I thought the silly transfer season was past us?

Apparently not. A rumor making it’s way through the mill is the New York Red Bulls interest in seldom used Manchester United forward Michael Owen‘s services.

Owens, who will be 32 this December, has only appeared in one Premiership game this season (a 1-1 draw against Stoke this past weekend). His only other action came against Leeds United, where he put in two goals en route to a 3-0 victory in Champions League action.

As the story goes, his limited taste of the American game during the All Star match enticed the forward to entertain a move stateside at some point in his career. With the status of his current playing time, the move may come a bit earlier than he expected (if rumors are to be believed of course).

Considering the Red Bulls current Designated Player situation, the idea seems rather far fetched. Still, the rumor seems to have legs in English circles. Why not throw it out there?

From the hearsay to the concrete, this is your New York Minute …

RAFA WATCH AND OTHER RBNY NEWS

While the first team was going through its regeneration process, a familiar face was seen taking in action with the teams reserves.

That’s right; Rafa Marquez was kicking it about with the bench players. Now, before you make any suppositions, keep in mind that Marquez, serving a game suspension, was most likely getting some time in for the game he missed. Coach Backe eluded to the possibility of using Marquez as a central defensive midfielder moving forward. The mystery surrounding the situation is sure to clear up by week’s end.

Meanwhile, another familiar face was seen with the team as well; Roy Miller. The badly missed Costa Rican left back could be lining up to see his first bit of action in nearly a month.

THE NEW YORK COSMOS WANT YOUR STORIES … AND YOUR DESIGNS

Besides a story linking Cosmos owner Paul Kemsley to a real estate purchase of Anne Hathaway‘s former digs (yes, you read that right), much has been quiet on the Cosmos front.

While the PDL side readies for their first USL season, and the Academy players go back to High School for another season of fun, the Cosmos are working on getting you – the fans – to be a part of their rebirth.

Just before the Scholes Testimonial, Cosmos brass announced the making of the “Cosmos Opus,” which is set to “house the definitive history of The New York Cosmos.” Well, what would history be without the stories of those who lived it? The Cosmos are reaching out to their long lost fans to contribute to this “once in a lifetime” collection of stories, pictures and moments for their collection.

If you want to have your stories included, simply e-mail your pictures, stories or whatever to cosmoscountry@newyorkcosmos.com. One random winner will receive a signed copy of the Opus upon its release.

And as the team looks back in time, they must also look forward to a new generation of soccer lovers to put their stamp on the budding side. It is in that vain that they have put together a fan contest to design the clubs official scarf.

Email your best Cosmos scarf design to the same e-mail address above (cosmoscountry@newyorkcosmos.com) by October 1st to be considered. All designs must include the words ‘NEW YORK COSMOS” or simply “COSMOS” on the front, with the clubs crest featured as well. The top three selected entries will be featured on the teams Facebook page where fans will be able to vote on the winning scarf.

Runners up will receive a $50 voucher to the Cosmos Shop and a Cosmos soccer ball. The winning design will become the Cosmos official club scarf, with the winner taking home a $100 voucher to the Cosmos shop and a signature Cosmos jacket and match ball.

As for those putting in their votes, you haven’t been left out in the cold; a random fan who “likes” a design will win a Cosmos t-shirt.

CALEB PATTERSON-SEWELL TEARING UP PORTUGALS 2ND DIVISION

Best remembered for turning in 35 minutes of shutout soccer that kept the Red Bulls competitive against a stiff Barcelona three years ago, former New York Red Bull third string keeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell has found a new – and perhaps permanent – home with Portuguese second division side, Atletico C.P.

Simply known as “Caleb” by the ‘Tugas, Sewell has been a God send to his side, helping lead the team to an early 3-1-1 record, good for the top spot in the Portuguese “Honra.” Not bad for someone who can’t speak the language – a vital component to being a proper keeper.

He went through his first three starts without letting in a goal on the run of play, and has also earned Man of the Match honors for his efforts.

F.C. NEW YORK SEEKING THE CITIES BEST YOUTH PROSPECTS

FC New York’s Developmental Academy will be holding training sessions for the cities elite travel players in Queens over the course of the next few weeks. Sessions will be held every Tuesday from October 11th through November 15th at Ed Byrne Field (130th Street and North Conduit Avenue in South Ozone Park). FCNY head coach Paul Shaw will be running the program. The six week course will come at a cost of $125 and all participating players will receive an FCNY Academy shirt.

To register for the program, contact (866) 827-0154 or email anthony@fcnewyorksoccer.com.

JHONNY ARTEAGA RESURFACES IN COLUMBUS

Well, if you were wondering what happened to Jhonny Arteaga, here it is; the young Colombian native has landed as a guest player with the Columbus Crew.

Arteaga had a similar run with the Red Bulls earlier this month. He ended the USL Pro season as the league’s leading goal scorer.

FORMER SOCCER REF JAILED FOR SMUGGLING HEROIN THROUGH JFK

Byron Moreno, a former soccer referee, was hit with a 30 month sentence for smuggling upwards of 13.5 pounds of heroin through JFK Airport.

Insert “what’s that ref smoking” jokes here.

His attorney, Michael Padden, explained that Mr. Moreno was in terrible “personal debt” and he made a “very foolish choice” in attempting to sell his stash Stateside. A “visibly nervous” Moreno was stopped by custom inspectors, who uncovered ten plastic bags strapped throughout the man’s body – from midsection on down.

AND FINALLY … SEEING RED! IS ON!

After a weeks hiatus, Mark and I are getting back behind the microphone for an exciting edition of Seeing Red!

This week, we have Red Bulls Assistant Coach Mike Petke on the show to discuss a roller coaster week, including the two wins against Dallas and Portland, the loss to Real Salt Lake and yes, Rafa Marquez.

Send in your questions to seeingredny@gmail.com for your chance to win tickets to the final home game of the season against the Philadelphia Union!