Hey, Tri-State soccer lovers! A unique opportunity is coming your way … and you won’t want to miss it!

Red Bull Arena is not only hosting Ecuador this Tuesday night (tickets are still available people), but the U.S. National Team has spiced up their offering a bit with an open practice to the public on the Kentucky blue grass field in Harrison! “The Cathedral” will be opening their gates to all parishioners this Monday, Oct. 10th at 4:30pm. The event will run through 6pm, and will definitely be worth a look for anyone who loves the beautiful game.

To say this will be a busy New York Minute would be an understatement! Soccer news has been bursting at the seams, and quite frankly, between two writers and 10559109258357132 stories, it gets tough to round it all up … but we always give it a shot.

Here are some of the stories people are talking about in this weeks NYM:

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CHUCK BLAZER, OUT

Chuck Blazer is resigning his post as the No. 2 official of CONCACAF this December after playing the whistle blower in this year’s bribery scandal that consumed the leadership of the confederation.

Blazer, 66, has held the general secretary positions since 1990. Though rarely the most beloved figure in CONCACAF, he did put the microscope on then boss Jack Warner for a bribery scandal devised to to garner votes for Bin Hammam in the FIFA presidential elections.

Blazer has made it clear he would like to leave the post to pursue other options within international football. Early rumors have him interested in a post within the Major League Soccer structure, perhaps as a partner in the coming 20th team to join MLS, long expected to be a New York franchise.

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MICHELLE OBAMA WELCOMES USWNT FOR “LET’S MOVE” INITIATIVE

In Michelle Obama’s continuous fight against childhood obesity, the first lady organized a bit of a soccer clinic featuring the World Cup runner-up U.S. Women’s National Team. Soccer Sisters United out of Philadelphia and Prince William Courage Soccer Club out of Woodbridge, VA. were the lucky invitees as nearly 50 kids ran dribbling, kicking and fitness drills on the south lawn of the White House.

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HOPE “THE BODY” SOLO

What watering the lawn has to do with soccer? No clue.

What watering the lawn naked has to do with soccer? I don’t care.

One thing is for certain; Hope Solo’s male votes for Dancing With The Stars will surely incur an uptake after watching this video. Check out Hope as she graces the cover of this months “ESPN: The Body” issue at newsstands near you.

(A QUICK P.S.: I was taking a stroll down 7th avenue on the West side yesterday when I spotted Solo on the streets. If she was going for the elegant Hollywood Chic look, she is certainly fitting the role well.)

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BOB BRADLEY CHALLENGING EGYPT EARLY WITH BRAZIL CLASH

The one thing I loved about Bradley’s tenure as U.S. coach? He never ceased to test the teams limits. Whether setting up friendlies against Argentina before the World Cup, or following the tournament with a match against Brazil, Bradley never shied away from competition.

Is it any surprise, then, that Bradley has brought the same mentality to Africa? Egypt has announced a friendly match against – you guessed it – Brazil in the Qatari capital of Doha on the 14th of November.

Ol’ blue eyes is already doing things his way.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ….

Landon Donovan, who missed this weeks L.A. Galaxy / Red Bulls clash, will also be out for the two coming U.S. friendlies against Honduras and Ecuador with a strained right quadriceps. Edson Buddle will be filling in his spot. The loss will further deteriorate the creative side of the midfield, which will also be missing Jose Torres and Stuart Holden to injury.

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RAFA MARQUEZ WANTS ONE MORE WORLD CUP

Hey Red Bull fans … wondering why Rafa Marquez continues to go on international duty? The 32 year old Marquez has high hopes, including one more run in the World Cup.

The Mexican Captain expressed his interest in a recent interview with MedioTiempo.com. “By going down a level, it has helped take care of me, to prepare more because I have more time, and less games then in Barcelona and that has had me thinking that I may have another three years left in my career,” he said.

“I go day by day. Yes, it is a dream to play another World Cup, and better being that it’s in (the) America’s, close to our country and above all because it is in Brasil. I’ll work to get there, we will see if I am at my level and physical condition to be there. And if not, I would put myself to the side so other do it better than I.”

Music to Backe’s ears? Probably not.

Marquez would be 35 years of age for the 2014 World Cup showdown.

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TIMOTHY CHANDLER: “HEART” WITH THE UNITED STATES

A rumor made it’s way around the mill last week claiming USMNT back Tim Chandler was ready to give up on his American adventure and return to his German roots. Chandler had a different story to tell.

“I’ve already told American journalists at least five times,” he told Goal.com. ” In my youth, I was in several courses at the DFB, but at the moment I have nothing to do with the DFB (German Football Association). I opted for the U.S. and am going with my heart for the United States. No one needs to have any worries.”

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LOOK WHO’S MAKING A LOT OF MONEY …

Shocking news of the day – David Beckham is rich. Like, REALLY rich.

Soccer’s biggest brand (well, maybe next to Messi. Maybe.) has enjoyed a 30% raise in sponsorship money from the previous year, according to the Britain’s Companies House. Last year, his total worth clocked in at around $23.9 million, up from a meager $18.3 million in 2009.

Someone call “Occupy Wall Street;” they’ve targeted the wrong guys.

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OMAR GONZALEZ HAS ‘OPEN MIND’ IF MEXICO COMES CALLING

ESPN reports L.A. Galaxy centerback Omar Gonzalez, who holds dual Mexican and American citizenship, would keep an “open mind” on a move to the Mexican National Team.

“Why not?” He said. “Mexico is strong right now, very strong. If something were to come along, I’m definitely going to listen.”

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SEEING RED! IS ON!

As the Red Bulls head into a long eleven day layoff, catch up on all the 411 with Seeing Red! This week, Mark and I break down L.A., speak on the USMNT, and are pleased to have show favorite, Kristian Dyer of MLSSoccer.com on the show!

CLICK THE LINK, AND GIVE A LISTEN!

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AND YOUR CAPTION CONTEST WINNER IS …..

First off, thank you to everyone who participated; you guys and gals are absolutely awesome. Very witty stuff people, but like anything in life, there can only be one winner.

Here are your top five …

“Mario Romillo: OK, Chris. I’ll choose you for it…. once, twice, three….shoot! Damn…..you won. I’ll drive Henry home from the game tonight.”

“CitiFieldSheas: Guess what I just saw……..”Red-bull” punch buggy 1,2,3! No backsies x infinite…haha circle circle dot dot now u u got the “Union” shot!”

“Diablo: You and me in the parking lot of this (chokes) soldout stadium after the game you Pencil Neck Geek”

“Jake: When do I get my black card in the mail?”

“Chic Charnley:

Heck: Hello, I’m the world champion of ticket sales.

Jonah: That’s my line!”

Now, Empire of Soccer and New York’s Got Wings is pleased to announce “Chic Charnley” as our contest winner. Again, thank you all for participating and we will do this again (if New York makes the postseason that is.).