MLS Red Bull New York

New York Red Bulls Weekly Update

Published on January 18, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


RED BULLS TRAVEL TO SPAIN WEDNESDAY: The Red Bulls will take their first preseason trip of 2010 when they head to La Manga, Spain for two weeks from Wednesday, Jan. 20 to Feb. 4. Under new head coach Hans Backe, the Red Bulls will face off against Russia's CSKA Moscow and Rubin Kazan on Jan. 24 and Feb. 1, respectively and Poland's Lech Poznan on Jan. 27.

Both Russian teams competed in this year's UEFA Champions League, with CSKA qualifying for the first knockout round, where they will face Spain's Sevilla in a two-leg, home-and-home series starting on Feb. 24. Rubin Kazan placed third in Group F and was put into the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 draw, where it will take on Israel's Hapoel Tel Aviv on Feb. 18. Lech Poznan qualified for the UEFA Europa League but it was knocked out by Belgium's Club Brugge in qualifying rounds on penalty kicks after the teams were tied 1-1 on aggregate last August.

Fans can follow the team's on a daily basis by logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com or on Red Bulls Reader, the team's official blog - www.redbullsreader.com.

After returning to the United States, the Red Bulls will travel to Florida in February, with final dates to be determined. New York opens brand-new Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ on March 27, when it hosts the Chicago Fire at 7:00 PM ET.

RED BULLS, SPORTING CHANCE TO RAISE MONEY FOR HAITI: Red Bull New York and midfielder Seth Stammer's charitable nonprofit organization, Sporting Chance Foundation (SCF), will raise money for the victims of last week's earthquake in Haiti by offering fans exclusive tours of the team's new home, Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, NJ. Every fan who donates $100 to SCF will receive two tickets to an intimate tour of Red Bull Arena with a Red Bull player. All of the proceeds will go to SCF, which will send the funds to Haiti as part of the worldwide relief effort.

Reservations for the tour can be made from Jan. 18-Feb. 5 by contacting Christina Giunta at 201.583.7017 (Christina.Giunta@newyorkredbulls.com) or Kate Brewster-Duffy at 201.583-7000 ext. 7123 (Comm.Coord@newyorkredbulls.com). The tours will take place the week of Feb. 8-13. Space is limited.

About Sporting Chance Foundation: Sporting Chance Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created in 2007 after Stammler and former teammates, Jozy Altidore and Jerrod Laventure, traveled to the Caribbean nation on a six-day service trip in late 2006. The two missions of SCF are to provide clean, potable water and academic scholarships to the Haitian people. In his first trip since he started SCF, Stammler and teammate, Jeremy Hall, went to Haiti in Dec. 2009 to grant academic scholarships to 60 students and visit the first water well that SCF helped build. For more information on SCF or to make a contribution, log onto www.sportingchancefoundation.org.

RED BULLS ADD FIVE IN BUSY DRAFT DAY: Red Bull New York added five players to their roster the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, held at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA on Jan. 14. New York selected University of Virginia midfielder Tony Tchani and Wake Forest University midfielder Austin da Luz in the first round (2nd, 14th overall, respectively), Saint Louis University defender Tim Ream in the second round (18th), University of San Francisco forward Conor Chinn in the third round (34th) and University of California - Irvine midfielder/forward Irving Garcia in the fourth round (50th). In addition, New York acquired defender Chris Albright from the New England Revolution in exchange for a second round (31st overall) pick and third round (48th overall) pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.

Part of the 2010 MLS Generation adidas class, Tchani (pronounced CHA-nee) scored eight goals and recorded four assists in 2009. The 6-4, 185-pound midfielder earned spots on the ACC All-Tournament Team, NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team and All-ACC second team. In his freshman season in 2008, Tchani earned the ACC Freshman of the Year award, garnering nine goals and three assists. The 20-year-old 2009 First Team All-American from Norfolk, VA, was a key component in Virginia's NCAA Championship run last season. New York's second overall pick was the highest selection it has had in the draft since 2006, when it took defender Marvell Wynne out of UCLA with the first overall pick.

"My goals are first of all, to make the team, second, reach the playoffs and third, maybe win the MLS Cup," Tchani said. "All I can say is that I will do my best for my team."

Da Luz, 22, played four seasons at Wake Forest and was a 2009 First Team All-ACC selection. A left winger in college, Da Luz (pronounced dah-LOSE) played and started in 24 games last season, posting career-highs in goals (6) and assists (15). Over his career, the 5-10, 160-pounder from Winston-Salem, NC, featured in 83 games, scoring 11 goals and 39 assists. He was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Nike Carolina Classic in 2008.

"I couldn't be more excited to go to such a high-profile organization. With a new coach, new stadium, everything looks amazing so I could not be more happy about it," da Luz said.

With their third pick, the Red Bulls selected the 6-1, 160-pound Ream. In his four seasons, Ream, a central defender from St. Louis, MO, played in 82 games - missing only one match in his career. During his senior season, the NSCAA Third Team All-American and three-time NSCAA First Team All Mid Atlantic Region selection recorded six goals and five assists - earning the Atlantic-10 Conference Defender of the Year award.

In the third round, New York picked Chinn, a 6-0, 180-pound forward from San Diego, CA, who was the 2008 WCC Player of the Year after scoring a career-high 17 goals. In his senior season, Chinn, 22, was a 2009 First Team All-WCC selection, tallying 10 goals and three assists. He was a two-time All-Far West Region pick and played in 76 games over four years at USF.

The Red Bulls' final pick was Garcia, a 5-5, 140-pound midfielder/forward from San Luis, AZ. Garcia was a NSCAA / Performance Subaru Third Team All-American, College Soccer News Second Team All-American and a 2008 First Team All-Big West selection. Last season, he scored eight goals and nine assists. He played 45 games in two seasons at Irvine.

RED BULLS ACQUIRE ALBRIGHT: Red Bull New York announced on Jan. 14 that it acquired defender and U.S. Men's National Team veteran Chris Albright from the New England Revolution in exchange for a 2010 MLS SuperDraft second round pick (31st overall) and third round pick (48th overall).

"We consider that Chris has the potential to again be one of the top right backs in MLS. His resume of winning three MLS Cups and playing for the U.S. Men's National Team speaks for itself and we are confident that he can provide leadership and ability to our back line," said Red Bull New York Sporting Director and General Manager Erik Soler.

Albright, who was acquired by the Revolution on Jan. 18, 2008 from the Los Angeles Galaxy in exchange for allocation money, is an experienced veteran in Major League Soccer, winning three MLS Cup titles with D.C. United in 1999 and the Galaxy in 2002 and 2005. In 2009, the three-time MLS All-Star started in one game in April before missing the rest of the season due to left knee injuries. Albright underwent meniscus surgery on April 22.

In his first year for New England, Albright set new career highs by starting and appearing in 26 of 30 games. The 30-year-old made 32 appearances in all competitions and helped New England win the 2008 SuperLiga, scoring the winning penalty kick.

Prior to joining New England, Albright spent six seasons with Los Angeles, accumulating seven goals and 18 assists in 111 regular season appearances. While with the Galaxy, Albright, who has earned 22 caps for the U.S. Men's National Team, was selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad. The Galaxy acquired the Philadelphia, PA native and a second-round selection (24th overall) in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft from D.C. United in exchange for Los Angeles' first and second round 2002 MLS SuperDraft picks and a 2003 conditional SuperDraft pick.

Albright started his MLS career with D.C. United in 1999 and made 56 appearances over three seasons. After he was allocated to the Miami Fusion as a Nike Project-40 player, he was traded, along with John Maessner, to United for Brian Kamler. Albright attended the University of Virginia between 1997-98.

SUPERDRAFT QUOTE SHEET: Here were some excerpts from Red Bulls players and coaches after the 2010 MLS SuperDraft in Philadelphia, PA on Jan. 14:

New York Red Bulls General Manager & Sporting Director Erik Soler

On midfielder Tony Tchani:

"I've seen him as a central defensive midfield player, I have a feeling he might be better as a box-to-box midfielder because of his size."

"When you get a guy of that size with technical ability and also, you can see he can run and has a good heart, those are the qualities you need to look for. It's not that often that big guys have that quality with their feet."

On midfielder Austin Da Luz:

"He's a very technical player. He's got great feet and has the ability to pass people. We are trying to find players who can play in different positions and obviously, his best position is wide left, but he can also play inside. He's has good skill and we're trying to look for player that are really able to play with the ball at their feet and make combinations."

On defender Tim Ream:

"He was very mature in the way he played. For a 22-year-old kid, he has a very good left foot. I've been a defender all of my life and I like the way he organized his players. I think he can be a very good option with Roy Miller."

Red Bulls First Round (2nd Overall) Selection Tony Tchani

On his goals:

"My goals are first of all, to make the team, second, reach the playoffs and third, maybe win the MLS Cup," Tchani said. "All I can say is that I will do my best for my team."

On Juan Pablo Angel:

He's a great soccer player. I have seen him play a couple of times. I really like him. After the combine.

On being selected:

"I was so nervous, I was just like, 'Wow, this is a big day.' I told myself to just go and do it."

New York Red Bulls Head Coach Hans Backe

On selecting Tony Tchani:

"We were talking about what kind of position, the possibilities and we were looking at some midfield players. He's physical, he's very confident on the ball, that's for sure. I still think even if he's been playing more (defensively), he can still be a good box-to-box midfielder."

On whether Tchani can play immediately:

"It's difficult to say in the first year, but when talking to Richie (Williams) and the scouts watching him, I think definitely, he can play this season."

On Chris Albright:

"I know of his ability and I think it's interesting for us to get a player with that experience, so hopefully everything works out with his rehab.

"I talked to Richie about it and he is an experienced full back, he can also be an attacking full back."

New York Red Bulls First Round (14th Overall) Selection Austin Da Luz

On joining the Red Bulls:

"I couldn't be more excited to go to such a high-profile organization. With a new coach, new stadium, everything looks amazing so I could not be more happy about it."

On the pressure building up to the draft:

"It was a just lot of uncertainty. This is a big day, finding out where you're going to spend the rest of the years in your life and what direction your life is going to head. It's just nice to know that I'm wanted by such a great organization. I'm looking forward to playing for them."

New York Red Bulls defender Chris Albright

On his fitness:

"I still have some rehab left so I'm just trying to concentrate on what the trainers I've been working with have told me. I spoke to Rick Guter, the trainer in New York, and I don't want to set a timeframe of when I'll be fit by, but I feel good."

On his goals this season:

"I really missed the game last year. I missed close to the whole year and you realize how much you miss it. Number one, I'm just happy to be able to get to the field and train on a daily basis. I think at the same time, there's no secret. I think the league really needs New York to be good and I spoke to Erik (Soler) and Hans (Backe) today and they seem like they have a vision of turning it around and making it a successful franchise."

RED BULLS UNVEIL BACKE TO MEDIA: Red Bull New York introduced head coach Hans Backe (pronounced BAH-kuh) to the local media on Jan. 13 at Red Bull Arena's Bulls Corner, located on the stadium's third level. Backe was named the team's new head coach on Jan. 7. He retained assistant coach Richie Williams and goalkeeper coach Des McAleenan for his staff. Jeremy Holsopple will also join the staff as the team's Strength and Conditioning Coach. Media members can request for a full transcript of the press conference by contacting Brian Tsao of the Red Bulls Communications Department (brian.tsao@newyorkredbulls.com).

"I have followed Hans' career for many years and I think he will be an excellent coach for this team," said Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "Hans brings a vast amount of experience from a variety of different clubs in Europe and he has been a fantastic mentor for many young and established players. We are confident that he will be able to help our club accomplish our goal of competing for a MLS Cup."

"I am pleased that Richie Williams and Des McAleenan will remain with the club," Soler continued. "They are both important to the success of the organization with their depth of player and league knowledge."

"I am extremely excited to join the Red Bulls," Backe said. "It is evident with the stadium and the resources available that Red Bull is very committed to making this club the best in Major League Soccer. I hope that I can bring my expertise to the club and build a winning squad for our supporters."

Backe enjoyed success in a number of European leagues, capturing four Danish titles with FC Copenhagen (2000-01, 2002-03 and 2003-04) and Aalborg BK (1998-99). He also won the Danish Cup in 2004 and the Danish Super Cup in 2001 and 2004 with Copenhagen. Backe was with Aalborg from 1998-2000 and headed Copenhagen from 2001-05.

The 57-year-old Swede joins the Red Bulls after a short stint with English League Two side, Notts County. Prior to being hired by Notts County, Backe worked as an assistant manager at Manchester City in the English Premiership with former England National Team manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, from 2007-08. Backe later joined Eriksson's staff when Eriksson became the Mexican National Team head coach on June 3, 2008.

Backe started his illustrious career with Swedish club, Djurgardens IF, before moving to other major teams in Scandinavia including Stabek, Hammarby IF, Osters IF and AIK. He has also coached at SV Salzburg and Greek Super League team, Panathinakos. Before coaching, Backe played professionally for a number of Swedish clubs, including AIK and IF Brommapojkarna. Backe also worked as a soccer analyst and commentator for Swedish TV4 and was an advisor to Osters IF.

FULL SEASON PLANS ARE ON SALE: The Red Bulls will open its regular season slate at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, March 27, 2010, when they host the Chicago Fire at 7:00 PM ET for the start their 2010 MLS Regular Season slate. The game will be telecast nationally on ESPN2.

Full Season Ticket Plans for the Red Bulls' first season at Red Bull Arena are on sale now. Midfield seats in the 100-Level are already sold out, but good seats are still available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.

Fans are urged to secure their season tickets and seat locations as soon as possible. Ticket prices for the 2010 season range from just $272 to $585 per seat. Seating at Red Bull Arena is as close as seven yards from the touchline and all seats are covered underneath a dynamic 360-degree roof. Club Seats for the 2010 season are also on sale. For just $3,000 per seat, these premium seats are located behind the team bench, and enjoy several unique features, including access to a private club for all-inclusive food and beverage service.

The prices for 2010 Full Season Ticket Plans are as follows:

Club Seats: $3,000

Midfield: $585

Sideline: $425

Corner Flag: $335

Endline: $299

Supporters: $272

SOLER APPOINTED GM/SPORTING DIRECTOR: Red Bull New York announced on Dec. 7 the appointment of Erik Solér as its General Manager and Sporting Director. The appointment was made by Dietmar Beiersdorfer, Head of Red Bull Global Soccer. Solér will be responsible for the overall management of the New York Red Bulls, including its sporting division - comprised of the First Team, the Red Bulls Academy, its developmental system and scouting.

"Erik Solér is highly respected in the international soccer world," Beiersdorfer said. "We are excited to appoint him as General Manager and Sporting Director. We are convinced that he has the leadership qualities and the experience in developing a soccer culture that is crucial to bringing our club to the level everybody here in New York and New Jersey expects -- to make the New York Red Bulls a winning MLS franchise."

Solér, 49, joins the Red Bulls after a successful career as a player, agent, broadcaster and executive. From 2002-2008, he served as the co-owner and chairman of the board at Norwegian club, IK Start. He has also served as a TV expert-commentator for ViaSat in Norway since 1998, covering the UEFA Champions League and the Norwegian National Team. In 1995, Solér founded International Sports Management Group (ISM), and served as its CEO until 2000, as the agency was sold to Proactive Sports. He remained with Proactive until 2002, when he purchased an interest in IK Start. He also served as founder and CEO of a management consultancy and recruitment company beginning in 1993 that was sold in 2001 to TMP Worldwide, a NASDAQ-listed company.

As a player, Solér started his career in his hometown of Lillestrøm, Norway, with Lillestrøm SK of the Norwegian league from 1978-1983. He left the club for a short stay in the Norwegian league's Eik-Tønsberg in 1983, before being transferred to Hamburger SV (HSV) of the German Bundesliga, where he played from 1984-1986. After one and a half seasons in HSV, he returned to Norway, signing for SK Brann from 1986-1987. In 1988, he joined AGF Aarhus and scored the decisive goal in the Danish Cup. He later retuned to Lillestrøm to finish his playing career in 1988 and his club won the Norwegian League championship. Solér is a graduate of Oslo University with a degree in Psychology.

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 18, 2010


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