MLS Red Bull New York

Red Bulls Host Chivas USA Wednesday Seeking Franchise-Best Sixth Straight Win

Published on May 21, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


RED BULLS TRY FOR FRANCHISE-BEST SIXTH STRAIGHT WIN AGAINST CHIVAS USA

The first-place Red Bulls return to Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night when they host Chivas USA at 7:00 PM ET (TV: MSG+, Univision Deportes; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM).

On Saturday, New York won its fifth straight match, defeating the Montreal Impact 2-1 in come-from-behind fashion at Olympic Stadium. Kenny Cooper's penalty in the 37th minute, his team-leading 10th goal of the season, canceled out Bernardo Corradi's 22nd minute opener, also taken from the spot. Dane Richards notched his first goal of the season, the lone tally in the second half of the match, in the 67th minute to give the Red Bulls all three points. With the win, the Red Bulls kept their place atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 8-3-1, 25 points.

On Wednesday, New York will look to win its sixth straight game for the first time in franchise history. New York has now won five straight four times in club history. The current streak ties the runs from July 1-22, 2000, April 28-May 16, 2001 and April 26-May 24, 2003.

New York welcomes in Chivas USA, which currently sits in sixth place in the Western Conference. The Goats have a record of 4-6-1 and 13 points and are coming off a 1-0 victory in their SuperClasico rivalry match with the Los Angeles Galaxy this past weekend. Last season, New York failed to defeat Chivas in two tries. On May 15 at Red Bull Arena, Justin Braun notched a hat trick in a 3-2 win for the visitors and the teams played to a scoreless draw at The Home Depot Center on July 16. All-time, the Red Bulls are 4-5-5 vs. Chivas USA.

JUAN PABLO ANGEL EXPECTED TO RETURN TO RED BULL ARENA

The match will mark the expected return to Red Bull Arena for New York's all-time goals leader, Chivas USA forward Juan Pablo Angel. Angel came to the Red Bulls in May 2007 after a decorated career with England's Aston Villa and River Plate in Argentina. During his first season in New York, despite playing in just 24 games, he finished second in Major League Soccer with 19 goals. Throughout his Red Bulls career which lasted through the 2010 season, in regular season play, the Colombian made 102 appearances, scoring 58 goals and adding 14 assists. Angel also scored four goals in MLS Cup Playoff and U.S. Open Cup play, giving him a franchise-best 62 all-time goals in all competitions. Angel spent part of last season with the Los Angeles Galaxy before being traded in midseason to city rivals Chivas USA.

Additionally, the Red Bulls and Chivas swapped players last week, with New York sending forward Juan Agudelo to the Goats in exchange for defender Heath Pearce. Pearce joined Chivas in 2011 after two seasons with FC Dallas. Last year with the Goats, Pearce played in 30 matches, starting 29, and added three assists in 2,581 minutes. Pearce made his Red Bulls debut on Saturday against Montreal, starting and going the full 90 in the Red Bulls' one-goal win.

Agudelo, who will not be available for Wednesday's match due to U.S. National Team duty, came up through the Red Bulls Academy, signing with the first team in 2010. He made 33 regular season appearances for New York, notching six goals and two assists. He earned the start in his first match with Chivas last week, playing 76 minutes in the victory over the Galaxy.

LAST WEEK

Red Bulls 2, Montreal Impact 1 at Olympic Stadium on Saturday, May 19

THIS WEEK

Red Bulls vs. Chivas USA at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, May 23 at 7:00 PM ET (TV: MSG+, Univision Deportes; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM)

NEXT WEEK

2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Third Round "" Red Bulls will host Reading United AC on Tuesday, May 29 at 7:00 PM OR visit Charleston Battery at 7:30 PM ET on Tuesday, May 29.

RED BULLS NOTCH FIFTH STRAIGHT WIN, COME BACK TO BEAT MONTREAL 2-1

Despite playing with 10 men for over 30 minutes, the first place New York Red Bulls tied a club record with its fifth-straight MLS regular season win, coming from behind to defeat the Montreal Impact, 2-1, at Olympic Stadium Saturday night. Midfielder Dane Richards scored the game-winning goal in the 67th minute, as New York improved to 25 points off an 8-3-1 record. Forward Kenny Cooper also found the back of the net while newly acquired U.S. international defender Heath Pearce played the full 90 minutes in the victory.

In a back and forth opening interval, Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara came up big in the 14th minute, going to his right to palm away a Sanna Nyassi volley from 15-yards-out. On the other end, Dax McCarty got a free look on goal from Brandon Barklage's corner kick and his goal bound attempt was deflected by an Impact player.

Montreal took the lead in the 22nd minute after referee Ismail Elfath ruled that New York defender Markus Holgersson handled an Impact cross. Bernardo Corradi stepped up and buried the spot kick to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.

New York snatched a penalty kick goal of its own 15 minutes later. Richards' cross hit the arm of Montreal's Tyson Wahl, who was sliding in the box, and Elfath again pointed to the spot. Cooper went to take the kick and recorded his team-high 10th goal of the season to tie the game, knocking it into the top right corner of the net.

In the second half, the Red Bulls immediately looked to take the lead as Joel Lindpere's shot from outside the penalty box was caught by a diving Donovan Ricketts. Moments later, Victor Palsson won the ball in midfield, drove towards goal and slid it to Cooper, who pulled a left-footed roller past the right post. In the 54th minute, Miguel Montano ran into space on the right side of the penalty box and hit it wide left. The Red Bulls were reduced to 10 men four minutes later, as Palsson earned his second yellow card of match and was ejected from the game.

The Impact hoped to capitalize on its man advantage and Felipe Martins got close in the 63rd minute, hitting a long range shot that beat Meara and slammed off the left post.

New York persisted to score however, and went 2-1 up in the 67th minute. Lindpere had space on the left wing, slid it to Roy Miller and the Costa Rican's one-time cross was parried by Ricketts. Richards was first to the rebound and fired it into ceiling of the net.

With the defense under intense pressure from the Impact, Meara preserved the three points for New York, diving to block a Nyassi drive in the 90th minute.

The Red Bulls were missing several players due to injury, including forward Thierry Henry (right hamstring), midfielder Rafa Marquez (left Achilles) and defenders Jan Gunnar Solli (left quadriceps), Wilman Conde (groin strain) and Stephen Keel (back injury).

GREAT DANE

Dane Richards picked a great time to notch his first goal of 2012, slamming home a rebound in the 67th minute to give the Red Bulls a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Impact on Saturday. Richards continues to climb up the ladder in many individual categories. The goal was his 21st career in the regular season, tying him with Adolfo Valencia for eighth on the club's all-time list. In the win, Richards also made his 142nd all-time regular season appearance for the club. If Richards plays on Wednesday vs. Chivas, he will pass john Wolyniec and Seth Stammler into third on the team's all-time game played list. He trails only Carlos Mendes (146) and Mike Petke (169). Additionally, Richards is third in assists all-time with 25.

COOPER CAN'T STOP

Red Bulls forward Kenny Cooper notched his team-leading 10th goal of the season in Saturday's win with the Montreal Impact, evening the match on 37 minutes from the penalty spot. Cooper is second in MLS this season, trailing only San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski by a single goal for the league lead. Cooper now has scored 58 all-time regular season MLS goals, which places him 22nd all-time in league history in goals.

PEARCE DEBUT

Defender Heath Pearce made his Red Bulls debut on Saturday against the Impact, starting the match and playing all 90 minutes in New York's 2-1 victory. Pearce has played in 10 matches for Chivas USA this season before being dealt to New York on Thursday in exchange for Juan Agudelo. The California-born Pearce has made 75 career MLS appearances with 10 assists, and has also earned 35 caps for the United States National Team.

FOUR RED BULLS CALLED IN FOR INTERNATIONAL DUTY

The New York Red Bulls announced that Roy Miller (Costa Rica), Rafa Marquez (Mexico), Joel Lindpere (Estonia) and Dane Richards (Jamaica) have all been called up by their respective national teams for upcoming friendly matches at the end of May. Miller, Marquez and Richards will spend additional time away as their teams will begin qualification in the CONCACAF region for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

All four Red Bulls will depart on May 24 following New York's match against Chivas USA on May 23 at Red Bull Arena at 7:00 PM ET (TV: MSG+, Univision Deportes; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM). For tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.

Miller will join his native Costa Rica for a home-and-home pair of friendlies with CONCACAF rivals Guatemala on May 25 (San Jose, Costa Rica) and June 1 (Guatemala City, Guatemala). Costa Rica will begin play in Group B of CONCACAF's World Cup Qualifying group stage on June 8 when they host El Salvador. The Ticos then continue qualifying on June 12 when they visit Guyana in Georgetown. The defender has received 27 caps for the Ticos in his international career. Miller is off to a hot start for New York this season, propelling a potent attack with four assists in nine games.

Marquez won't have to travel far as Mexico takes on Wales at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, on May 27, before playing a second friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Chicago on May 31. Mexico's final tune-up for World Cup qualifying sees them face off against five-time World Cup winners Brazil in a friendly on June 3 in Arlington, TX. El Tri then begins the Group Stage of World Cup Qualifying on June 8 when they host Guyana and continues four days later in a road tilt against El Salvador. Marquez, a longtime fixture on the Mexican National Team, has recorded 110 caps for El Tri over his career. Marquez has recorded two assists in five games so far this season with the Red Bulls.

Lindpere and Estonia will enjoy a tough test against upcoming UEFA Euro 2012 participants Croatia and tournament co-host Ukraine. Estonia takes on Croatia May 25 in Rijeka, Croatia before facing Ukraine May 28 in Kufstein, Ukraine. Estonia will also host Finland in Tartu, Estonia on June 1 and visit France on June 5. Lindpere has appeared 77 times for his country since first making his debut for his country when he was 18. The midfielder is in fine form, scoring twice in the past four matches for the Red Bulls.

Richards joins Jamaica for their upcoming pair of friendlies with Panama on May 27 in Kingston, Jamaica and June 1 in Panama City. The home-and-home will help prepare The Reggae Boyz for the Group Stage of CONCACAF's qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will begin on June 8 against Guatemala in Kingston. On June 12, Richards and Jamaica play their second Group Stage game, visiting Antigua and Barbuda. The speedy midfielder is looking to earn his 36th cap for Jamaica, and has scored seven goals on the international stage. This season, Richards has played in 12 games, starting all, and has registered one goal and one assist.

RED BULLS ACQUIRE U.S. NATIONAL TEAM DEFENDER HEATH PEARCE

The New York Red Bulls announced May 17 they acquired U.S. National Team defender Heath Pearce, allocation money and future considerations from Chivas USA in exchange for forward Juan Agudelo.

"Heath is a very talented and versatile defender who will bring immediate experience to our defense. We have been long-time fans of his game and think that he will be an important player in our squad. In addition, we obtained a significant amount of financial flexibility moving forward with this trade. It was a deal we could not turn down," said New York Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler.

"To obtain someone of Heath's pedigree and gain substantial financial considerations, we had to trade Juan "" an exciting player with potential," Soler added. "In our discussions with Juan, he voiced that he wanted to have more time playing first team soccer and even explore the option of moving to another team. We wanted to help him achieve this goal and further develop his career. It has been rewarding to watch Juan develop both as a player and a person within our Academy and First Team and we think that playing for Chivas USA will be a great new opportunity for his career. We wish him the best of luck in the future."

Pearce was in the midst of his fourth season in Major League Soccer, playing every minute of Chivas USA's 10 games this year. Last year, Pearce, who has played in every defensive position during his career, featured in 30 games, notching three assists. The Modesto, CA native was acquired by Chivas USA from FC Dallas on Feb. 15, 2011 in exchange for allocation money. With FC Dallas, Pearce was part of the side that made the final of the 2010 MLS Cup. In that season, Pearce featured in 28 games, notching six assists.

Pearce joined FC Dallas in Sept. 2009 after playing in Danish Superliga side Nordsjælland (2005-07) and German team Hansa Rostock (2007-09). With Nordsjælland, Pearce notched 75 appearances and scored two goals before moving to Hansa Rostock, playing in 31 games.

Pearce has earned 35 caps for the United States National Team, making his debut on Nov. 12, 2005 against Scotland. The 5-10, 175-pound defender helped the U.S. qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was named to the 30-man preliminary roster. Pearce was also a member of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup squad and started five games in the Americans' run to the final of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

He played college soccer at the University of Portland and also featured for the Bradenton Academics in the USL Premier Development League.

Agudelo, a graduate of the Red Bulls Academy, featured in 33 games since he became professional in 2010, starting 13, and scoring six goals and two assists. This year, Agudelo has played in four games. He has earned 15 caps for the U.S. National Team.

RED BULLS LEARN POSSIBLE OPPNENTS FOR U.S. OPEN CUP THIRD ROUND MATCH

The pairings for the Third Round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were announced by U.S. Soccer - the first stage of the knockout tournament involving 16 MLS teams including New York. On May 29, the New York Red Bulls will either host PDL side Reading United AC at Red Bull Arena at 7:00 PM or travel to Blackbaud Stadium to face USL PRO squad the Charleston Battery in Charleston, SC at 7:30 PM depending on the outcome of the Second Round match between Reading and the Battery on May 22 at Blackbaud Stadium.

The 99th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup includes a random selection process for determining home teams from the first round through the quarterfinals among clubs that have applied to host. The process, conducted by a coin flip, gives participating teams with venues meeting tournament standards an equal chance at hosting their possible opponent for these rounds.

The first round concluded on Tuesday, May 15, and all Division I, II and III professional clubs are participating in the tournament proper for the first time ever. The Division I field includes all 16 U.S.-based Major League Soccer teams, which is double the representation from the past five years and the first time since 2006 that all Division I teams are taking part.

All-time in U.S. Open Cup play, New York is 14-13. The Red Bulls are a perfect 4-0 in U.S. Open Cup play at Red Bull Arena. Last year, New York defeated USL-Pro side FC New York, 2-1, in the Third Round before falling to the Chicago Fire 4-0 in a Fourth Round match. New York's best Open Cup campaign was back in 2003, when the club lost in the tournament final to Chicago.

New York is 0-2 all-time against Charleston in U.S. Open Cup play, getting knocked out in the Second Round on June 26, 2001, 4-1, and in the Fourth Round on July 20, 2004, 1-0. Both games took place at Blackbaud Stadium. New York has never faced Reading United in Open Cup action.

Created in 1914, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the United States. The single-elimination tournament, which is similar to the prestigious English FA Cup, is open to all amateur and professional teams affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation (U.S.S.F).

Red Bulls Possible Third Round U.S. Open Cup Scenarios:

Reading United AC (PDL) at New York Red Bulls (MLS): Red Bull Arena; Harrison, N.J.; 7 PM ET

OR

New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Charleston Battery (USL PRO): Blackbaud Stadium; Charleston, S.C.; 7:30 PM ET

RED BULL ARENA TO HOST MESSI, ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM IN PRACTICE ON JUNE 7

The New York Red Bulls and Cardenas Marketing Network announced that Red Bull Arena will play host to Lionel Messi and the Argentina National Team in an open practice Thursday, June 7 at 7:00 PM ET.

Messi, a three-time FIFA Player of the Year winner, travels stateside with his national team for a highly anticipated friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup champion Brazil June 9 at MetLife Stadium. The match, which sold out in just over three weeks, is the fastest-selling soccer match in U.S. history.

Tickets for the Argentina open practice are on sale and can be purchased by calling 877.RB.SOCCER or by visiting tickets.newyorkredbulls.com.

New York Red Bulls Stampede Members will receive a free ticket to the Argentina National Team training session at Red Bull Arena as part of their Season Ticket welcome gift.

Red, Yellow and Blue members will have until 11:00 AM ET on Friday, June 1 to RSVP and redeem their free admission to this unique event. A separate email with information and instructions will be sent directly to all of the team's season ticket holders.

"The match was sold out in less than 20 days. We thought an open practice at a state-of-the-art facility like Red Bull Arena would serve as the next best thing for fans without a ticket to the match," said CMN Sports Chief Executive Officer Henry Cardenas. "When Argentina and Brazil face off, the soccer world watches, and die-hard fans will enjoy watching some of the world's best players up close preparing for the big match. It's going to be a tremendous week of soccer in New York."

"We are thrilled to be hosting Argentina - widely known as one of the top teams in international soccer," said New York Red Bulls President, Business Operations Chris Heck. "At Red Bull Arena, we provide a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for our fans and supporters and we expect that this event will be a great opportunity for Red Bulls Season Ticket Holders, soccer lovers and sports enthusiasts across the New York area to see some of the best players in the world."

Both Brazil and Argentina played the U.S. National Team at MetLife Stadium on August 10, 2010 and March 26, 2011, respectively. The return trip is undoubtedly a must-see event for soccer fans living in the New York area.

Argentina, home to one of the sport's most iconic figures, Diego Maradona, is one of only five nations to hoist multiple World Cups and is a 14-time continental champion. Brazil is largely considered the most successful federation in international soccer, home to many of the sport's icons, including Pele, Ronaldo, and current Real Madrid superstar Kaka. Brazil is the only nation to win five World Cups and is an eight-time continental champion.

RED BULLS TO HOST TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR ON JULY 31 AT RED BULL ARENA

The New York Red Bulls will face English Premiership club, Tottenham Hotspur, on Tuesday, July 31, at Red Bull Arena as part of the inaugural New York Invitational Cup. Kickoff time and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

Red Bulls Full Season Ticket Holders will have this match included in their plans as "Event 18" (out of 20). Season Ticket Holders will have access to an exclusive team meet-and-greet, as well as an open practice and autograph session. Fans can purchase tickets for the Tottenham match through an exclusive three-game pack by logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com or calling 1.877.RBSOCCER.

"Tottenham has been one of the top EPL teams over the past several years and we are thrilled to play host to them at Red Bull Arena," said Chris Heck, New York Red Bulls President, Business Operations. "We are also excited to bring an elite international club as a reward for our season ticket holders and the supporters for both clubs. There will be several exciting events prior to, during and after the match that will have the direct involvement of fans and we are looking forward to revealing more details later this spring."

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to take part in the inaugural New York Invitational Cup. We enjoyed an excellent match against the Red Bulls during our last tour to the US and we expect this game to be equally competitive," said Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy. "In recent years, we have seen a significant rise in the number of Spurs fans across the USA and especially in and around New York and New Jersey. This match presents us with a great opportunity to give something back to those fans and also introduce new supporters to the Spurs way of playing soccer."

Tottenham, also known as Spurs, finished fourth in the 2011-12 Barclays Premier League. The London-based club boasts a number of top international players including Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale, Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart and Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. In addition, former U.S. Men's National Team standout goalkeeper Brad Friedel plays for Spurs.

Tottenham came to Red Bull Arena on July 22, 2010 as part of the New York Football Challenge and won, 2-1, behind goals from Robbie Keane and Bale. New York forward and former Arsenal FC star Thierry Henry made his Red Bulls debut in that match and scored in the first half. The Red Bulls have a 1-1-1 record all-time against English Premier League sides and are 42-26-15 in international play.

RED BULLS ACADEMY UPDATE: U-14s Finish Regular season at 27-1-3, U-18s Sweep Division Matches This Weekend: Three sides from the Red Bulls Academy were in action this weekend, highlighted by the Under-14 Red Bulls completing their regular season with a victory to finish the year with a stellar 27-1-3 overall record. This weekend, the U-14s found themselves in a back-and-forth affair against the PA Classics, but eventually came out on top with a 3-2 win. Gideon Metrikin opened the scoring, putting the Red Bulls ahead early, but the Classics were able to tie the match up at the start of the second half. Metrikin once again put the Red Bulls in front, only to see the Classics even the score once more. However, the Red Bulls ultimately earned the 3-2 victory when Jerel Blades blasted one into the back of the net. The U-14 Red Bulls will begin the playoffs in two weeks.

The Under-18 Red Bulls swept their two division matches this weekend, beginning on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over FC Westchester. The Red Bulls enjoyed the better of the play early on, with a few quick scoring chances just failing to click. However, in the 13th minute the pressure paid off, as Eric Lagg was fouled in the box, setting up a penalty opportunity that Sean Sheridan converted. The Red Bulls, however, entered the break all even as Westchester tied the game off a corner kick in the 38th minute. Despite dominating possession in the second half, the Red Bulls waited until the end to notch the winner. The dynamic tandem of Scotty Thomsen and Brandon Allen did the trick in the 80th minute, with Allen scoring his 16th of the season off a lofted feed from Thomsen, who registered his 11th assist of the year. The Under-18s were back in action on Sunday, winning 3-2 over Albertson. Thomsen and Allen both scored in the game's first 20 minutes, staking the Red Bulls to an early lead. After Albertson pulled one back in right before halftime, the Red Bulls went back up by two in the 46th minute, with Ethan Decker scoring on a long-range blast after receiving a pass from Mael Corboz. Despite going down a man in the 53rd minute and surrendering one more goal, the Red Bulls held on for the one-goal victory.

Harrison Steadman helped lead the Under-15 Red Bulls to two victories over the weekend. On Saturday, the U-15s defeated PDA 2-1, with Steadman being joined on the score sheet by Dante Perez. On Sunday, Steadman found the back of the net twice in a 3-1 victory over the PA Classics. Tyler Stowell notched the other goal.

The Under-16 Red Bulls earned a split this weekend, starting the weekend off well with a 3-2 win over FC Westchester. Amando Moreno assisted on all three Red Bulls goals, which came off the feet of Alex Muyl, Vinny Brunetti and Mike Kapitula. On Sunday, the U-16s fell to Albertson, 1-0.

The Under-13 Red Bulls wrapped up their regular season this weekend, falling to the PA Classics in a tight 2-1 affair. Christian Martinez was able to temporarily give the Red Bulls a lead, but two goals in the second half lifted the PA Classics to a comeback win. The U-13s finished the regular season with an impressive 20-3 record and will enter the playoffs in two weeks.

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