Soccer By Ives

No torn ligaments for Freeman

Christmas came early for Red Bulls fans. According to a team source, Red Bulls defender Hunter Freeman suffered a grade two MCL sprain in his left knee during the U.S. Under-23 national team's  3-3 tie with China last Sunday. The injury should sideline Freeman for six weeks, which means he shouldn't miss any significant pre-season training.

For those of you who saw the video of the injury Freeman sure looked he was in serious pain and the early fears were that he suffered a torn ACL. Luckily for Freeman and the Red Bulls, the injury wasn't that severe and shouldn't affect him ahead of the 2008 season.

Morning Ticker: Nowak clarification, the concession speech, UEFA Cup update and Schopp

Jo San everybody. It is Thursday morning and I'm sitting here trying to figure out how I will get my Christmas shopping done. I'm technically on vacation (have been all week), but as you know, SBI never really goes on vacation.

I will be taking a bit of a break from the blog today but before I do, here is some news to tide you over. Before I get to that, I will make the now daily reminder to readers to take part in the SBI Reader Roll Call if you haven't already.

Now, onto the news and notes:

Nowak NOT a Red Bulls finalist. When Juan Carlos Osorio was hired as head coach of the Red Bulls it was widely reported (by SBI as well) that Peter Nowak was one of the other three finalists for the job. Nowak's agent insists that this was not the case.

"Peter left a great MLS job with DC United for his current position with US Soccer," said Ron Waxman, Nowak's agent, in a written statement. "Peter is fully committed to his work with the U.S. Under-23 team and the senior (national) team. He is not interested in leaving for any MLS position."

According to sources, Nowak was contacted by the Red Bulls but was not interested in the position, or any other MLS position. This is bad news for Chicago Fire fans, who were surely holding out hope that Nowak would make a return to Chicago as head coach after having captained the Fire to the 1998 MLS Cup title.

Chivas USA coach Preki and St. John's head coach Dave Masur have been identified as two of the candidates managing director Marc deGrandpre did interview for the position.

Morning Ticker: Castillo loaned, Messi hurt and Man U eyeing a striker

The news never stops in the soccer world, does it?

There are plenty of news stories to discuss today and I will try to go over some of them, as well as other nuggets, this morning. Before I get to that, I will make the now daily reminder to readers to take part in the SBI Reader Roll Call if you haven't already.

Let's get started. Here are some soccer news tidbits to start your day off (including a story after the jump that could affect the future of one of the U.S. national team's best young players):

Nery Castillo going to Manchester City. No, really. He's going this time. Seriously. I'm not kidding. Yes, the on-again, off-again, on-again, off-again marriage between Mexican striker Nery Castillo and Manchester City appears to be on for real finally. After some posturing from Shaktar Donetsk in an attempt to jack up Castillo's loan price, Donetsk and City finally agreed to a deal.

Osorio press conference recap (and other Red Bull tidbits-UPDATED)

Hello folks. Apologies for the lengthy delay but there was a lot of networking to be done in NYC and I wound up getting stuck in traffic on the way back. That'll teach me not to bring the laptop.

Here is a quick rundown of what transpired today:

The other Red Bull candidates

So who were the other candidates that the Red Bulls seriously considered to replace Bruce Arena as head coach? Most you have heard before but at least one may surprise you.

According to sources with knowledge of the Red Bulls' coaching search, U.S. Under-23 national team coach Peter Nowak, Chivas USA coach Preki and St. John's coach Dave Masur were finalists for the job that Juan Carlos Osorio was eventually chosen for. Nowak, a former MLS Cup winner as player and head coach, and Preki, a former MLS MVP and the 2007 MLS coach of the year, were understandable. Masur was the surprise.

One of the most well-respected college coaches on the East Coast, Masur has spent 17 seasons with the Red Storm, leading the New York school to an NCAA title in 1996. Now an associated athletic director at the school, Masur's resume drew interest from Red Bulls managing director Marc deGrandpre, who gave him one of the few interviews for the position.

As for some of the many other names linked to the position, from Martin Jol to Paul Mariner to Ray Reid, none of them received interviews.

Off to the Osorio press conference

Hello again. Just checking in one last time before I head to Manhattan for the Juan Carlos Osorio press conference.

What I can say to Red Bulls fans is that Osorio is extremely excited about the opportunity. I spoke to Osorio at length last week and you could already tell he was ready to start work on building the Red Bulls in his image. What tends to be forgotten about his short stint in Chicago was that he coached a team he did not build. Yes, he added Paulo Wanchope and Wilman Conde, but he still coached what was essentially someone else's team.

That is what makes me chuckle a bit when some folks want to try and talk about Osorio's so-called defensive style. Yes, Osorio certainly puts an emphasis on defense, but you shouldn't assume the 2008 Red Bulls will play the same way the 2007 Fire played. They are different teams with different strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, Osorio will have a full off-season to address the changes he feels need to be made.

Osorio does feel upset about the way things ended in Chicago, but ultimately, the way things went down in the end probably made his departure easier for him to handle.

And lastly, in an unrelated note, for those of you who didn't take part already, please join the SBI Reader Roll Call.

That's all for now. I will be back later this afternoon with more news and notes so stay tuned.

Red Bulls to introduce Osorio on Tuesday

Red Bulls fans, the wait is over.

The Red Bulls will introduce Juan Carlos Osorio as the team's 11th head coach at a press conference in New York City on Tuesday at 1pm. The introductory press conference will be held at the Hotel Gansevoort.

Osorio will become the club's 10th head coach (11th if you count Richie Williams' time as interim head coach).

No word yet on what Osorio will do with his coaching staff. He is expected to meet with current assistant coaches Richie Williams, John Harkes and Des McAleenan shortly. The best bet to stay out of that group is McAleenan, who worked with Osorio during his last tenure and knows him very well. According to sources, Williams and Harkes are both interested in staying.

Osorio announcement looming

Those of you tired of waiting for an announcement on Juan Carlos Osorio's hiring as Red Bulls coach will be able to relax soon. Osorio and the Red Bulls are dotting i's and crossing t's on Osorio's contract at this point and an announcement will be made very soon, possibly tomorrow. One source suggested that a press conference was set for New York tomorrow afternoon (at the Hotel Gansevoort). I haven't been able to confirm that one yet but it is a possibility since Osorio is currently in New York.

So why the hold up? There really wasn't a hold up, just the typical negotiations that go on between a club and a new coach over a contract. The only difference was that Osorio's former employer, the Chicago Fire, announced to the world that Osorio was set to be the Red Bulls' new coach a week before a deal was close to being struck.

As for the compensation package Chicago will receive, sources tell me that we may never find out the details of the financial compensation but one source called the cash portion of the package "substantial." At least one allocation as well as the Red Bulls' first round pick in next month's MLS Draft are also included in the deal, though we may not learn until draft day if any other picks are involved (as far as I can tell the Red Bulls' second-round pick, No. 16, still belongs to the Red Bulls).

That's all for now. I was actually at the mall trying to Christmas shop when I got a few calls on this, only to get home and find out nothing was announced yet. ESPN Radio did report that Osorio was set to be named the team's new head coach. Not sure if that was based on a tip or if someone at the station just got around to reading my story on Osorio's impending hire a week ago.

Are you glad the wait is (almost) over? Share your thoughts below.

Red Bulls losing first round pick in Osorio deal

If you are a Red Bulls fan who was working on your draft board ahead of next month's MLS Draft, you can erase the first round.

The Red Bulls will be surrendering their first round pick, No. 7 overall, in the Juan Carlos Osorio compensation package. That gives Chicago the No. 7 and No. 12 picks in what is expected to be a deep draft.

Neither team is revealing the exact details of the package, but a source from one of the teams revealed that the Red Bulls did surrender their first-round pick. That means the Red Bulls' highest pick in next month's draft will be pick number 16, the second pick in the second round, which the team received from Toronto in the Marvell Wynne deal.

As soon as I get any more details on the compensation package I will pass them along. Don't hold your breath though. We may never know the actual cash portion of the package.

The Osorio Move

Buenos dias everybody. It is early Tuesday morning and fans in Chicago and New Jersey/New York are waking up to the reality that Juan Carlos Osorio is leaving the Fire to coach the Red Bulls.

They are also waking up to second and third hand accounts of what led to Osorio's departure. Some reports allege that Osorio's departure had to do with his unhappiness with the Fire organization. That is a stretch to say the least. Osorio's unsettled status had to do with family issues that may or may not ever be made public, issues he is hoping to address with the move.

Did Osorio grow frustrated with the Fire's handling and initial denial of the Red Bulls request to speak with him? Yes. Did Chicago turn down a request by Osorio to sign a player late last season? Yes, but those issues are not why Osorio left. Not even close.

I gave my take on Osorio's situation in today's Herald News column. In short, his decision to leave Chicago wasn't about unhappiness with the team or about money. It was about personal issues and an opportunity to return to his adopted home to address some of those issues.

Red Bulls to hire Osorio

(FIRST ON SBI)

The Red Bulls are set to name former Chicago Fire head coach Juan Carlos Osorio as the team’s new head coach, according to sources close to the deal. The decision came after the Red Bulls and Fire reached an agreement late last week on compensation for Osorio, who joined Chicago as head coach in July and helped lead the Fire to the Eastern Conference final. He had two years remaining on his contract with the Fire.

Osorio and the Red Bulls are putting the finishing touches on Osorio's contract, but the sides are expected to be reach an agreement this week. Ron Waxman, Osorio's New York-based agent, would not comment on the situation.

Sources would not comment on the compensation package the Red Bulls are giving Chicago for releasing Osorio from the remaining two years of his contract but it appears that no Red Bulls players will be involved in the package.

The Chicago Fire just issued a press release on Monday afternoon stating that Osorio has resigned and that they will be receiving compensation from the Red Bulls in the form of draft picks, allocation money and cash.

Life after soccer

Good afternoon people. Sorry I couldn't come up with a foreign-language greeting for today but I was running a bit late.

I thought I would pass on some Life After Soccer notes on a couple of former Red Bulls/MetroStars players who have had (and are about to have) life-changing moments take place:

Long-time MetroStars defender Steve Jolley and his wife Pilar just gave birth to their first child, a daughter, last week. Congratulations to Steve. And no, there is no truth to the rumor that Jolley was flip-throwing cigars at the hospital.

Also, long-time MetroStars midfielder Mark Lisi is getting married today. He and fiancee Erica have traveled to the bitter cold of New Jersey for their nuptials today. May their marriage last a happy lifetime.

If you are NOT a Red Bulls fan and are wondering where the hard news is, I did have a long conversation with Toronto FC manager Mo Johnston yesterday and he did shed some light on the rampant rumors surrounding TFC. I will look to post on that later today (tomorrow at the latest).

For now, take a moment to congratulate these players who entertained MetroStars fans for so long on their special moments.

Red Bulls-Earthquakes 2008 season opener is off

The Red Bulls proposed 2008 season opening game against the expansion San Jose Earthquakes has been called off.

The match, which had been approved by Major League Soccer, hit a snag when it became clear that the Earthquakes new home, Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, would not have all of its renovations completed in time for the proposed March 29th date for the season opener.

What does that mean for the Red Bulls now? According to league sources, the Red Bulls are now faced with the prospects of having a bye week in the first week of the 2008 MLS season, which would make their home opener against the Columbus Crew on April 5 the new season opener.

Another option is to have the Earthquakes open the season playing at Giants Stadium on March 29th but it is unclear whether that date will be available at Giants Stadium.

Reyna leaning toward returning in 2008

If you have been wondering about what Claudio Reyna's plans are for the 2008 season, it appears they involve playing for the Red Bulls.

According to sources close to the team, it looks as if Reyna has every intention of returning to the Red Bulls in 2008 and playing out the remaining year on his MLS contract. The Red Bulls had been considering buying out Reyna's remaining year but it doesn't appear as if Reyna has any interest in being bought out. He has told teammates he plans on returning.

Reyna has not commented publicly on his plans and could not be reached for comment.

Red Bulls fans, hold those travel plans

If you are a Red Bulls fan who was planning to make the trip to San Jose for the 2008 season opener, you might want to hold off on making any travel arrangements just yet.

A source within Major League Soccer has informed me that there is a very real chance the schedule could be changed and the Red Bulls-Earthquakes season opener slated for March 29th at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara could be moved to a later date, thus no longer making it the season opener (or official return of the Earthquakes).

The game was signed off on by MLS, which informed the teams that it was set to be the opener, but some logistical challenges have arisen and the game is up in the air now, at least for the March 29th date.

I will provide new information as soon as it becomes available. For now, you might want to put off buying those airline tickets.

No Real Madrid for Altidore this winter

If you are a Red Bulls fan who was worried about Jozy Altidore leaving the Red Bulls for a move to Real Madrid this winter, you can relax. For now.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon told media on Tuesday that Real Madrid will not bring in any new players during the winter transfer period.

"It is not necessary for anyone to come in," Calderon said. "Neither will we give away any players."

Does that mean that Altidore still can't make a move elsewhere? No, but it makes it appear that much more likely that Altidore will play one more season in MLS.

What do you think of this development? Do you think Calderon is lying? Do you think Real Madrid will make a bid this summer? Do you think some unidentified team will swoop in for Altidore this winter? Share your thoughts below.

Red Bulls to open 2008 season at San Jose

(Seen First on SBI)

Red Bulls fans, you can start making your plans for the start of the 2008 MLS season. The Red Bulls will open the season on the road against the expansion San Jose Earthquakes on March 29th at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The match will be the Red Bulls' first chance to see former teammate Joe Vide, who is projecting to be a starting central midfielder for San Jose.

Since NO Red Bulls fans will be making that road trip (Okay, make that some since at least a few Red Bulls fans go everywhere), those who can't get to San Jose will only have to wait a week to see the Red Bulls in person. The Red Bulls will play host to the Columbus Crew at Giants Stadium on April 5th.

The rest of the league's opening schedule will be released on Tuesday so check back here tomorrow for more information.

Red Bull to begin construction on stadium....AGAIN

From the 'Haven't I heard this someplace before' department comes news that the Red Bulls are set to begin construction on Red Bull Park. The Star Ledger is reporting that the club is set to begin building Red Bull Park next week. Yes, Red Bull Park is the same stadium that was supposed to be finished by next summer. The club is now aiming for a target completion of summer of 2009.

So what's the difference between this and a groundbreaking? Well, if you were Red Bull would you want to announce another groundbreaking? Let's face it, another groundbreaking or two on the Harrison stadium project and the Red Bulls may open the stadium playing in the Chinese Premier League by the time it's actually finished.

So will the stadium actually be built by summer of 2009? Red Bulls managing director Marc deGrandpre was confident that it would be when asked at MLS Cup. I know the club's prime objective is to have it done by summer of 2009, now whether that vision becomes a reality remains to be seen.

If you are wondering what the stadium will look like, the renderings being circulated look very similar to Woerthersee Stadium in Austria, one of the host stadiums for the Euro 2008 Tournament:

 

Altidore, Edu, Seitz chosen for Under-23 training camp

Red Bulls Jozy Altidore and Hunter Freeman are two of 22 players selected to the first U.S. Under-23 national team camp under U.S. Under-23 national team head coach Peter Nowak. The camp is being held in preparation of a two-match tour in China in December.

The team will train for a week at Home Depot Center beginning on Dec. 1 before departing for China on Dec. 8. The Americans will face the Chinese Under-23 national team on Dec. 13 and Dec. 16.

Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, Robbie Findley, Christ Seitz and Eddie Gaven highlight a roster made up of 20 pros and seven players who made the U.S. senior national team debuts in 2007.

Here is the full roster:

Where are they now: Mamadou Diallo

So I was going through my TIVO the other day, trying to get through all the shows I've missed in recent weeks, and I stumble on some Futbol Mundial episodes. One of them focuses on the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup when I see a familiar face in one of the clips.

It was none other than former MetroStars striker (and Mike Ammann hacker) Mamadou Diallo. He was the captain of Senegal's beach soccer national team. He was red carded during his team's quarterfinal loss to France after he attempted to turn and volley a shot only to kick an opponent in the face. Some things don't change apparently.

It was an interesting blast from the past to say the least.

Monday Morning Center Back (Altidore, Adu, Asia and Another coach fired)

Good morning all. The World Cup qualifying draw was this past weekend and it gave us plenty to look forward to in the next two years. from England's chance at revenge against Croatia to the USA drawing an easier path to the Hexagonal than Mexico.

We also had increasing talk about Jozy Altidore going to Europe. Real Madrid is ramping up its interest while Altidore has stated that he will only leave for the right situation. Is Real Madrid the right situation? Here is my column on Jozy's situation for ESPN.com. I'll try to make my point very clear. Altidore should spent one more season in MLS. That's it. A full year as a starter in MLS will help him far more than a year as a sub in Europe will. You can disagree, and some folks do, but that's my stance.

Here are some other tidbits from the weekend and today:

Red Bulls Expansion draft list is HERE

Here you go, some more news hot off the SBI presses.

Here is the Red Bulls expansion list:

Red Bulls trade Clint Mathis to Galaxy

Soccer By Ives has learned that the Red Bulls have traded Clint Mathis, the club's all-time goal-scoring leader, to the LA Galaxy for the Galaxy's third-round draft pick in the 2008 MLS Draft. I'll post more information as I get it.

The trade sends Mathis back to the Galaxy, the club where his MLS career started in 1998. It also completes his career with the Red Bulls/MetroStars. He finished with 45 career goals for the Red Bulls and MetroStars, breaking Gio Savarese's club record.

Now Mathis will join the circus in LA, which means teaming up with David Beckham and playing for new LA coach Ruud Gullit.

What do I think of the deal? I think Mathis still has something left and could have been a good option for the Red Bulls, assuming he would have taken a considerable paycut to play for the Red Bulls. Apparently technical director Jeff Agoos thought otherwise.

The deal also makes the Red Bulls' expansion list easier to put together.

What do you think of the trade? Share your thoughts below.

Red Bulls denied permission to interview Juan Carlos Osorio

The Red Bulls' search for a head coach to replace Bruce Arena has led them to Chicago head coach Juan Carlos Osorio. Sources have told SBI that the Red Bulls asked for permission to speak with Osorio about their vacant head coaching position. Chicago turned down the Red Bulls request but there is still a possibility that the Fire will grant the Red Bulls permission to speak to Osorio.

If the scenario sounds familar to Fire and Red Bulls fans, it should since it was five years ago when the MetroStars hired away then-Fire coach Bob Bradley to become the Metros head coach.

Red Bulls: Jozy is NOT for sale

The same day reports emerged from Spain linking Real Madrid to Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore, Red Bulls officials made it clear that the 18-year-old sensation is not for sale.

"He's not going anywhere," Red Bulls president Marc deGrandpre said on Friday night. "I've talked to Jozy and he knows he's a very important part of our future."

The Red Bulls are eager to keep Altidore around as long as possible and the temptation of a large transfer fee isn't likely to sway a parent company that isn't struggling for money.

Red Bulls complete purchase of AEG's share of Red Bull Park

The Red Bulls are set to announce the completion of their purchase of AEG's share of the Red Bull Park stadium project. Yes, finally.

This should pave the way for Red Bull to begin construction of Red Bull Park, at least in theory. As you know from reading SBI, the project is facing some issues that should delay the project. One Red Bulls official told me my new timetable for the project was inaccurate. It will be interesting to see if the club presents its fans with a new timetable for the project.

What do you think of the news? Happy? Indifferent? Saving any response for after you see some concrete and metal? Share your thoughts below.

Real Madrid eyeing Jozy Altidore

Real Madrid is after Jozy Altidore. That is the word emerging from Spain today as leading sports daily AS is reporting that Real is scouting the Red Bulls striker.

The lead to the article says it all. "Real Madrid is searching the international market for players who are young, talented and inexpensive, all qualities found in forward Jozy Altidore, the grand sensation of MLS.

WOW.

This winter's transfer window was always going to feature European teams taking a look at Altidore but now, with Real Madrid in the picture and Bruce Arena out as head coach, the chances that Altidore is sold this winter have increased tremendously. I always thought Altidore would play the 2008 MLS season before going abroad but there is mounting evidence to suggest that he will be leaving the Red Bulls come January.

What do you think of this development? Share your thoughts below

Dane Richards called up to Jamaican National Team

Red Bulls midfielder and MLS rookie of the year finalist Dane Richards has been called up to the Jamaican national team for friendlies against El Salvador (Nov. 18) and Guatemala (Nov. 21) in Kingston.

Red Bull Park looking at Fall '09 opening at best

If you are a Red Bulls fan who was hoping to take in games at the team's new stadium in 2009, you are going to have to wait longer than expected.

According to multiple sources, the proposed Red Bull Park stadium project in Harrison is looking at a completion by the fall of 2009 at best, with 2010 a possibility that is growing stronger by the day.

Don't look for Angel to leave just yet

Good morning folks. I know some of you Red Bulls fans out there are concerned about Juan Pablo Angel following Bruce Arena out the door. I wouldn't go that far just yet.

Angel had some very good things to say about his time with the Red Bulls and it actually sounds as if the Colombian striker is interested in signing an extension.

Red Bulls player reactions

If you were waiting to hear some negative comments from Red Bulls players about former coach Bruce Arena. Not only did just four players speak to the media on Tuesday, not had a single bad thing to say about Arena.

Juan Pablo Angel, Dave Van Den Bergh, Jon Conway and Clint Mathis were all interviewed and none of them took any shots at Arena. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise because there is no point for any of them to speak negatively about him now, even if any of them had a problem with him. He's already gone so speaking out would only make them look bad.

Claudio Reyna refused to be interviewed and walked out of the facility. He did speak to one writer whose story he was apparently very unhappy with.

Here is what some players actually did say:

My Arena column

Good morning folks. For those of you who haven't seen it, here is my column in today's Herald News on Bruce Arena's departure from the Red Bulls. It pretty much says it all.

Give it a read and share your thoughts on the column below.

Agoos' job to be eliminated

It is the kind of news that deserves its own press release and conference call but lost in the Red Bulls conference call to discuss Bruce Arena's 'resignation' was word that Jeff Agoos' position as technical director was being eliminated.

Agoos will become a candidate for the position of sporting director, a title Arena held along with head coach. While it may sound like a longshot that Agoos will be seriously considered, sources tell me that Red Bulls officials in Austria like Agoos and he is a strong candidate for the position.

Agoos still has the technical director position until a coach is named and will overseee the handling of the upcoming expansion draft, including the selection of which players to protect. That's a pretty big responsibility for a lame duck but Agoos will have every reason to handle it well.

Who will replace Bruce Arena?

The body of Bruce Arena's Red Bulls' coaching career isn't cold yet but it is never too soon to start talking about replacements.

Before I delve into the possibilities I want to hear from you. Name the coach you would like to see be the next to step up and take the most cursed coaching position in all of professional soccer.

Let's hear some suggestions. Fire away.

What Arena's departure means for Reyna

One popular notion stemming from Arena's resignation is that it will mean the definite departure of Red Bulls captain Claudio Reyna.

Don't be so sure.

Reyna may not be back in 2008, but his decision will have nothing to do with Arena. In fact, the two had a falling out earlier in the season and were barely on speaking terms by the end of the year. Their falling out had not been made public until now but the two clashed on several occasions on everything from the club's handling of Reyna's injuries to team training methods.

Arena out as Red Bulls coach (UPDATED)

Bruce Arena's tenure as head coach of the Red Bulls is over.

Soccer By Ives has learned that Arena has resigned as head coach and sporting director, ending his tenure with the team after his first full season with the club. Sources close to the team confirmed that the Red Bulls will announce Arena's departure on Tuesday.

The decision comes just two days after the Red Bulls' season ended with a playoff loss to New England. Arena posted an 18-16-11 regular season record as Red Bulls coach, a tenure that included a pair of first-round playoff losses.

Arena reached a buyout agreement with Red Bull for the remaining $1.2 million on his guaranteed contract. He was hired as Red Bulls coach shortly after being dismissed as the U.S. national team head coach after the team's disappointing performance in the 2006 World Cup.

So why did Arena and the Red Bulls part ways? Here are some factors to consider:

The Red Bulls season is over

So it's another year and another painful disappointment for the Red Bulls and I know you Red Bulls fans out there are ready to vent your frustrations. It was a roller coaster season, with glimpses of brilliance and moments of painful sheer pain.

Here is your chance to vent. Feel free to talk about this year and what you hated and loved about it. Talk about tonight's match or the whole season. Call it a support group if you will. I'm sure some of you need it right about now.

Fire away (just try to keep it clean).

Red Bulls at New England Revolution (Running Commentary)

Good evening folks. The game is a few minutes away and I will be doing the usual running commentary.

Follow the match below and share your comments on the match below:

MLS PLAYOFFS: Red Bulls at New England (The Pregame)

Good afternoon folks. I'm at Gillette Stadium and it is MISERABLE here. The combination of rain, cold and wind should make for an ugly game tonight (at least it isn't snowing like game two in 2005). On the bright side the football lines have been erased for the game.

Here are some updates for tonight's game:

Francis Doe is nursing an abdominal strain and is questionable for tonight's match.

No decision yet on Dave Van Den Bergh. He did make the trip but is a game-time decision. The team doesn't get here for another hour but when I get word on his status I will pass it along.

Also no word on the goalkeeper situation. If I had to guess I would expect Arena to stick with Conway.

Pat Noonan is questionable for the match. He has left training early the past few days and could be replaced by rookie Adam Cristman.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.

Red Bulls Practice Report (Thursday)

It was an interesting day at Red Bulls practice. No, Bruce Arena didn't put Jozy Altidore in goal, but there were some interesting nuggets relating to Clint Mathis, Dave Van Den Bergh and the goalkeeping situation.

Here is the rundown:

What lineup should the Red Bulls use vs. New England?

Hello folks. I'm about to head to Red Bulls practice and it's time to ask that familiar question. What lineup should Bruce Arena use in game two of the Red Bulls playoff series vs. New England?

Assuming everyone is healthy (which is still unclear with Dave Van Den Bergh's status in doubt), tell me the starting lineup and formation you would use if you coached the Red Bulls.

Fire away.

Red Bulls vs. Revolution (Running Commentary)

Good evening folks. I'm at Giants Stadium and we're a few minutes from kickoff. I will be doing a running commentary from tonight's match. Follow along and feel free to share your thoughts on the match below.

Enjoy the match:

Red Bulls announce 2007 Award winners

The New York Red Bulls announced the winners of their 2007 team awards on Friday. There weren't any real surprises:

• Most Valuable Player: Juan Pablo Angel
• Newcomer of the Year: Juan Pablo Angel
• Defender of the Year: Jeff Parke
• Young Player of the Year: Jozy Altidore
• Unsung Player of the Year: Jon Conway
• Humanitarian of the Year: Seth Stammler

Red Bulls practice Report

Good afternoon folks. I'm back from Red Bulls practice and here are some of the things I can report on:

• Claudio Reyna is healthy and should start on Saturday.
• Dave Van Den Bergh and Francis Doe trained and will be available for selection.

I know, not much, but the Red Bulls being as healthy as they have been all year is a pretty positive sign.

As for a starting lineup,

What lineup should Bruce Arena use?

Good morning folks. I'm about to head to Red Bulls practice so I can enjoy some of this great weather and I couldn't help but wonder what Red Bulls fans were thinking as far as a lineup they would like to see on Saturday against New England.

It's game one of the playoff series and a victory is a must. What starting XI would you want to see? Make your suggestion below.

Here is the starting XI I see Arena using:

Waterreus to retire at season's end

Ronald Waterreus' time in Major League Soccer will only last a year.

According to Red Bulls sources, Waterreus will retire from professional soccer at the end of the season, signaling the end to a 16-year professional career.

Waterreus started strongly for the Red Bulls before an ankle injury sidelined him and left him a shell of his former self upon his return. He recently lost the starting job to Jon Conway and appears unlikely to start for the Red Bulls when the playoffs begin next week.

Now that we know Waterreus' time is up, what did you think of his one-year term in MLS? Share your thoughts below.

Red Bulls at LA Galaxy (Your running commentary)

Good evening folks. We are about an hour from kickoff of the Red Bulls and Galaxy match and I'm afraid I won't be able to do a running commentary tonight but I figured I could put up a post to give you folks somewhere to discuss the match.

Here is the Red Bulls lineup for tonight's match:

Thierry Henry a future Red Bull?

There aren't many more famous and more talented soccer players in the world than Thierry Henry, so when the French striker and Barcelona star says he loves America and New York is the best city in the world, you have to take notice.

In an interview with the New York Times, Henry spelled out his affection for the United States and stated that he would love to play here one day.

SBI MLS Awards: Most Valuable Player

There is still a week left in the MLS regular season but with ballots for the MLS awards due this weekend I figured it was time to reveal my choices for the main awards.

Yes, I know, I wrote a column for ESPN two weeks ago stating my choices for the awards but some things have changed in those two weeks and I have changed at least two of my choices. I will offer up MVP today, MLS Coach of the Year tomorrow, MLS goalkeeper and defender of the year on Thursday and MLS Rookie of the year on Friday.

Today, we'll start with MLS MVP.

Red Bulls vs. Kansas City (Running Commentary)

Hello folks. Welcome to the running commentary for tonight's Red Bulls match against Kansas City.

When Bruce Arena hinted that some changes were coming, he wasn't kidding.

Arena has benched goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus and will start Jon Conway tonight. It is a move that needed to be made. Arena also made the defensive changes I predicted he would make, with Carlos Mendes in the middle and Hunter Freeman replacing Chris Leitch at right back.

It should be an intense match tonight. Enjoy:

Red Bulls Matchday 29

Good afternoon folks. Tonight is the final regular season home game for the Red Bulls and the match should have its share of drama.

Yes, the Red Bulls already qualified for the playoffs, but they still have enough issues to make things interesting. Bruce Arena is very likely to make changes to the Red Bulls shaky defense and we will get to see if the misfiring attack can start finishing the chances it has wasted in recent weeks.

I will be doing a running commentary from the match tonight so check in here tonight if you can't go to the match or if you don't have MSG2.

Here is what I see tonight's lineup looking like:

Red Bulls home playoff game set for Oct. 27th (NOT 20th)

The Red Bulls playoff game in the first round will be played on Saturday night, Oct. 27th. There was a chance the match would be picked up as the Thursday night playoff match but it was not so you can start making your plans for two weeks from Saturday.

Apologies for the wrong date earlier. I posted this on my way out the door and got the dates mixed up.

Defensive changes in store for the Red Bulls

Bruce Arena knows something is wrong, and he sounds ready to do something about it.

The it in this case is a Red Bulls defense that has allowed at least two goals in eight of the past nine matches. Arena was frank in stating that changes to the defense are very likely.

Off to Red Bulls practice

Good morning folks. I will be leaving the SBI compound for a while to go attend Red Bulls practice. I'll check back in this afternoon.

If there are any soccer news items that emerge while I'm gone feel free to post them below. I'll be checking in from practice.

New York Red Bulls vs. Toronto FC (Running Commentary)

Hello all. We're less than an hour from kickoff of the Red Bulls-Toronto FC game and I will be doing the customary running commentary on the match.

Follow the match here and feel free to share your comments on the match below. Let's start out with the Red Bulls' starting lineup for tonight's match:

Reyna doesn't travel (Red Bulls preview)

Red Bulls captain Claudio Reyna did not make the trip to Toronto for tonight's match against Toronto FC (7pm, ESPN2). He is still recovering from turf toe that caused him to leave last weekend's 2-2 tie with Real Salt Lake.

Here is my advance on tonight's match in today's Herald News. I talk about the right back position and whether Bruce Arena is ready to make a change (not likely). Chris Leitch looks like he will stay the starter the rest of the way barring some more bad performances like his last one against RSL. Hunter Freeman says he's ready to take his job back if given the chance.

Who will start tonight? Here's my crack at the starting lineup:

Red Bulls vs. Real Salt Lake (Running Commentary)

Good evening folks. I'm here at Giants STadium and the Red Bulls-REal Salt Lake match is about to kick off. Apologies for the absence of posts today. I had some non-work stuff to take care of today. I'm back now and ready to roll.

Let's get going. Follow the match here and feel free to share your thoughts on the match below:

Red Bulls practice report

Hello all. Apologies for the lack of posts today but I wanted to let that breaking news on the Seattle expansion team enjoy the spotlight. I've also been running around a bit today, attending Red Bulls practice and some other personal matters. Here are some tidbits from practice:

Who will the Red Bulls start down the stretch?

There are four games to go in the regular season for the Red Bulls and last week's 2-2 tie with New England marked the first time they used the same lineup two games in a row. That doesn't leave a lot of time for building continuity and familiarity.

It may not matter if the Red Bulls attack keeps playing as well as it did against New England. The team looks to be rounding into form at the right time and only the habitual mistakes of the back-line are keeping me from thinking they have a serious chance of making a run in the MLS