns a corner.

24th minute: The goal seems to have energized the Wizards, while the Red Bulls look a little out of joint.

21st minute: Parke was picked off on the corner, and Conrad was able to run free onto the cross. 1-0 KC.

20th minute: The first corner of the night for KC. A left footed kick by Marinelli curls right to the head of Conrad, who goes far post past Conway.

17th minute: VDB takes a blast from a similar spot from his goal vs. CLB. Hartman punches it out for a corner.

16th minute: With the New York back line holding shape well, and with the defense playing the passing lanes well, KC is having trouble penetrating into their offensive third.

12th minute: VDB leads Altidore, who puts a slow cross into the area. Magee runs onto it, but cant get any pace behind it.

10th minute: A dangerous KC through ball finds no one.

8th minute: Richards earns a corner. After the initial cross is pushed out, Goldthwaite gets a shot on net. Easy save.

6th minute: A nice long cross from Freeman intended for Angel on the back post is intercepted by Hartman.

5th minute: The Red Bulls have been carrying more possession, but the team's are really just feeling eachother out at this point.

1st minute: And we're off.

PRE-GAME: Juan Carlos Osorio wastes no time getting Boyens into the starting lineup, as the New Zealand international received his P1 visa earlier this week. With all three Red Bulls on the back line over 6-1, this is a physically impressive grouping for New York that should be very strong in the air. This lineup also allows both Freeman and Richards to move forward more. Let's see how this strategy plays out.

PRE-GAME- Here is the Wizards' starting lineup and formation:

-------------Lopez-----------Sealy-----------

Victorine----Jewsbury------Marinelli-----Pore

Harrington-------Wahl-------Conrad-------Myers

--------------------Hartman--------------------

Subs: Aaron Hohlbein, Davy Arnaud, Kurt Morinsk, Kerry Zavagnin, Eloy Colombano, Ivan Tujillo, Eric Kronberg


PRE-GAME- Here is the Red Bulls starting lineup and formation:

-------Altidore-----Angel-----Richards------

VDB----------Sassano-------Magee-------Freeman

Goldthwaite--------Parke-------------Boyens

-----------------Conway--------------------

Subs: John Wolyniec, Chris Leitch, Danleigh Borman, Chris Megaloudis, Carlos Mendes, Sinisia Ubiparipovic, Zach Thornton

LINKS DU JOUR; KC PREVIEW

After two straight road matches, the Red Bulls return home for a two consecutive home fixtures, beginning Saturday at 7:30 PM against the Kansas City Wizards at Giants Stadium.

In this audio clip, Juan Pablo Angel talks about KC:


Here are some links from this week:

A little something about Danleigh Borman from Football365.com

A little something about Luke Sassano from BigAppleSoccer.com

Jozy named to the 33-man pool for the US's upcoming friendlies

Also, be sure to check out Red Bulls Wrap this week as Shep has an interesting rumor regarding a U.S. soccer star and Steve and Shep preview tomorrow's game.

RBNY TEAMS UP WITH NYPD FOR CHARITABLE TRIP TO ECUADOR

The NYPD “Finest” Soccer Team will be traveling to Ecuador from May 22 to May 28 to play a series of charity games and to conduct clinics. Red Bull New York has donated 150 soccer balls and 600 Red Bulls t-shirts and gear that will be distributed to the students at Republica De Estados Unidos, a public school that provides education to underprivileged children in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil, other organizations, as well as at the clinics.



The trip, funded by FENODE (the Ecuadorian North American Sports Federation), was realized in large part due to the efforts of Dr. Raul Carrion, the Ecuadorian Minister of Sports; Abdon Calderon, the new President of FENODE; Ernesto Motta, Red Bull New York Senior Director of Spanish Communications, Broadcasting, and Affairs; and Lieutenant Ronald Mejia of the New York City Police Department.

The trip will kick off on Friday May 23 with the visit to the school, and will continue on Saturday, May 24, when the group will travel to the city of Milagros for a charity game, where donations will be accepted for a number of organizations. The NYPD will play against a team of celebrities, including the Minister of Sports, Minister of Education, and ex-Ecuadorian soccer stars. At halftime presentation will be made and New York City Director of Park and Recreation Miguel Cuellar will conduct a soccer clinic, with the participants receiving Red Bulls soccer balls and t-shirts.

On Sunday, May 25, the group will conduct a similar event in the city of Machala, returning to Guayaquil by Monday, May 26, to conclude the visit with more charitable events.

RAGINGBULLNATION FUNDRAISING EVENT

One of the Red Bulls' supporters groups, Raging Bull Nation, is conducting a fund raiser for the USOC as well as a chance to spend the May 25 Fire match in their section and with Johnny Toro!!

CLICK HERE for the release on the official site or CLICK HERE for the official Raging Bull Nation site, where you can sign up.

ALL-STAR VOTING UNDERWAY; SUPPORT THE RED BULL NOMINEES!!

Voting has begun for the MLS All-Star game, which will take place at Toronto FC's BMO Field on July 24. To vote for your favorite Red Bulls (and I guess some other players, if you want to), CLICK HERE to go to the official site. The link is on the media wall.

This year’s All-Star team will take on West Ham United, who boasts a roster full of international talent, highlighted by the captains of Sweden, Australia and Wales – Freddie Ljungberg, Lucas Neill and Craig Bellamy. The club also has several England internationals including Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer plus American defender Jonathan Spector and Portuguese forward Luis Boa Morte. West Ham United features one of soccer’s most recognizable jerseys, with the claret body and sky blue sleeves. The team is affectionately known as the “Hammers,” a reference to its origin as the company team for Thames Ironworks.

This year marks the fifth time that MLS All-Stars have taken on a high-profile international opponent in the MLS All-Star game. In 2003 the MLS All-Stars defeated Mexican club CD Guadalajara 3-1, in 2005 claimed a victory over English opponents Fulham 4-1, in 2006 beat English power Chelsea FC 1-0 and last year they defeated Scottish Premier League front-runners Celtic FC 2-0 on goals from New York Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel and FC Dallas midfielder Juan Toja.

The announcement schedule for the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Team is as follows. Dates are subject to change.

· Wednesday, May 14 – Online fan voting begins
· Monday, June 30 - All-Star Coach announced (decided by team with the most points per game as of June 29th)
· Wednesday, July 2 – Online balloting ends
· Thursday, July 10 – All-Star ‘First XI’ announced
· Tuesday, July 15 – All-Star reserves announced

BORMAN SCORES GOAL; GETS MORE PRESS

Steve Davis at MLSNet.com wrote an article recently spotlighting some of his "Breakout stars of early 2008". Among those listed was none other than "Mr. Goal Celebration" Danleigh Borman. As Mr. Davis writes:

• At Red Bull New York, rookie Danleigh Borman helped provide some zip on the outside while Dane Richards mended from injury. Richards made his first start of 2008 on Saturday in Los Angeles, so it's hard to say how much playing time Borman, a first-round draft pick out of Rhode Island, could collect going forward. But knowing how Red Bulls manager Juan Carlos Osorio loves to tinker with personnel and formations, the opportunities are likely to pop up -- especially after striking for his first career goal Saturday, a vital effort in a high-profile contest. (But that celebration needs a little work.)

For the full article, CLICK HERE

AN ALL-WHITE IS NOW OFFICIALLY A RED BULL

New Zealand International Andrew Boyens received his P1 Visa yesterday, and is now available for selection this Saturday for the match against Kansas City at Giants Stadium.

The central defender, who has been capped five times for the All-Whites, played in Toronto last season, and is a former first round draft pick out of the University of New Mexico, where he earned All-America honors and led his team to the NCAA College Cup Championship Game as a senior.

Welcome aboard Andrew!!

NOTE: I realize that most people may recognize New Zealand as the All-Blacks, but that is the name of the national rugby team. The national soccer team is known as the All-Whites.

ABOUT THAT "CELEBRATION"...

The team returned to practice focusing on their next task - earning three points this weekend against Claudio Lopez and the Kansas City Wizards.

But though the LA match is behind everyone, one topic was still fresh in everyone's mind - what in the world was Danleigh Borman thinking with that goal celebration (see the video below)?

Just to recap "the worst goal celebration I've ever seen" as stated by MSG analyst Shep Messing, after scoring his first career MLS goal, Danleigh runs to the corner flag, does a wobbly cartwheel before rolling over his back and his head - Kindergarten style.

Ever since, Danleigh hasn't heard the end of his teammates' joshing. So we figured we'd get Borman's take on the whole thing.

"I was ecstatic man," Borman said. "It was unbelievable to score my first goal in professional soccer. I was just amazed."

But what about his subsequent goal celebration (cue Jozy Altidore, who walks by saying jokingly - or maybe not - that "It was the worst celebration ever.")

"I say if I score next week, I’m going to do the same thing. You’ll be seeing it again if I do score!" says a defiant Danleigh.

But then, what were you trying to do? And what would be your ideal celebration?

"I would like to do, in tribute to my father, a back flip like he did (when he played professionally in South Africa). But in this case, I tweaked it a little bit so I’m sticking to it. I like it."

So there you go - if he scores again, that's what you'll get. Just like JPA's Zorro-like jump in the air and slash, Peter Crouch's Robot , and Nicolas Anelka's butterfly, Danleigh will have his own trademark celebration. We'll call it "The Danleigh" for now.

What do you guys and gals think? Should he keep this celebration? Do you dislike it? What should Danleigh do instead? Perhaps we'll pass along suggestions to the rookie for the next time he scores.

ANOTHER GOAL OF THE WEEK NOMINATION

For the third time this season, a Red Bull goal has been nominated for Goal of the Week. This time its JPA's goal vs. the Galaxy Saturday night.

Be sure to vote for your favorite goal on the official site.

ITS RAINING OUT, BUT SUNNY IN RED BULL LAND

The Red Bulls are off today after taking three points from the Galaxy on Saturday night at the Home Depot Center. The team will return to training tomorrow to prepare for Saturday's match vs. Kansas City at Giants Stadium. It will have been three weeks since the last home game for New York, as the team is riding a four match unbeaten streak. It's not too late to get tickets!!


Danleigh Borman scored his first professional goal against LA, and RBR assumes he was trying to emulate his father, Dot Borman's, goal celebrations from his days playing in the top division of the South African League. Borman described it as a "flick-flack" in his interview with the Red Bulls' Gameday magazine, we think Shep Messing's description is more accurate (check out about 40 seconds into the video below).



What are your thoughts on the match? Man of the Match? Unsung Hero? Thoughts on the KC match? Let us know what you are thinking.

LEAVING LOS ANGELES

We're at the airport now - a day after the Red Bulls took a gutsy, 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy last night. A lot of great story lines for fans from last night:

- Forward Juan Pablo Angel scoring his first goal of the season after a fantastic run and through ball by Dane Richards. We know it's been a frustrating season thus far for Juan Pablo, who hasn't felt 100-percent with a tight hamstring, so it's great to see him find the back of the net.

- What about Richards? First start of the season and he make an impact with his pace. A good reminder why he was a MLS Rookie of the Year finalist last sesaon.

- From the streets of Cape Town, South Africa to playing in front of 27,000 fans, Danleigh Borman's first ever MLS goal couldn't have been more memorable. His cartwheel and somersault celebration definitely left something to be desired (and his teammates did not hesitate to remind him of that), but Borman has earned a significant amount of playing time and has made an impact.

- With Claudio Reyna and Seth Stammler out, Luke Sassano plugged in at the center of the field and had an industrious performance. With 12 family members and friends in the stands, the Orinda, CA helped limit the Galaxy offense. Also, Dave van den Bergh, playing at left back, did a good job in limiting David Beckham for most of the game.

- Goalkeeper Jon Conway continued his impressive season, making a number of key saves, including stuffing an open Mike Randolph after the Red Bulls went 2-1 up, in what could be considered the save of the game.

Here is some reading for you:

Jack Bell of The New York Times gives his player ratings

Michael Lewis of BigAppleSoccer.com

Grahame Jones of The Los Angeles Times

Greg Daurio of MLSNet.com

Luis Bueno of MLSNet.com

Associated Press

What was your take on the game? Who were your three stars? Give us your thoughts as we prepare for the Wizards on Saturday.

RED BULLS-GALAXY PRE-GAME

A cloudless sky at The Home Depot Center as the Red Bulls are ready to take on the Los Angeles Galaxy. Here are your lineups:

New York Red Bulls: Jon Conway (GK), Hunter Freeman, Jeff Parke, Kevin Goldthwaite, Dane Richards, Danleigh Borman, Luke Sassano, Dave van den Bergh, Jozy Altidore, Mike Magee, Juan Pablo Angel (Capt.)

Subs: Zach Thornton (GK), John Gilkerson, Chris Leitch, Chris Megaloudis, Carlos Mendes, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, John Wolyniec

Los Angeles Galaxy: Steve Cronin (GK), Chris Klein, Sean Franklin, Troy Roberts, Greg Vanney, David Beckham (Capt.), Joe Franchino, Brandon McDonald, Mike Randolph, Landon Donovan, Alan Gordon

Subs: Josh Wicks (GK), Michael Gavin, Bryan Jordan, Israel Sesay, Josh Tudela, Julian Valentin, Abel Xavier

As always, any in-game comments are appreciated. Enjoy the game!

CALIFORNIA LOVE

Happy Saturday from Los Angeles as the Red Bulls prepare for their match against the Los Angeles Galaxy tonight at 10:30 PM ET. The team arrived with no problems to California Thursday evening.

As opposed to the typical morning practice session, the Red Bulls held an evening session at The Home Depot Center last night, going through last-minute scenarios and set pieces. Part of the reason for the evening training session was to simulate tonight's match-time conditions. Whenever RBR comes here, it seems like we can’t help but fall asleep at 9 PM on the first night and wake up at 5 AM, so we think that the evening practice was a good idea.

Just a few notes from here:

- Claudio Reyna (calf) and Seth Stammler (back) did not travel. Stammler went to see medical specialists Wednesday and Thursday and had tests done on his back after he injured it during training while he was cutting to get the ball.
- After getting an allergic reaction on Monday at training and missing practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jozy Altidore trained fully on Thursday and is ready to go against the Galaxy tonight.
- With training in the evening, many of the players either hung around the hotel or ventured across the street to the Del Amo Fashion Center across the street – a massive two-story complex. Several of the guys were either hanging out around the hotel doing some last minute Mother’s Day shopping (and remember, don’t forget to call your mom tomorrow)!
- Funnily enough, the New England Revolution arrived to our hotel this afternoon. The Revolution is taking on Chivas USA Sunday at The Home Depot Center. RBR saw Steve Ralston, Jay Heaps and Taylor Twellman roaming around the hotel. We’ll keep you posted if any fights get started next to the Starbucks in the lobby.

Finally, some reading for you:

Brian Lewis’ advance in the New York Post

Dylan Butler’s MLSNet.com preview

Grahame Jones from the Los Angeles Times

FoxSports.com

What are your predictions for this game? Some of the keys to the match? Remember to catch all of the action starting at 10 PM ET, with MSG’s Running With The Bulls pre-game show.

JOZY AND JPA STILL RANKED AMONG MLS' BEST

Martin Rogers of Yahoo! Sports put out a list of the top-20 MLS players before the season began, and Jozy and Juan Pablo were both ranked in the top 10.

Well, the list has been updated, and Jozy has moved up from eighth to fifth, while JPA is holding fast at tenth, despite battling the injury bug this season.

Both players are in LA for the Galaxy match against the top two on Mr. Rogers' list, so a positive result might shake things up in his next rankings!!

RED BULLS ANNOUNCE TICKETS FOR TROOPS INITIATIVE

The New York Red Bulls today unveiled their “Tickets for Troops” initiative in conjunction with their Sunday, May 25th game at Giants Stadium against the Chicago Fire. At the game, the Red Bulls will be recognizing members of our military in a variety of pre-game and in-game events. Game time is 3:00 p.m.

The "Tickets for Troops" initiative coincides with New York City's annual "Fleet Week" celebration and will enable troops in port as well as troops stationed in the NY/NJ area the opportunity to attend the Red Bulls match on Sunday, May 25th at 3 PM. Packages start as low as $600 for 30 tickets and all participating companies and individuals who purchase a package will be recognized in stadium on the videoboard as well as in the Red Bulls Game Day publication. The Red Bulls and their existing Community Partners have already donated over 800 tickets to local troops and their families for that day.

Companies and individuals interested in donating tickets can call 1-877 RB-SOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.

FRIDAY'S ODDS AND ENDS

With the team in LA preparing for its matchup with the Galaxy, here are some things to whet your appetite for the match, which will be aired on HDNet (if you actually get that channel, RBR does not have a dish), or MSG (HOORAY for our local rights holder!!).

In fact, MSG will be doing a half-hour pregame show, Running With The Bulls, hosted by Tina Cervasio, with Steve Cangialosi and the immortal Shep Messing contributing before calling the match. The coverage begins at 10:00 PM ET before the 10:30 PM first touch.

For those local Red Bull fans, why not head out to Nevada Smith's for the official viewing party, and take in the match with fellow fans and Red Bull staffers. Be sure to tell them Red Bulls Reader sent you. RBR doesn't carry any extra pull at the event, but we have always wanted to say that.

Here is a preview of the match from the official site.

Check out the latest Red Bulls Wrap podcast on the official site. Did you know you can subscribe to it?

Later today the weekly Three Questions With The Coach game preview will also be available on the official site.

Here is the latest blog entry from Jozy on the New York Times Goal Blog.

Some info from Brian Lewis and the New York Post Extra Time blog about Angel and Altidore.

KASSEL AND HINES GET U20 CALLUPS

Two members of the Red Bull U18 team have been called up to national U20 sides, as Matt Kassel is training with the US U20's in England and Walter Hines has been called up to the Costa Rican U20's for World Cup Qualifiers.

For complete story, go to the official site.

Congratulations to Matt and Walter for this outstanding accomplishment!! Best of luck representing your country!!

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

The team is taking off for LA today in preparation for Saturday's match with the Galaxy, but RBR was able to get some audio from some of the team as they look ahead to the match with Donovan, Beckham, Gullit, and company.

Jeff Parke on the match:



Juan Carlos Osorio on the match:


Now that you have heard what the Red Bulls think about the Red Bulls/Galaxy match, let us know what YOU think about the match? Can the Red Bulls slow down the Galaxy offense? Can the Red Bull offense take advantage of what has been a somewhat shaky Galaxy defense? Can the Red Bulls emerge from the long road trip with a positive result?

PLAYING CATCH UP

RBR apologizes for not getting a post up yesterday, and will try and make that up with TWO, that's right two, posts today... we hope.

Anyways, first and foremost, we are mad at ourselves because yesterday was Dave van den Bergh's birthday (Happy Birthday Dave!!) and we didn't get this post up. To help make up for it, let's all sing along to wish our Dutch friend a happy birthday...

Lang zal hij leven, lang zal hij leven,
lang zal hij leven in de gloria, in de gloria,
in de gloria.
Hieper de piep hoera, hieper de piep
hoera, hieper de piep hoera!

On to more things Red Bull. RBR went out to the site of Red Bull Park yesterday, and snapped some photos. The full gallery is on the official site, but here are a few, including the one at the top of the post.

Concrete is being poured!!


A concrete form that has already be filled


Numerous forms are already dry

TWO BIRTHDAYS AND A SIGNING

The New York Red Bulls celebrated two birthdays today, as both Jon Conway and John Gilkerson came into this world on May 6.

To recognize their birthdays, RBR shares two birthday songs with you that are less traditional than the original.

Sheriff John - Put Another Candle On My Birthday Cake


The Beatles - Birthday


As for the signing, the club officially signed trialist Andrew Boyens today, pending receipt of his P-1 visa.

To make room for Boyens, Red Bull New York placed midfielder Michael Palacio on the team’s Season Ending Injury List.

“We think Andrew will provide immediate depth to our defense,” said Red Bull New York Sporting Director Jeff Agoos. “He gained valuable experience in his rookie year starting in a number of games for Toronto FC and we think that his ability will serve us well moving forward.”

Boyens, who has been training with the Red Bulls for the past two weeks, was waived by Toronto FC on April 14, 2008. The 6-4, 180-pound defender from Dunedin, New Zealand featured in 23 games, starting in 21, in 2007 – his rookie year. Boyens, selected in the first round (10th overall) of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft from the University of New Mexico, notched one goal and one assist last year.

The 24-year-old has played on the New Zealand National Team, earning four caps.

Palacio suffered a left knee injury in the first half of the Red Bulls’ MLS Reserve League match against the New England Revolution on April 20.

DAVE VAN DEN BERGH UP FOR GOAL OF THE WEEK

Dave's free kick marker against TFC is up for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week!!

We couldn't quite get Jozy through after his tally against New England, so let's try again with Dave!!

The link to vote is on the official site

In other news, loaned out GK Danny Cepero earned a clean sheet draw and a 1-1 tie over the weekend, playing for the Harrisburg City Islanders. Danny has posted 0.67 GAA so far this season for the defending USL-2 Champs.

RED BULL RESERVES FALL TO TORONTO FC RESERVES, 2-1

Toronto FC reserves beat New York Red Bulls reserves 2-1 at BMO Field on Friday morning. Joey Melo opened the scoring with a free kick in the 7th minute. Kevin Harmse added a second goal for TFC in the 19th minute. New York pulled a goal back in the 25th minute with a free kick from Sinisa Ubiparipovic.

Toronto FC Reserves (1-1-0) -- Brian Edwards, Pat Phelan, Julius James, Olivier Tebily, Todd Dunivant, Kevin Harmse, Joey Melo (Nana Attakora-Gyan 77, Tyler Rosenlund, Jarrod Smith, Jeff Cunningham, Andrea Lombardo (Gabe Gala 65)

Subs Not Used: Killian Elkinson, George Azcura

New York Red Bulls (1-1-0) -- Zach Thornton, John Gilkerson, Andrew Boyens, Eric Brunner, Luke Sassano, Amir Lowery (Murphy Wiredu 77), Tyler Hemming, Dane Richards (Chuck Kim 71), Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Kevin Mesa 46), Chris Megaloudis (Ricky Schramm 65), John Wolyniec

Subs Not Used: Caleb Patterson-Sewell, Danleigh Borman, Victor Kotynski

Scoring Summary
TFC: Joey Melo 7'
TFC: Kevin Harmse (Jeff Cunningham) 19'
NYRB: Sinisa Ubiparipovic 25'

Misconduct Summary
NYRB: Murphy Wiredu, Caution 79'

TORONTO MATCH RECAP

The Red Bulls went up to the great white north and came out of a hard fought match with a point, putting the club at 1-0-2 in its last three matches. Dave van den Bergh's free kick knotted the score at 1-1 after Marco Velez gave TFC the lead.

The Red Bulls got Hunter Freeman and Dan Richards back into the mix, as Freeman played the full 90 and Richards coming on in the 55th minute. Juan Pablo Angel was also able to overcome a recent injury to go the full 90.

The New York defense was again in top form, limiting the recently hot TFC offense to just six total shots, with three on target. The defensive effort also did not yield a corner.

What are your thoughts on the match? Who was the Man of the Match? Who was the Unsung Hero? What are your thoughts on how the team has come together of late?

The reserves play this morning, so look for a recap of that match later today.

Here is some reading for a Friday...

Recap from the Official Site

New York Times' Goal Blog Rates The Red Bulls vs. TFC

RED BULLS-TORONTO FC POSTGAME QUOTES

Toronto Head Coach John Carver

On Jozy Altidore:
“I described Altidore as an Emile Heskey from England cause most of the guys know him. And what I said to them was, don’t get too tight, don’t allow him to roll you…have a distance so he doesn’t know where you are, then you win the ball off him and I think that worked. I thought whatever side he was on both fullbacks dealt with him real well.”

Thoughts on the game:
“But I must sit here are also compliment the back 5. I thought the goalkeeper and the back 4 were outstanding for us, and that was the platform for us to get something from the game. I thought the midfield 4 and the 2 worked their socks off, I thought there was great energy in there, but they tried things and things didn’t come off for them and that sometimes happens. I will not fault their effort, you can see the team ethic in the side and they’re working for each other. That’s what I want.”

Toronto FC defender Marvell Wynne

Thoughts on game:
“They came out pretty strong in the first half, they had good possession of the ball, I don’t know – it was just tough they came out hard – but so did we.”

On if 1-1 was a fair result:
“I believe so…they had pretty much one chance on goal and they finished it, putting away that free kick, we had more opportunities I believe more time on the ball but overall it was a good game, I’d say 1-1 was actually a pretty fair result.”

Toronto FC defender Marco Velez

On his goal:
“It was a great ball, I didn’t have to do much, just head it in. It was my first goal in MLS since joining this team, I was just pretty excited, I love being out there with all the fans, and I just felt the passion…I don’t know I just ran around.”

New York defender Hunter Freeman

On how he felt in first game back:
“It was good, I thought I was pretty solid up until the 75th minute and then my legs got tired, and then a little bit of lack of concentration at the very end, and thankfully Amado doesn’t put that one away but other than that I thought it was a good first game back and something I can build on.”

New York goalkeeper Jon Conway

On Toronto ’s goal:
“It was something we had discussed in training and obviously they caught us by surprise. I wasn’t expecting anything different other than a cross over but guys were kinda lax in picking up their marks and the guy came in free.”

New York head coach Juan Carlos Osorio

On the game:
“I will probably speak on behalf of all my players but we probably wish we could play in an environment like this week in and week out because as we talked on the pregame talk, most of the players just thrive on the challenge of playing in front of 20,000 and there was great feeling and I think my players performed very well today in front of a lot of people, and took the challenge and did very well today. We were the better team over the 90 minutes, with the better options, we controlled the game for the most part, we’re happy with the point but we could have won it I think.”

New York midfielder Dave van den Bergh

On his goal:
“We talked about who had the better option, considering the wind it was going to be an easier ball for a left footer guy because for a right footed guy the wind would have slowed it down…I contemplated bending it over the wall but the wind was pretty strong so I figured I had most chance on the goalie’s side and I put Claudio in the wall to block his sight just like New England did against us, I figured it worked for them…”

“Given the fact that they had a one-nil lead, I thought we played well, we played on the ground and limited them to nothing at all really. They didn’t have any significant chances or shots on goal and I thought we played fairly well.”

RED BULLS TAKE ON TORONTO FC

We are coming to you from BMO Field where your Red Bulls are taking on Toronto FC. The team arrived yesterday, conveniently flying into the center of the city before having the team bus drive onto a boat that took us onto the other shore and minutes away from our hotel.

The Red Bulls are 2-1-0 all-time against TFC and 1-1-0 at BMO Field. No Carlos Mendes in the 18 tonight – he has a left quadriceps strain suffered in practice on Tuesday. Here is your lineup:

Jon Conway (GK), Dave van den Bergh, Kevin Goldthwaite, Jeff Parke, Hunter Freeman, Danleigh Borman, Seth Stammler, Claudio Reyna, Mike Magee, Jozy Altidore, Juan Pablo Angel

-------------------------------------Angel-----------------------------------------

Borman----------------------------------------------------------------Altidore

-------------------------------------Magee-----------------------------------------

-----------------------Reyna---------------------------Stammler-----------------

Van den Bergh---------Goldthwaite-------Parke--------------------Freeman

------------------------------------Conway----------------------------------------

Subs: Zach Thornton (GK), Luke Sassano, Eric Brunner, Dane Richards, John Wolyniec, Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Chris Megaloudis

Hunter Freeman will be making his first appearance and start this year and Mike Magee makes his first start after scoring from the penalty spot in the Red Bulls’ 2-0 win over San Jose Sunday.

Juan Pablo Angel made it through training Wednesday and will be partnering with Jozy Altidore for the second time this season. The Red Bulls are 5-3-2 all time when the pair starts together with Angel scoring 9 goals and Altidore with 8. Jozy has scored in two straight games.

Toronto FC is currently on a three-game winning streak with former Red Bull Amado Guevara scoring a brace in a 2-0 win over Kansas City on Saturday at BMO Field. Here is their lineup:

Greg Sutton (GK), Jim Brennan, Tyrone Marshall, Marco Velez, Marvell Wynne, Laurent Robert, Carl Robinson, Maurice Edu, Rohan Ricketts, Amado Guevara, Danny Dichio

Subs: Brian Edwards (GK), Jarrod Smith, Julius James, Todd Dunivant, Jeff Cunningham, Kevin Harmse, Olivier Tebily

We won’t be doing a running commentary but you can follow all of the action with JP Dellacamera and John Harkes on ESPN2. And on radio, you can catch Ernesto Motta and Robert Sierra’s broadcast in Spanish on WADO 1280.

As always, any comments and feedback on the match are welcome! Let’s go Red Bulls!

GAMEDAY ODDS AND ENDS

The Red Bulls take on Toronto FC tonight at 7:00 PM as part of ESPN2's Primetime Thursday, as the club looks to carry the momentum from its 2-0 win over San Jose north of the border.

RBR caught up with Jozy before a few days ago at training to get his thoughts on the match.



We also asked him about the atmosphere at BMO Field.



Odds and Ends...

Preview from the offical site

More from the official site

Here is a nice article on RB Academy's Matt Kassel from ESPN.com

The latest episode of Red Bulls Insider as well as this week's 3 Questions With Coach are available on the official site

Have you signed up for the weekly e-newsletter?

Are you going to attend tonight's viewing party?

Hunter Freeman's guest blog on AmericanSoccerReader.com