NEW YORK RED BULLS WEEKLY UPDATE: June 10
RED BULLS TAKE ON D.C UNITED: The New York Red Bulls (4-3-3, 15 pts.) travel down I-95 to take on their Atlantic Cup rival, D.C. United (4-7-1, 13 pts.) at RFK Stadium on Saturday night (TV: MSG Plus, HDNet; Radio: WQBU) in the first of three meetings between the two sides.
The 2007 MLS Supporters Shield winner had gotten off to a rough start in 2008. After competing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, D.C. United was slow out of the gates, losing four straight games in the month of May. However, United has started to come out of their funk, going 2-0-1 in their last three, including a dramatic 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park last Saturday. Fire forward Chad Barrett put the hosts ahead in the 27th minute. However, Jaime Moreno knocked in a rebound 18 minutes after the break to tie the score. Then, in second half stoppage time, a Luciano Emilio goal sealed the game, giving D.C. their first road win in 2008.
United did not come out of Chicago unscathed in a match that saw 10 cards being given between the two teams. United Designated Player Marcelo Gallardo and defender Bryan Namoff both earned red cards in the Fire match, meaning they will be suspended for the Red Bulls game this Saturday.
Moreno leads United in goals (5) and assists (4) while Emilio, the 2007 MLS Most Valuable Player, has found the back of the net four times this season. The Red Bulls and United will also face off on Aug. 10 at Giants Stadium and Aug. 30 at RFK Stadium.
SOME QUICK RED BULLS-D.C. UNITED FACTS: The New York-D.C. rivalry dates back to the inaugural MLS season. The Red Bulls are 16-26-5 all-time against their Eastern Conference rival - a team that they have faced more times than any other team in MLS. New York is 7-15-2 against D.C. on the road. Here are some other quick facts:
-Jaime Moreno has recorded a remarkable 22 goals and 16 assists in 35 games against New York. Giovanni Savarese is New York's all-time lead in goals with 6.
-Though Tim Howard holds the club record for wins in matches against D.C. with six, former New York goalkeeper Tony Meola had recorded 98 saves in 18 games.
-Last season, the Red Bulls went 1-2-0 against D.C. United. On June 10, a Ben Olsen hat trick at RFK Stadium gave United a 4-2 win. The Red Bulls earned revenge on July 22 with a 1-0 win after a John Wolyniec goal. D.C. retained the Atlantic Cup with a 3-1 win over New York at RFK Stadium on Aug. 22.
-The last New York win at RFK Stadium was on Oct. 8, 2005 - a 2-1 decision. Midfielder Seth Stammler assisted on the game-winner in that match.
-There are four former New York players on D.C. United. Moreno played for New York in 2003, scoring two goals in 11 appearances. Midfielder Santino Quaranta was acquired by the Red Bulls on June 30, 2006, making three appearances. Quaranta was waived by New York on Jan. 3, 2008. Forward Francis Doe also played for New York last year, signing a youth international contract on Aug. 25. In 2007, Doe scored two goals and had an assist. The Red Bulls waived Doe earlier this season and he was signed by United on April 22. Goalkeeper Zach Wells was drafted by New York in the third round (21st overall) in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft out of UCLA. Over two years, Wells started in a combined 19 games, earning a 7-5-7 record and recording four shutouts.
-Forward Ricky Schramm is the only former United player currently on the Red Bulls. Schramm was drafted by D.C. last year in the third round (37th overall) of the MLS SuperDraft, but was waived in preseason. Red Bulls Sporting Director Jeff Agoos and assistant coach Richie Williams won three MLS Cups as players on D.C. in 1996, 1997 and 1999.
RED BULLS RIDE ANGEL'S WINGS TO WIN: Forward Juan Pablo Angel scored his second goal of the season in the 75th minute, giving the New York Red Bulls a 1-0 win over Chivas USA at Giants Stadium last Thursday night. Angel put the Red Bulls ahead for good when he was left open and nodded a header off a Dane Richards cross past goalkeeper Brad Guzan. The goal was Angel's second game-winner of the season. Chris Leitch was also given an assist on the goal.
Goalkeeper Jon Conway make four saves and earned his third shutout for the Red Bulls, who improved to 4-3-3 (15 pts.) on the season. The Red Bulls snapped a two-game losing streak with the win.
The assist is Leitch's first since Aug. 19, 2006, when he was a member of the Columbus Crew. Ironically, his assist came against the Red Bulls in a 1-0 Crew win.
LAST WEEK: Red Bulls 1, Chivas USA 0 at Giants Stadium on June 5
THIS WEEK: Red Bulls at D.C. United on June 14 at 7:30 PM ET at RFK Stadium (TV: MSG Plus, HDNet; Radio: WQBU)
NEXT WEEK: Red Bulls at New England Revolution on June 18 at 7:30 PM ET at Gillette Stadium (TV: MSG; Radio: WADO, WQBU)
HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY INJURY REPORT:
Juan Pablo Angel - QUESTIONABLE - Lower Back Injury
Oscar Echeverry - QUESTIONABLE - Right Knee Pain
Michael Palacio - OUT - Left Knee Injury (Season-Ending Injury List)
Jeff Parke - QUESTIONABLE - Right Ankle Sprain
Claudio Reyna - QUESTIONABLE - Herniated Disc
Dane Richards - QUESTIONABLE - Left Ankle Sprain
Luke Sassano - PROBABLE - Left Toe Injury
RED BULLS, MLS AGREE WITH VILLARREAL FOR JOZY: The Red Bulls announced on Wednesday, June 4 that MLS and Spanish La Liga runner-up Villarreal have agreed in principle to a transfer fee with Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore. Altidore must agree to personal contract terms and undergo a physical with Villarreal before the deal can be completed.
Over his MLS career, Altidore has scored 15 goals and five assists in 37 appearances for New York. Altidore broke onto the MLS scene back in 2006 after being selected in the second round (17th overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. The Boca Raton, FL, native scored three goals in seven games during the team's playoff run, helping the Red Bulls qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs. Weeks later, Altidore became the youngest player ever to score in the playoffs at 16 years, 357 days.
Despite missing time due to U.S. Under-20 World Cup duties, Altidore had a breakthrough season in 2007, scoring nine goals and four assists in 22 games played. His nine goals placed him second on the Red Bulls and eighth in Major League Soccer. In the Red Bulls' 2008 campaign, Altidore played in eight matches, scoring three goals.
Altidore is coming off his first start and third cap for the full U.S. Men's National Team, where he played the entire match and scored his first international goal on Feb. 6 in a 2-2 draw against Mexico at a sold out Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Altidore has featured for the U.S. MNT twice over the past offseason, earning his first cap in a 1-0 victory against South Africa on Nov. 17 and coming on as a halftime substitute in a 2-0 win over Sweden on Jan. 19. He also participated in the U.S. Under-23's CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament in March, helping the Americans qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing in August.
HE'S BACK: Though the Red Bulls have lost their last three meetings against D.C. at RFK Stadium, Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio has success against United. During the regular season, Osorio guided the Chicago Fire to a 0-0-2 record, including a 0-0 draw on Oct. 13 at RFK Stadium.
Chicago then took on first-seeded D.C. in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. After winning the home leg, 1-0, the Osorio-led Fire tied United at RFK Stadium 2-2, advancing through to the Eastern Conference final 3-2 on aggregate.
RED BULLS TO TAKE ON CHIVAS GUADALAJARA: Red Bull New York and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) announced that the New York Red Bulls will face Mexico's most popular side, Club Deportivo de Guadalajara, known as Chivas, in a friendly on Wednesday, June 25. The game will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium, located in Glendale, AZ. Game time is slated for 8:00 PM local time. The match in Phoenix will be operated and promoted by Rezin Sports Marketing.
Mexico's most successful club of all time with 11 Mexican league titles, Chivas recently wrapped up a successful 2008 Torneo Clausura in which the Guadalajara club finished first in the standings, with a 9-2-6 regular season record, before falling to semifinalists Monterrey in the first round of the playoffs in mid May. The most popular club in Mexico, which fields only Mexican players, is home to some of Mexico's national team stars such as Ramón Morales, Alberto Medina, Johnny Magallón and Luis Ernesto Michel. The club will begin preparing for the 2008 Apertura season with the June match in Phoenix, its pre-season tour through Germany and its SuperLiga participation beginning July 12.
Tickets for the Red Bulls-Chivas de Guadalajara match went on sale on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 12:00 PM ET (9 AM Pacific), and begin as low $25 dollars. Ticket prices are $25, $35, $45 and $55, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling (480) 784-4444 and online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at usual tienda locations in the Phoenix area and at the University of Phoenix Stadium box office in person or via phone at (480) 784-4444. The hours for the stadium box office are 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday and Saturdays 10 AM to 2:30 PM. For additional information please call (623) 433-7100 or log on to www.universityofphoenixstadium.com.
VAN DEN BERGH RETURNS: Red Bulls midfielder Dave van den Bergh returned to the lineup against Chivas USA after missing two games. The Dutchman was suspended for the Red Bulls 5-1 loss against Chicago on May 25 after receiving a red card in the previous match. Then, last Saturday in New York's 1-0 loss at Houston, van den Bergh missed the trip as his wife, Alexie, was expecting the couple's second child.
Max Daniel van den Bergh was born on June 3, 2008 at 1:18 AM, weighing 8 lbs., 10 oz. The couple also has a son named Ryan.
PACK YOUR BAGS: This Saturday's match kicks off a span in which the Red Bulls play six of their next seven games on the road, including an exhibition match in Phoenix against Chivas Guadalajara. The Red Bulls are 1-2-1 away from Giants Stadium this season and 3-1-2 at home.
CONWAY KEEPS CLIMBING: Red Bulls goalkeeper Jon Conway keeps moving up the club's record books. Making three saves and earning a shutout in the Red Bulls' 1-0 win over Chivas USA, Conway is tied for third place in wins with Mike Ammann at 17. Tony Meola leads the way with 48, followed by Tim Howard (37), Ammann (17), Conway (17), and Jonny Walker (13). Currently with 12 clean sheets, the former Rutgers University product is three behind Tim Howard for second in the club's all-time annals. Tony Meola is the franchise leader with 25 shutouts.
Recently, Conway moved past the 3,000 minute mark for his New York career. He is just the fifth goalkeeper in franchise history to achieve that milestone. The other four are Tony Meola (11,233), Tim Howard (7,681), Mike Ammann (4,098) and Jonny Walker (3,845).
MEGALOUDIS STARTS IN WC QUALIFIER: Red Bulls forward Chris Megaloudis was called up to the Puerto Rican National Team last week and played 80 minutes in Puerto Rico's 4-0 loss against Honduras in a World Cup Qualifier on Wednesday, June 4 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Signed on April 4, 2008, the former Westchester Flame and Long Island Rough Rider (PDL) has earned five caps for Puerto Rico.
PARKE, MAGEE MOVE UP: Defender Jeff Parke continued to move up the club's all-time games played and games started list. Parke has now played in a total of 117 matches. He has also started in 112 games and is tied with third-place Steve Jolley. Midfielder Mike Magee played his 113th game against Chivas USA and has passed Tab Ramos for fifth-place in the club's all-time annals.
Games Played (All-Time)
1. Mike Petke (134)
2. Tony Meola (125)
3. Steve Jolley (120)
4. Jeff Parke (117)
5. Mike Magee (113)
6. Tab Ramos (112)
7. John Wolyniec (107)
8. Amado Guevara (103)
Games Started (All-Time)
1. Mike Petke (129)
2. Tony Meola (125)
T-3. Steve Jolley (112)
T-3. Jeff Parke (112)
5. Tab Ramos (105)
RED BULLS TO PLAY BARCELONA: Red Bull New York and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) announced on Friday, May 30 that 2006 UEFA Champions League Winner FC Barcelona will play the Red Bulls at Giants Stadium on Aug. 6 as part of the club's U.S. Tour. Game time is slated for 7:00 PM ET.
Tickets will be available exclusively for Red Bulls season ticket holders to add-on additional seats (Barcelona tickets are already included in full season ticket plans), as well as for current 8-Game and 4-Game plan holders to purchase their seats, from Monday, June 2 at 10 AM through Tuesday, June 3 at 5 PM. After this exclusive window, group tickets and a special ticket package that includes the FC Barcelona match and the LA Galaxy match on Saturday, July 19 will be available exclusively through the Red Bulls front office and on www.newyorkredbulls.com. For more information please call 1.877.RBSOCCER. 4-ticket packs for the FC Barcelona match will go on sale Friday, June 13, with individual tickets going on sale through TicketMaster on Tuesday, July 1.
This will mark Barcelona's third trip in the last five years to the United States, as the team toured the US in 2003 and 2006. The two sides matched up during the 2006 tour, with Barcelona emerging with a 4-1 win in front of a near-record breaking Giants Stadium crowd of 79,002 on Aug. 12.
Barcelona will be making their first trip to the United States since 2006, when they took part in a three-game summer tour of the United States. FC Barcelona played at the Los Angeles Coliseum (1-1 vs. Chivas de Guadalajara on Aug. 6), at Reliant Stadium in Houston (4-4 vs. Club America on Aug. 9), and the fixture against the Red Bulls. Following the matches this August, the team will return to Spain to continue its preseason ahead of the kick-off to the 2008-09 La Liga season.
RED BULL EXPERIMENT COMES TO CENTRAL PARK: On Thursday, June 12, BMX legend Kevin Robinson will attempt to soar into the world's record books by clearing the height of a six-story building on a BMX bike in the next Red Bull Experiment.
The Red Bull Experiment will take place in Central Park on Dead Road (east side of Sheep Meadow) starting at 7 PM on June 12th.
The jump will be broadcast live on via MSG and webcast live and exclusively via ESPN's twenty-four hour action sports destination, EXPN.com, and ESPNs signature broadband network ESPN360.com at 8 PM ET.
TRYOUTS FOR RED BULL ACADEMY TEAMS: The New York Red Bulls Youth Academy is looking for the best soccer players in the tri-state area. Tryouts for the U-14, U-15, U-16 and U-18 youth academy teams will be held in May and June and are by invitation. For more information log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com or send an e-mail to academy.tryouts@newyorkredbulls.com with the following information: name, address, phone numbers, email, date of birth, current club team, position and any soccer honors. Players completing an application will be notified if they have been invited to the tryout along with the location and other pertinent details. For further information, please contact the New York Red Bulls Academy at (201) 583-7025.
