Waterreus deal finally complete
The Red Bulls officially announced the signing of 36-year-old Dutch goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus today, ending weeks of not so interesting speculation about his potential arrival. The 'Magic Mullet' will be expected to supplant incumbent starting goalkeeper Jon Conway as the Red Bulls starter in goal, although there will be a competition for the job in training camp.
Waterreus will be reunited with former Manchester City teammate Claudio Reyna. The two were also two of the best players on the field when Holland defeated the United States in the U.S. team's final match before the 2002 World Cup. Yes, I know, that's five years ago, but it did happen.
What's my take on the signing? As I have stated before, Jon Conway had a decent season and posted some great numbers but still did not do enough to make you feel like he was a game-changing goalkeeper. Throw in his mediocre showing in the playoffs and you can see why Bruce Arena wanted to upgrade the position. Now, Conway is still relatively young in goalkeeper years (he's 29) and he could still conceivably beat out Waterreus for the job this year, if not in 2008.
Team officials could not confirm whether Waterreus still had a mullet.
On a semi-related note perhaps better suited for the next Q&A, what's going to happen to Meola? Retirement to the broadcast booth? Does anybody in MLS really need a goalkeeper so badly that they might pick him up off the scrap heap?
Posted by: Richie | January 29, 2007 at 11:15 AM
That old picture shows a great mullet! Puts Marco Etchverry to shame! Almost Achy Breaky Heart Status!!
Posted by: inkedAG | January 29, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Is that Jeff Parke???
Posted by: JonnyG / MoSeS / MetroBullFan | January 29, 2007 at 01:53 PM
Welcome Walrus (a.k.a. Ron Wattereus!) Koo Koo Ka Choo!
May you make many brilliant saves for the Red Bulls and help us win our first championship!
Posted by: ag nigrin | January 30, 2007 at 08:57 AM