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Thank you for your patience during this switch as well as your support!

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!