BY RBNY OPTIMIST
Staff Writer

We’ve been waiting all winter. Patiently. (Or not so patiently…)

And now with all the drama gone, the suspense about our head coach over, the player changes, mustaches, and all the various, sundry unknowns … the pre-season is finally giving us a glimpse of our beloved team.

But what is the devoted fanbase to do when faced with finally seeing their team put foot to ball? In the case of the New York Red Bulls… we worry. What formation are they playing? Why this THAT GUY playing THERE? Is Henry reacting strangely to what Petke is yelling on the sideline? Is that WOLYNIEC on the sidelines?

It’s amazing how hungry we all get to see our team on the field after a few months of no MLS soccer.

Fellow fans, The Optimist is here to tell you…relax. Go with the flow. Chill, bro.

Preseason is exactly that. PRE – SEASON. The one time of the year when results don’t matter. Strange formations? Who cares. Players playing out of position? So what!

Here’s the bottom line: These games don’t matter. It’s time for Head Coach Mike Petke (ooh, I love the way that sounds) to experiment, to try different things on for size. If we lose to Real Salt Lake 3-0 next Wednesday, is it the end of the world? Nope.

Let these games roll off your back. Wins, Losses, whatever. Just enjoy the journey and look forward to March 3rd. Because when we take the field against Portland on that Sunday night, that’s when we need to live and die with every pass, kick and shot.

And we will, because we are fans of New York Red Bulls. And that’s what we do.