TWO DOWN; TWO TO GO

Red Bull New York announced today that it has signed midfielders Jorge Rojas and Juan Pietravallo after they received their P-1 visas. Rojas and Pietravallo will be available for selection for the Red Bulls’ match against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday at 6:30 PM ET at Giants Stadium (TV: Fox Soccer Channel, Radio: WADO 1280).

Rojas should step right into the Starting XI and fill the CAM role that has been an issue for the Red Bulls for most of the season. No word on if Pietravallo will also step into a starting role.

Diego Jimenez and Gabriel Cichero have not been officially signed by the club at this point, in regards to MLS approval, etc.

Are you excited about these two players donning the kit for the first time? Do you think their presence will change the dynamic on the field? Will it produce more wins for the club? Will Rojas be the difference maker we all hope he can be? Will you be there on Saturday for their debut? TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

FOUR ACADEMY PLAYERS NAMED TO USDA U17/18 STARTING XI

The US Soccer Development Academy’s eight Conference Starting XI squads and Coaches of the Year from the Under-17/18 age groups were announced recently during Finals Week at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. In the U17/18 Mid-Atlantic Divison four Red Bull players were selected to this prestigious group.

"It is a great achievement and honor that we had four players selected to the all conference team in the inaugural season of the Academy,” head coach Paul O’Donnell said. “To have four out of the eleven selected is a testament to the impact that these players and the entire U18 team had on the National Scouts and opposing coaches. The players that were selected were worthy of their selection and were tremendous over the course of the entire season".

The recipients of the awards were voted upon by U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy coaches and National Team scouts.

The Red Bulls total was matched only by the Baltimore Bays, who finished just ahead of the Red Bulls during the regular season, and have advanced to the Finals Week Championship match. The full team is as follows:

U-17/18 Mid-Atlantic Starting XI:
GK: Bill Hamid – D.C. United
D: Thomas Brandt - Baltimore Bays
D: Connor Lade - NYRB
D: Chris Lebo - Baltimore Bays
M: James Wenger - PA Classics
M: Cesar Blacido - NYRB
M: Neil Vranis - Baltimore Bays
M: Matt Kassell - NYRB
F: Chris Argorsor - Baltimore Bays
F: Kyle Bethel - Match Fit Academy
F: Johnny Exantus - NYRB

Coach of the Year: Steve Klein - PA Classics

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RELEASE

US Soccer Annouces Squad For Beijing

Peter Nowak announced the team he will being with him to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympiad. A familiar name is on the list at forward, as Jozy Altidore (no major surprise there) has been selected. Through conversations with RBR ealier this year, being selected for the team was a dream for Jozy, and all of us here at RBR are extremely happy for him.

READ THE FULL USSOCCER.COM RELEASE HERE

There was some concern when Jozy transfered that Villareal would not allow him to participate, but its seems that is not the case after all.

What do you think of the team's medal chances? There are in a tough group. How will they fare? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

CLAUDIO REYNA RETIRES FROM PRO SOCCER

At an emotional press conference Wednesday at St. Benedict's Prep, Red Bulls captain and Designated Player Claudio Reyna retired from professional soccer. In front of numerous dignitaries, friends, family, media members, and Red Bulls members, the man known as "Captain America" hung up his boots.

Read more about it and see the video of the press conference on the official site .

Reyna met with his teammates prior to the press conference to let them know personally about his decision. RBR caught up with a few players afterwards to get their reaction to the announcement.

Angel on Reyna's retirement:

van den Bergh on the impact of Reyna's experience on the locker room:

Stammler on playing with Reyna:


What are your thoughts on Reyna's retirement? What is his legacy in regards to American soccer? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

A RED BULL STAFFER AND THE SHOWDOWN IN CHINATOWN

Photo from Unprofessional Foul
The Unprofessional Foul blog sat down with RBNY's own Mike Quarino recently to talk about his experience serving as target practice...excuse me, goalkeeper during the Showdown in Chinatown a few weeks ago.

Mike did a great job in the game, and an equally solid job with the interview. CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERVIEW

RBR posted about this earlier, with some nice video.

REAL LIFE: SECAUCUS - EPISODE TWO: SKIP TO MY LOU

In our second episode of Real Life: Secaucus, David Roth checks in with Arizona Cardinals placekicker Neil Rackers. Rackers took part in a Red Bulls practice prior to the team's 1-0 win over Chivas de Guadalajara in Glendale, AZ on June 25. Rackers and Roth, both from St. Louis, waxed nostalgia about their hometown. Of course, we have no idea what they’re talking about, but enjoy!

CLAUDIO REYNA TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW

Claudio Reyna and the Red Bulls will hold a press conference Wednesday at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, NJ at 2:00 pm.

Here are some links relating to the press conference:
Soccer By Ives
Big Apple Soccer
New York Post Extra Time
New York Times Goal Blog

RED BULLS DEFEAT CITY ISLANDERS IN SCRIMMAGE; RBR CATCHES UP WITH CEPERO

The Red Bulls faced the Harrisburg City Islanders of USL-2 in a scrimmage on Tuesday afternoon at Giants Stadium. The game was split into three 30-minute periods, giving the Red Bulls’ fresh faces time to see their first “real” action in the red and white.

First Period
--------------------Welcome----------------------Richards---------------------
------------------------------------Rojas---------------------------------------
-----van den Bergh----------------------------------------Freeman-----------
---------------------------Mendes------Stammler-----------------------------
---------Goldthwaite-------------Cichero-------------------Parke----------
-------------------------------------Conway------------------------------------

In terms of fresh faces, striker George Welcome was ‘Welcomed’ to the Bulls’ first unit, in addition to Jorge Rojas at attacking midfield and center back Gabriel Cichero.

The Red Bulls went up 1-0 on a Jeff Parke header off a Dave van den Bergh corner in the 23rd minute. Parke’s header was blasted past Red Bulls goalkeeper Danny Cepero, who is currently on loan with the City Islanders.

A nice sequence followed only four minutes later. Rojas found the back of the net after a Goldthwaite volley found his feet. The buildup proceeding that – Richards to van den Bergh on the left flank – is the attacking third presence Juan Carlos Osorio is looking for.

Second Period
-------------------------------------Welcome-------------------------------------
---------------Rojas-----------------Magee--------------------Richards----------
--------------------van den Bergh --------------Stammler---------------------
------------Jimenez-----------Boyens-------Parke----------Leitch------------
--------------------------------------Thornton------------------------------------

The teams were scoreless in the second period, although in the latter half the Red Bulls were able to generate more chances in the second half of the period. John Gilkerson replaced Jimenez, and would stay on in the third.

Third Period
----------------------Borman----------------------Wolyniec---------------------
------------van den Bergh-----------Rojas-----------------Richards------------
----------------------------Magee--------------------Mendes--------------------
----------Gilkerson------------Boyens-------------Parke----------Leitch------
---------------------------------------Thornton------------------------------------

Defender Andrew Boyens saw his first action in the third session, and scored a goal only four minutes in. Danielle Borman took a corner, Mike Magee got his head on it, and Boyens picked up the loose change to give the Red Bulls the 3-0 lead.

Ricky Schramm then replaced Wolyniec at striker and made his presence felt early. David Roth put a ball in over the top, Schramm ran onto it, and hammered it past goalkeeper Brian Pope. 4-0 Red Bulls.

With the game winding down, Harrisburg managed a late tally on a New York defensive miscue. 4-1 is your final.

RBR caught up with Cepero, and discussed his experience thus far in Pennsylvania, coming home to New York and the rumor that there is an intern living in his New York apartment.

RBR: On his experience thus far in Harrisburg…
DC: It’s been pretty incredible, I wasn’t expecting too much. I was just going down there to play soccer. But as it turns out all the guys are great, very welcoming. Coming off the season when they won the championship, it was a little tough at first getting my niche it there, get your spot in there. Once I did, all the guys are great, the coaches, the organization, the GM, they are all very cool guys. They are all very accommodating. They know what I am here to do: get better and get games. They’ve been very good about making that happen. I have no complaints whatsoever.

RBR: On what specifically USL soccer has allowed him to develop…
DC: Especially as a goalkeeper, you can only train so much. To get that game experience where you have to make decisions for a full 90 minutes, that’s the kind of thing that you have to have as you progress to the next level that you need … that mindset of organizing your back lien and keeping the guys in front of you together so you don’t have to make so many saves, making decisions about when to come out, what to say to your defenders, how to guide them through the game and just seeing the game.

RBR: On the fact that he is on “loan” and is still the property of RBNY…
DC: I didn’t want to leave New York. I started to get comfortable with the guys here. But at the same time, to be loaned and to have that rare occasion where you’re still with the New York team, but you have the chance to get some additional experience that was a definite plus. It was the best of both worlds, for Red Bull, getting me some games, and for myself, trying to make that investment and improve different parts of my game.

RBR: On being back to New York…
DC: Weird. I haven’t been back in a few weeks. My parents were here, and were able to come and see me play for a little bit, which is so nice and something that I took for granted when I was here being so close and then I move to Harrisburg for a couple months. Granted it’s not long but still I don’t like to be away from home and not have that lifeline. It’s tough. It’s great to be back and unfortunately it’ll only be for a few hours. It’s good to see them and it’s good to see these guys.

RBR: On returning to Giants Stadium…
DC: It almost felt like I never left. I like being in here and coming out and warming up before the games and the few times we trained out here. It’s a historic stadium, you always get a rush when you come out here, even when it’s empty.

RBR: On the rumor that there is an intern living in his NY apartment…
DC: I don’t know who it is, although I do know about it. I don’t need that much furniture. The more the merrier. They helped me out by finding that apartment so the least I can do is help out.

I'VE GOT A FEVER, AND THE ONLY PERSCRIPTION IS MORE FOOSBALL

FREE BEER!!!! FOOSBALL!!! Did we mention FREE BEER?!?!?

Now that we have your attention...

Tomorrow is the second of the three foosball tournaments that will be held at the Austrian Cultural Forum NYC in conjunction with an art exhibition, "Bread and Soccer: in the arena of art."

All of the events related to this exhibition are FREE and open to the public.

Austrian artist Monika Wührer is seeking soccer fans and foosball fans to participate in a series of free foosball tournaments. Anyone is welcome to participate, and finalists - the strong, the brave - will have the exciting opportunity to play against professional soccer players from the New York Red Bulls. Red Bull First Team players David Roth, Caleb Patterson-Sewell, Michael Palacio, and one additional player will appear at the July 15 tournament.

Events include free Austrian beer, a live DJ, and announcers providing play-by-play of all the action. Trophies made by the artists will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams.

Tournaments have been organized by soccer fan and artist Monika Wührer for the Austrian Cultural Forum, and are held as part of the art exhibition on the global phenomenon of soccer called Bread and Soccer.

Dates: Tuesday July 15th and Thursday, September 4th.
Time: 7-10pm

Location:
Austrian Cultural Forum New York
11 E 52nd St
New York, NY
(just east of 5th ave)

ROJAS GETTING COMFORTABLE IN NEW YORK

Jorge Rojas, who was introduced by the Red Bulls to the media last week, is beginning to get comfortable in his new surrounding. He recently attended a Yankees game and met with fellow Venezuelan Bobby Abreu prior to the game. The duo exchanged jersey's and Rojas chatted with Abreu to get the Yankee right fielder about coming out to a Red Bulls match. The photo above is courtesy of Rene Rincon, who helped set up the meeting.

Personally speaking, RBR is a Mets fan, so hopefully Rojas can get over the Shea to meet with Johan Santana or Endy Chavez, and get them out to a match.

RED BULLS 1, WIZARDS 2 - POST-GAME

Some post-game reaction from tonight's match. Team flies out tomorrow morning back to NY/NJ area:

Head coach Juan Carlos Osorio on the game:


Midfielder Seth Stammler on Kansas City's goals and on the game:


Forward Juan Pablo Angel on his goal:


Leave your thoughts on the match in the comments section.

RED BULLS-WIZARDS PRE-GAME

We're here at CommunityAmerica Ballpark where your Red Bulls are taking on the Kansas City Wizards. A win would propel the Red Bulls to third place in the Eastern Conference. Here is your Starting XI:

--------------------Angel----------------------Echeverry---------------------

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

-----Stammler-------------------------------------------Sassano--------------

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

van den Bergh---------Goldthwaite---------Parke---------------------Leitch---

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

Subs: Thornton, Borman, Ubiparipovic, Freeman, Boyens, Wolyniec, Richards

- Angel will be making his first start since June 5 - a 1-0 win over Chivas USA in which he scored the game-winning goal.
- Red Bulls are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 against Kansas City (4-1-5).
- This is the seventh of eight games in which the Red Bulls are on the road.
- Wizards lineup: Hartman, Jewsbury, Conrad, Hohlbein, Harrington, Arnaud, Victorine, Morsink, Lopez, Trujillo, Sealy

As always, leave your pre-game and in-game comments here! And make sure you join Steve Cangialosi and Shep Messing for the game on MSG, which kicks off at 8 PM ET.

MLS ALL-STARS ANNOUNCED

The MLS All-Star First XI was announced today. No Red Bulls were named among the First XI, though there is always the possibility that a player will be added as the 18-man roster is completed.

Here are the all-star selections:
2008 MLS All-Star First XI

Goalkeeper: Matt Reis (New England Revolution)

Defenders: Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution)

Midfielders: David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Forwards: Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

What are your thoughts on the picks? Who is the most glaring omission? Do you think any Red Bulls are deserving of selection? Who will win the match vs. the Hammers? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

ON WINGS WITH AN ANGEL

The team left this morning for Kansas City in preparation for the team's match Thursday night on MSG. RBR is happy to report that Juan Pablo Angel, who returned from injury with 45 minutes against Colorado last week, traveled with the team and is likely to start, which will hopefully help jump start the Red Bull offense, which has been a bit stagnant in his absence.

With only Claudio Reyna and Ricky Schramm on the injury report, it looks like the club is starting to put the injury bug behind them. Thanks goodness for that. Also, the reserve match that was slated to follow the First Team match has been postponed. No makeup date has been announced at this time.

TICKETS FOR THE RED BULLS VS. GALAXY GAME GOING FAST

The Red Bulls have sold over 40,000 tickets for the 2008 Red Bulls-Los Angeles Galaxy game set for Saturday, July 19 at Giants Stadium at 6:30 PM ET. Last year in front of a record 66,237 fans at Giants Stadium, the Red Bulls earned a historic 5-4 win over the Galaxy. Forward Juan Pablo Angel broke a 4-4 deadlock two minutes from full time with his second goal of the match while Galaxy midfielder David Beckham tallied a pair of assists, playing the entire game.

There is still time to get your seat for the match, so call 1-877-RBSOCCER or CLICK HERE TO ORDER TICKETS!!

ON LOAN UPDATE: DANNY CEPERO

Danny, on loan to the Harrisburg City Islanders, has continued his fine season, helping the City Islanders to a 5-1-7 record and 22 points, good for fourth place in USL-2. In his last match, Cepero tallied two saves in a 2-0 win over Real Maryland Monarchs on July 6, extending Harrisburg's unbeaten streak to nine matches (5-0-4).

Danny is among the league leaders in every goalkeeping category, and leads the league with a 0.50 goals against average.

He also ranks third in saves with 53, and tied for third in wins (5) and shutouts (5).

Danny and the City Islanders next play on Friday, July 11 at the Western Mass Pioneers.

Keep up the good work Danny!

THE SECOND HALF STARTS TODAY

The Red Bulls got back to work today in preparation for their match at Kansas City on Thursday. Juan Pablo Angel participated in the full session, as did trialist Diego Jimenez. RBR also spotted Claudio Reyna, continuing to rehab his injured back.

With the first half of the 2008 season behind us, the Red Bulls look forward to the second 15 matches, beginning Thursday at Kansas City. CHECK OUT THE VIEWING PARTY Thursday to support your side.

In a side note:
Jon Conway has stopped 151 shots during his tenure as a Red Bull. That total puts his three behind Jonny Walker (154) for fourth on the franchise’s all-time list. Mike Ammann stands in third place with 199 saves. Conway has stopped 151 shots in 3,573 minutes in net for the Red Bulls. Both totals put Conway over the minimum for consideration on the team’s all-time goals against average (min. 3,500 minutes) and saves percentage (min. 150 saves) lists. Conway now sits atop both lists and is the fifth goalkeeper to reach the minimums.

Goals Against Average
1. Jon Conway – 1.21
2. Jonny Walker – 1.38
3. Tim Howard – 1.46
4. Tony Meola – 1.64
5. Mike Ammann – 1.89

Save Percentage
1. Jon Conway – 75.9%
2. Tony Meola – 72.9%
3. Tim Howard – 72.8%
4. Jonny Walker – 70.6%
5. Mike Ammann – 62.8%

Should Conway play against Kansas City, he will move into a tie for
fourth with Jonny Walker for games played in goal for New York with
42. Tony Meola leads with 125, followed by Tim Howard (85), and
Mike Ammann (46).

RED BULLS 0, RAPIDS 4 - POST-GAME

Some post-game reaction:

Head coach Juan Carlos Osorio on the result:


Defender Hunter Freeman on the game:


Forward Juan Pablo Angel on returning:

RED BULLS-RAPIDS PRE-GAME

A beautiful day/evening at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park as your Red Bulls take on the Colorado Rapids on this July 4. A sellout crowd is expected for tonight’s match. Here is New York’s starting lineup:

----------------------------Echeverry-----------------------------------

Van den Bergh--------Ubiparipovic-----------------------Richards

----------------------Stammler--------Mendes-------------------------

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

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

Subs: Thornton (GK), Leitch, Sassano, Borman, Magee, Wolyniec, Angel

Juan Pablo Angel traveled with the squad Friday and could make his first appearance since the Red Bulls’ 1-0 win over Chivas USA at Giants Stadium on June 5 – a match in which he scored the game-winning goal.

Catch the game live with Steve Cangialosi and Shep Messing on MSG starting at 9:30 PM ET and be sure to leave your comments here!

RED BULLS U-17S DROP FIRST MATCH

Despite a Dylan Mencia goal, the New York Red Bulls Under-17 squad fell to their Chivas USA counterpart, 2-1, in the team’s first game of Soccer United Marketing’s second-annual U-17 Cup.

Chivas took an early lead minutes after the whistle when a Chivas player knocked in a cross from six yards out. However, the Red Bulls quickly leveled the score. Mencia gathered the ball at the top of the 18-yard-box, beat a defender and fired a low shot into the corner past goalkeeper Luis Godinez.

In the second half, the Red Bulls almost doubled their lead when Mencia played the ball to a wide open John Agudelo, but his first touch outside the penalty box did not enable him to get a shot off in the 50th minute.

Chivas USA took the lead 10 minutes later. Defender Cesar Arenas chipped the ball over the top of the Red Bulls’ defense to an on-rushing Roberto Romo, who beat the offsides trap and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Travis Ives. The Red Bulls had a few chances to equalize with Mencia hitting a shot over the bar six minutes from time, but Chivas was able to hold onto the win.

The Red Bulls’ next match in the round-robin tournament is on Saturday, when they take on the Los Angeles Galaxy Under-17s at 5:30 PM MT.

ANGEL RECEIVES ESPY NOMINATION FOR BEST MLS PLAYER

New York Red Bull forward Juan Pablo Angel is among the six nominees for the 2008 ESPY Award for Best MLS Player, ESPN announced recently. Angel joins fellow nominees Luciano Emilio (D.C. United), Matt Reis (New England Revolution), David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire) and the 2007 award-winner, Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) as finalists for the annual award.

The 16th Annual ESPY Awards will take place on Wednesday, July 16, at the new Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, where Justin Timberlake will serve as the show's host. ESPN will televise the awards show on Sunday, July 20, at 9 p.m. ET.

Fans can place their votes for Angel - as well as the nominees in all 37 award categories - at ESPYS.tv or on their mobile phones. Online voting continues through Saturday, July 12, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

In 2007, Angel burst upon the Major League Soccer scene after signing with the Red Bulls as a Designated Player on April 17, 2007 after a successful stint with Aston Villa of the English Premier League. In 24 matches the Colombian striker tallied 19 goals (good for second in MLS) and set new club records for goals in a season, multi-goal games (five), and goals in consecutive games (six from May 19-June 16). A two-time MLS Player of the Month (May and June) and two-time MLS Player of the Week (weeks seven and nine), Angel was a MLS Best XI selection, and was a finalist for MLS MVP and MLS Newcomer of the Year. The leading vote getter for the MLS All-Star Game, he was recognized as the match’s MVP after scoring the game-winning goal against Celtic FC in MLS’ 2-0 win.

ANGEL NOMINATED FOR UNIVISION'S TECATE SPORTS AWARDS ALL-STAR

New York Red Bull forward Juan Pablo Angel is among the Major League Soccer players nominated for the first-ever annual “Tecate Premios Deportes” (Tecate Sports Awards) and announced by Univision, official broadcast partner of MLS.

The “Tecate Premios Deportes” awards will be presented during a celebrity-filled “red carpet” celebration at the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, and will be broadcast on the Univision Network on Sunday, July 20.

Comprised of Hispanic athletes in ten different categories, the nominees have been selected for their talent, character and perseverance, as well as their contributions to and impact on the Hispanic community. Angel has been nominated as a forward for the All-Star Team of the Year.

The “Tecate Premios Deportes” nominees were selected by a distinguished panel of current and former professional athletes and sports writers, including famed boxer and Houston Dynamo equity partner Oscar de la Hoya, legendary Mexican soccer goalie Jorge Campos, retired NFL player Tony Casillas, NFL Hall of Fame recipient Anthony Muñoz, former Mexican soccer coach Jesus Bracamontes, and Enrique Borja, legendary Mexican forward and team president of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) Tigres.

The judging criteria for the awards included the athletes’ statistical excellence, participation in a televised professional sport in the United States during 2007, cumulative impact on their team and in the sport, and their reputation as a role model for the Hispanic community.

Sports fans have voted for four of these awards at Univision.com (keyword: Tecate Premios Deportes): Atleta Masculino del Año (Male Athlete of the Year), Atleta Femenina del Año (Female Athlete of the Year), Equipo All Star de Béisbol (Baseball All-Star Team) & Equipo All Star de Fútbol (Soccer All-Star Team). In addition, a live, dedicated mini-site provides exclusive coverage of the event and video highlights of the nominees in their finest sports moments. “Tecate Premios Deportes” is the first-ever awards event of its kind, showcasing a seamless merger of sports and entertainment that will reach countless online fans.

GRACIE TO DEBUT ON MSG AT THE MOVIES ON MONDAY

Set in 1978, GRACIE is an inspirational film about a teenage girl who overcomes the loss of her brother and fights the odds to achieve her dream of playing competitive soccer at a time when girls’ soccer did not exist. Based on true events from the lives of the Shue family (producer and co-star Andrew Shue and Academy Award-nominated actress Elisabeth Shue) the film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lemore Syvan (“Sherrybaby”).

Living in South Orange, New Jersey, 15 year old Gracie Bowen (Carly Schroeder) is the only girl in a family of 3 brothers. Their family life revolves almost entirely around soccer: her father (Dermot Mulroney) and brothers are obsessed with the sport, practicing on their backyard’s makeshift field every day. Tragedy strikes Gracie’s older brother Johnny, star of the local high school soccer team.

Struggling with grief, Gracie decides to fill the void left on her brother’s team by petitioning the school board to allow her to play on the varsity boys team. Gracie, through will and determination, forces her family to come together and help her in her goal.

MSG At The Movies Premieres the critically acclaimed film GRACIE on Monday, July 7th at 8pm.

2008 U17 MLS CUP KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND

Both the Red Bull First Team and Red Bull Academy players will be in Colorado this weekend, with the First Team taking on the Rapids on Friday at 9:30 ET (COME TO THE VIEWING PARTY), and a combination of U15s and U16s participating in the MLS Academy Cup.

The Red Bulls have been placed in Group D with Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy and play their first match on July 4 at 11:15 AM against Chivas USA.

To follow the tournament, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT HOMEPAGE

RBR wishes the Academy players the best of luck!!

ROJAS AND PIETRAVALLO INTRODUCED TO MEDIA PRIOR TO TRAINING WEDNESDAY

Red Bull New York announced today that it has come to terms with Venezuelan national team midfielder Jorge Rojas and Argentinean midfielder Juan Pietravallo. Per club and League policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the deal is pending league approval and receipt of P-1 visas. Both players were introduced to the media at the Red Bulls’ training facility at Montclair State University Wednesday afternoon.

Rojas, 31, has enjoyed a decorated career in the top leagues in Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. He helped Venezuelan First Division side, Caracas FC, to four league titles, was a member of the 2005 Apertura Champion Atletico Nacional side while playing for the Colombian First Division side, and was named the best foreign player in the Ecuadorean First Division while playing with national power Emelec. Prior to joining the Red Bulls, “El Zurdo” played for Venezuelan First Division side, Union Atletico Maracaibo. He has played in over 150 professional matches in some of the top leagues in South America.

The 5-10, 165-pound Venezuelan has also earned 82 caps with his national team, and has served as captain for the side in the past. The second most capped player in Venezuelan history, Rojas featured in two International Friendlies for Venezuala recently, scoring a goal in a 1-1 draw with Honduras on May 30, and helped his national side defeated Brazil, 2-0, on June 6 at Gillette Stadium.

Pietravallo, 26, was previously with Greek Super League side, Veria FC, making three appearances. Earlier in the 2007-08 season, Pietravallo also played for Belgrano de Córdoba of the Argentina Premier Division.

The 5-9, 155-pound Argentinean started out his career for Argentina Premier Division side, Velez Sarsfield in 1999 and made a combined 31 appearances for the club over three seasons. He then moved to Olimpo de Bahia Blanco in the same division before joining Leganes of the Spanish Second Division, where he played in 14 matches. Pietravallo has also enjoyed stints at Argentinean First Division sides Gimnasia (2004), Atletico Rafaela (Argentina 2004-05), Quilmes (Argentina, 2005-06) and Nueva Chicago (2006-07).

Both players will not be available for selection until after the transfer window opens on July 15, so the first match they could potentially be eligible for is the July 19 fixture with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Here is a goal from Jorge from the Honduras match:


Here is some video of Juan:

NEW YORK-CPB POST-MORTEM

Not much to say about this except to move on to Friday for our match at Colorado.

Head coach Juan Carlos Osorio on the result:


Captain Kevin Goldthwaite:


Just a reminder, comments left that have profanity will not be tolerated and will be removed. We're just as disappointed with the loss as all of you are but please stay clean with the language.

RED BULLS OPEN CUP ACTION

This evening, your Red Bulls kick off Lamar Hunt Open Cup play, taking on USL 2nd Division side, Crystal Palace Baltimore, at 7:30 PM. The team traveled down to Annapolis, MD yesterday and watched Boondock Saints and Curb Your Enthusiasm, Season 2, on the ride down.

RBR visited Broadneck High School and its FieldTurf field earlier today and saw that it was quite narrow for a soccer pitch. We're going to attempt to do MATCH TRACKER on our official site from the field, but with no hi-speed internet available, it may be difficult. At the very least, we'll provide some sort of running commentary here.

UPDATE:

NY Lineup:
NYRB (4-5-1): Thornton, Gilkerson, Goldthwaite (capt.), Parke, Leitch, Borman, Sassano, Kljestan, Mendes, Magee, Megaloudis

Subs: Patterson-Sewell (GK), Roth, Wolyniec, Freeman, Boyens, Schramm, Ubiparipovic

Juan Pablo Angel, Dane Richards, Dave van den Bergh, Seth Stammler and Oscar Echeverry are among the players who didn't make the trip.

BIG presence by Red Bulls fans (Section 101 banner is up!) who are cheering and singing loudly right next to the field. Should be a wonderful atmosphere! As always, this affirms that we have the best fans in the League!

Field is full of lines! Football lines, lacrosse lines, soccer lines, field hockey lines.... Usher's "Yeah!" is on. Seven minutes till kick....

Kickoff at 7:40 PM

7' Nothing going on so far with both teams feeling each other out.

13' After a good build-up at the top of the box, Magee takes a shot from 20 yards out that goes over the bar.

17' After the ref plays advantage, Larry Mark gets in on the box but Gilkerson knocks it out for a corner.

18' GOAL CPB: Marshall's corner finds the head of Bryan Harkin, who nods it past Zach Thornton. 1-0.

21' Yellow card issued to Larry Mark after a rough challenge on Gilkerson.

23' Larry Mark back passes to his 'keeper, and after the keeper catches it, the ref calls a foul seven yards from goal. Shot by Magee is deflected by the wall and over.

27' Magee heads a Borman free kick but header goes wide right.

30' Gary Brooks gets behind the Red Bulls defense but pulls his shot wide left.

34' Ibrahim Kante for CPB gets a straight red after a nasty tackle on Megaloudis. Red Bulls go a man up.

36' Brooks hits a shot way over the bar.

44' Leitch puts a good cross in that's punched out of play by the goalkeeper.

FOUR MINUTES OF EXTRA TIME.

45' Megaloudis takes a shot from 12 yards out but it was deflected.

46' CPB gets behind the Red Bulls again but Goldthwaite is there to make a tackle and put it out for a corner.

47'+ CPB gets a goal disallowed after Pat Healey was at the penalty spot and put it past Thornton.

47'+ Magee hits a freekick into the box and it's headed wide by Goldthwaite.

HALFTIME: Not a very good half for the Red Bulls, but they are playing a man up for another 45 minutes and anything could happen. CPB has definitely come to compete and got a goal off a good set piece.

Red Bulls make three subs: Ubiparipovic for Kljestan, Wolyniec for Leitch, Boyens for Gilkerson.

49' Ubi almost slips Wolyniec through but a CPB defender is there to make a play.

Lighting in corner of the fields is fairly poor.

56' Megaloudis takes a shot that's deflected to Sassano, who volleys it wide past the right post.

60' Lookingland for Harkin as the first sub for CPB.

American Football clock here so the clock resets back to 0:00 here. Handball on CPB, and Red Bulls have a chance from 28 yards.

62' Magee free kick caught by goalkeeper Matt Nelson. Roth about to come on for New York.

64' Roth on for Borman.

66' Red Bulls put together a good attack and earn a corner after Ubi's cross is deflected for a corner. Goldthwaite is able to get his head on the ensuing corner but it is blocked by a CPB player.

68' More pressure as the Sassano plays the ball across the top of the box to Magee, who one-times it, forcing the keeper to make a diving save. Moments later, Ubi gets space up top but puts his shot at the 'keeper.

70' Red Bulls keep on applying the pressure, earning another corner after an Ubi free kick is knocked away. Ubi's corner kick is caught by the 'keeper.

74' CPB almost doubles their lead when Mbuta gets space on the left wing and takes a shot that deflects off Parke and knocks off the crossbar.

75' GOAL CPB. Paul Robson puts a left footed cross into the box that's headed in by an unmarked Gary Brooks. 2-0 CPB.

78' Parke makes the tackle as the last man on defense on a 2-on-1 CPB breakaway. CPB makes anohter sub: Brooks for Teixeira. Attendance: 1654.

83' Off a counter attack, Teixeira puts a left footed shot over the crossbar.

85' Almost 3-0 when Teixeria is able to muscle his way into the box and Thornton makes the save. Mark on hand for the rebound but puts it wide.

87' Mendes with a shot from the top of the box but it is saved by the keeper.

90' Mbuta off the post on another counter with all the Red Bulls pushed forward. Three minutes of stoppage time. Red card to Magee.

FINAL SCORE: CPB 2, NY 0. Not a good performance NY and credit CPB, they definitely came out with energy and played well. Post-game sound to come....

RED BULL FRONT OFFICE EURO 2008 PICKS: A LOOK BACK

Earlier this month, RBR posted the Red Bull Front Office Euro 2008 champion selections.

Of the 26 staffers polled, three correctly picked Spain as the champion (along with regular poster karbaz it must be noted). RBR went with Italy, and was disapointed by their performance, as was RBR's Uncle Louie. Four staffers had Germany winning it all, but since the Germans lost, the don't get recognized in this post. The three accurate prognosticators were:

1) Rich Searls - Director of Sales and Fan Services
2) Simon Nee - Training Programs Director of Coaching
3) Simon Barrow - Manager, Regional Development Schools

Looks like Red Bull Academy has some smart guys working for it!