Red Bulls GM Erik Soler stands firm on Agudelo trade

by Dave Martinez Posted on 05/18/2012

From trading Dwayne De Rosario to yesterday’s blockbuster deal that sent Juan Agudelo to Chivas USA for Heath Pearce, Red Bulls General Manager Erik Soler has never been one to shy away from pulling the trigger. Though many of his moves may fall under scrutiny, he lives by them.

“I feel pressure every day – that’s why I’m in sports,” Soler told reporters yesterday during the post trade scrum.

“I’ve been 35 years in professional soccer. Every day I feel threatened by something, by myself or by an opponent or someone else. It is what it is – that’s why I’m in sports. I like to be challenged, I like to have pressure, and I certainly have pressure in this job. If I didn’t, I would be back in Norway riding my mountain bike without any pressure. We try to do our best. We can live with that pressure, that’s why we’re here in sports.”
Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Local, MLS, New York, New York Red Bulls, News, Trade, Transfer Market | 2 Comments

Agudelo’s trade for Heath Pearce a blessing in disguise

by Dave Martinez Posted on 05/17/2012

Photo by Andy Marlin/Getty Images for the New York Red Bulls
Dax McCarty guided Juan Agudelo outside of the Red Bulls lockerroom after today’s training, a light consoling hand on his back leading the way. The young American striker backed himself onto the wall, and looked down to the floor with dejected eyes. McCarty, who knows a thing or two about the pains of a surprising trade, spoke to the young man with a firm tone as if to say “all would be ok.”

Word had seeped through Red Bull’s practice that Heath Pearce was on his way to New York thanks to a tweet that resonated amongst the present reporters.

“Heath Pearce has officially been traded to the new York red bulls,” Pearce’s account read. “Thanks Chivas fans for your love during my time here…”

The tweet sent reporters into a tizzy, scrambling to find information while the Red Bulls organization was mum on the subject. Early reports and rumors suggested it was Rafa Marquez who was on his way out. His agent was present at practice, further trumping up the talk. Other rumors began to circulate as well.

In the end, a tender moment long after the session’s end told the entire tale.

Soccer By Ives confirms that Juan Agudelo has indeed been traded to Chivas USA for US National Team player Heath Pearce, a “significant” amount of allocation funds and a stake in the future sale of the young up-and-coming forward. The trade puts an end to a strange journey through the Big Apple for one of America’s brightest young stars.
Continue reading →

Posted in Former Red Bulls, Local, MLS, New Jersey, New York, New York Red Bulls, News, Trade, Transfer Market, Uncategorized | 14 Comments

Sucka Free Soccer: I Believe in Things I Don’t Understand

by Mike Vallo Posted on 05/17/2012

BY MIKE VALLO

I’d like to think I’m a logical person. I don’t believe in ghosts, the illuminati, bigfoot or Ben Olsen’s prowess as a coach. If I can’t see it, I won’t believe it. However, I feel uneasy as I write my way through this week’s column. In fact, I’m terrified that by acknowledging what the Harrison based team has achieved recently, I’ll cause the whole thing to unravel.

Can you blame me? What besides the supernatural could account for what we’ve seen the last four games? The team is missing half of its starters, including their best player and top scorer in the league. Yet they just scored three goals away from home to defeat a rival.
Continue reading →

Posted in MLS, New York Red Bulls, SUCKA FREE SOCCER | Leave a comment

New York Red Bulls learn possible US Open Cup opponents

by Dave Martinez Posted on 05/17/2012

As the Brooklyn Italians and the Long Island Rough Riders look forward to their second round matches next week, the New York Red Bulls have learned whom their opponents may be.

In a twist from previous years, the US Open Cup is allowing participation by all 16 Major League Soccer teams in it’s third round of competition. In an announcement made late yesterday afternoon, the Red Bulls received a clearer picture of the road ahead.

The Charleston Battery of the USL Pro will play host to PDL side Reading United AC at Blackbaud Stadium on May 22nd. The winner of that match will meet the Red Bulls. Here is the breakdown:

IF READING WINS: The New York Red Bulls will play host to the side at Red Bull Arena at 7 PM ET on May 29th.

IF THE BATTERY WIN: Charleston will host New York at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C.; 7:30 PM ET also on May 29th.

The Red Bulls are 14-13 in US Open Cup competition, but have earned a 4-0 record at Red Bull Arena. New York’s participation in this year’s Cup is especially anticipated due to their lackluster performance last year, which concluded in a 4-0 defeat against the Chicago Fire in a match coach Hans Backe did not travel to attend.

Posted in Local, MLS, New York, New York Red Bulls, News, US Open Cup, US Soccer | 1 Comment

Seeing Red! Episode 86: Red Bull Brandon Barklage, Impact writer Gio Sardo join the show!

by Dave Martinez Posted on 05/17/2012

Riding an unbelievable four game winning streak, few players have been as vital to the turnaround as Brandon Barklage. The all-purpose player has been vital filling in the backline while injuries decimated the New York Red Bulls lineup. An unlikely hero, Barklage joins the show to talk about the turnaround, his history with the team and much more.

Gio Sardo of Mount Royal Soccer also joins the show to break down this weekends Impact v. Red Bulls clash at L’Stade Olympique.

As always, we break down this weeks thrilling 3-2 victory at Chester, and run through some e-mails. Check out the 86th episode of Seeing Red!

Download or Listen Here!
Subscribe to Seeing Red via iTunes!
Add our RSS feed to listen via Google Listen!
Listen to us through the Stitcher Radio App!

Posted in Local, MLS, New Jersey, New York, New York Red Bulls, preview, Results, Seeing Red! | Leave a comment

Brooklyn Italians, Long Island Rough Riders advance in US Open Cup First Round

by Dave Martinez Posted on 05/16/2012

The US Open Cup has returned with a new look and a new attitude, but some familiar faces still remain as the Brooklyn Italians and the Long Island Rough Riders advanced to the second round.

The defending NPSL Atlantic Division Champion Brooklyn Italians took the long trip out to Portland, Maine and returned with a victory over Portland Phoenix. The Italians, a 1991 US Open Cup winner, opened the scoring five minutes into their match off of a Nathaniel Simons header. Two minutes later, Christian Turizo nailed a free kick from 30 yards out to double their lead. Forward Jumol Harewood nailed the third and decisive goal in the 78th minute. Portland would rally, but fall short as Brooklyn took home the 3-2 victory.

Meanwhile, Tony Meola’s former side, the Long Island Rough Riders of the PDL, made quick work of US Open Cup debutantes FC Sonic Lehigh off of a pair of goals from Thomas Wharf and Shaun Higgins. The Rough Riders scored both goals in the first half and held on for the victory against their over-matched opponent.

Not all was rosy for tri-state soccer. Jersey Shore Boca, the first New Jersey based side to qualify for the Cup since 1995, were thrashed 6-0 by the Michigan Bucks. The USASA team was thoroughly dismantled – and a 17th minute ejection of player Nick Tarquinio didn’t help matters either. Reading United would deal a similar fate to New York Greek American Atlas as they were eliminated from the tournament following a 2-1 defeat.

USL Pro sides enter the fray for the second round which will be held May 22nd of next week. The Rochester Rhinos will hold home field advantage as they host the Brooklyn Italians and the Harrisburg City Islanders will welcome the Rough Riders.

Posted in US Open Cup, US Soccer, USL, USL Pro | 1 Comment

South Ward Snapshot: Let the Wild Rumpus Start!

by Jason Corliss Posted on 05/16/2012

BY JASON CORLISS

And, now… let the wild rumpus start!!!

An interstitial edition of South Ward Snapshot this week, as I wanted to check in post-Philly/pre-Montréal, and share some thoughts on our Mother’s Day visit down to the land of Bimbo.

It was a tremendous trip for the traveling contingent of supporters, as we were treated well by Philly security and had no real issues with rival fans.  In fact, some of them seemed to find our passion quite charming.  Of course, it being Mother’s Day, we wished their moms the best in as many creative ways as we could, and some of our number availed themselves of the facilities of the Chester Beach Club, taking a cooling dip in the festering, virus-filled waters running by the stadium (radioactive hazmat suits optional). 

We couldn’t have been happier with the result, and the experience.  For a handful of people, like the DC trip before it, this trip marked their first away day, and every single one of them vowed to do it again at the very next opportunity.  Why?  Maybe it was something in the water (although, I hope not…it was really nasty).  Likelier, though, the answer is ‘because’.

Although there’s plenty to be said about RBNY’s great escape on the pitch, it’s already been discussed thoroughly on this site and elsewhere, so we won’t be getting into that today.  Instead, I wanted to touch on something that’s been gnawing at me for much of the season, which came into some focus last week, and finally clicked into place on Sunday.  As I mentioned in my last column, I’m equally fascinated by not just the concept of motivation but actual application of it.  Or, how it is we get from “why” to “because”.
Continue reading →

Posted in Local, MLS, New Jersey, New York, New York Red Bulls, South Ward Snapshot, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Yank’s Corner: Breaking down the initial USMNT selection

by Patrick MacDonald Posted on 05/15/2012

By Patrick MacDonald

The time has arrived. Jurgen Klinsmann has announced the first 16 names that will be brought into the Men’s National Team camp prior to World Cup Qualifying – which begins in less than a month. Some names were foregone conclusions, others raise an eyebrow or two. There are a few early exclusions and one bombshell absence. If you haven’t seen the roster already, here it is:

Goalies: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Nick Rimando

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Edgar Castillo, Steve Cherundolo, Alfredo Morales

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Joe Corona, Maurice Edu, Fabian Johnson, Jermaine Jones, Jose Torres, Danny Williams

Forwards: Clint Dempsey

Let’s break it all down, shall we?
Continue reading →

Posted in News, Uncategorized, US Soccer, USMNT, World Soccer | 8 Comments

NY Minute: Brazil v. Argentina taking shape, Nesta rumors, Roma at Citifield, more

by Dave Martinez Posted on 05/15/2012

The cast of characters that will comprise the MetLife Stadium edition of one of the greatest rivalries in the World is beginning to take shape.

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has announced his 23 man roster for the June 8th clash against Argentina, and they are certainly stacking the deck:

• GOALKEEPERS: Jefferson (Botafogo), Neto (Fiorentina), Rafael (Santos)

• DEFENDERS: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Danilo (Porto), Juan (Inter Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Alex Sandro (Porto), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Bruno Uvini (Tottenham)

• MIDFIELDERS: Casemiro (Sao Paulo), Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos), Giuliano (Dnipro), Lucas (Sao Paulo), Wellington Nem (Fluminense), Oscar (Internacional), Romulo (Vasco de Gama), Sandro (Tottenham)

• FORWARDS: Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Hulk (Porto), Neymar (Santos), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan)

As EoS reported last week, Argentine Coach Alejandro Sabella is still mulling over options for his side and has made it clear that he will attempt to use mostly domestic players for the series of friendlies and qualifiers. Nevertheless, reports strongly suggest Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are two players who appear to be confirmed to take part in the national team’s upcoming matches. With less than a month until the big showdown, the participants on the Argentine side are still very much up in the air.

There is much to talk about on this rainy New York afternoon! Here is just a sampling, in a NY Minute:
Continue reading →

Posted in Friendly, Local, MLS, New Jersey, New York, New York Minute, New York Red Bulls, News, Rumors, Seeing Red!, Transfer Market, TWITTER, Uncategorized, US Soccer, USMNT, World Soccer | 1 Comment

Bull’s Eye View: Credit where it’s due …

by Eric Giacometti Posted on 05/14/2012
Image - Mike Stobe/Getty Images

BY ERIC GIACOMETTI

I’m running out of words to describe this team.  Nostradamus himself would have been hard pressed to envision the good fortune that has befallen the Red Bulls in their current four-game win streak.  Even Hans Backe thought there would be a “zero percent” chance that New York could pull off such an improbable run.

Nevertheless, New York now stands alone at the top of the Eastern Conference despite an injury-ravaged squad and a backline that by most accounts can no longer be considered “patchwork.”  It’s times like these you sit back, reflecting on what has just transpired, and wonder “How the hell did we get here?”  Through what has already been a rollercoaster season, chalk this up as a major high point, and don’t ask any questions about it… you’ll be better off.

Now, while the Red Bulls have been getting contributions from just about everywhere on the pitch (and the depth chart), there are a few key performers that deserve to take center stage and soak in our praise.
Continue reading →

Posted in Bull's Eye View, MLS, New York, New York Red Bulls, Results, Uncategorized | 3 Comments