MLS New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls Weekly Update

Published on April 6, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


RED BULLS LOOK FOR FIRST WIN IN HOUSTON: The New York Red Bulls complete a two-game road trip by taking on the Houston Dynamo at Robertson Stadium on Saturday night at 8:30 PM ET (TV: Fox Soccer Channel; Radio: WQBU 92.7 FM).

New York (0-2-1, 1 pt.) is coming off a 1-0 loss against the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on Sunday in the Red Bulls' third game of young regular season. Despite playing a man-up after Chicago's John Thorrington was issued a red card in the 14th minute, a goal by Fire midfielder Marco Pappa was the difference in the match. The Red Bulls face off this weekend against a Houston Dynamo (0-2-1, 1 pt.) side that is also looking for its first win of the season. The Dynamo began competitive play earlier than other teams, competing in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League prior to the start of the regular season.

After tying with the Columbus Crew on March 21 in their season and home opener, Houston lost consecutive road decisions to the San Jose Earthquakes on March 28 (2-3) and D.C. United last Saturday (0-1). In the match against United at RFK Stadium, the Dynamo lost their second game of the season after D.C. forward Luciano Emilio scored two minutes into the second half.

The Red Bulls and Dynamo faced off twice in the regular season in 2008. After starting out the season with a 4-4-5 record, the two-time defending MLS Cup champion Dynamo lost only one of their final 17 matches, going 9-1-7. However, Houston's only loss in that span came against New York - a 3-0 Red Bulls win at Giants Stadium on Aug. 24. New York capped a three-game winning streak that afternoon with goals from Juan Pablo Angel, Dane Richards and Mike Magee. The Dynamo won the first encounter of the season against a depleted Red Bulls squad at Robertson Stadium on May 31, 1-0, behind a Brian Ching strike in the 68th minute.

The Red Bulls, which qualified for their sixth-straight MLS postseason as the fourth seed in the Western Conference, took on Houston in a two-game, home-and-home semifinal series and notched arguably its greatest win in its 13-year history. The Red Bulls and Dynamo tied the first leg at one on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Giants Stadium when a Juan Pablo Angel goal was cancelled out by Kei Kamara. With the two-game series tied going into the second leg, the winner of the Nov. 9 match at Robertson Stadium would determine who would advance one step closer to the MLS Cup.

New York took control and went ahead in the 25th minute. Midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic lofted a ball into the Houston half and Dane Richards beat his defender and shot it past goalkeeper Pat Onstad for his first career MLS playoff goal. Richards, who was a nuisance throughout the game and earned MLS Player of the Week honors for his performance, had a hand in the second goal as well 11 minutes later. The winger made a run on right wing before crossing it into the box. Houston's Ricardo Clark was adjudged to handle Richards' cross in the penalty box and referee Baldomero Toledo pointed to the penalty spot. Angel stepped up and knocked in his second goal of the postseason.

The Dynamo peppered the Red Bulls' net but goalkeeper Danny Cepero, who made his first MLS start three weeks ago, made five saves for his first career shutout. The Red Bulls iced the game in the 81st minute when Richards made a spectacular run from his own half and centered it to John Wolyniec, who tapped it in from close range.

With the win, the Red Bulls earned only their second postseason series victory in club history (the only other series victory came against Dallas in 2000 when New York won 2 games to 1). The victory was the Red Bulls' first-ever at Roberston Stadium and their first playoff road win since Sept. 20, 2000 - a 2-1 road victory over Dallas. New York eventually defeated Real Salt Lake, 1-0, in the Western Conference Final to earn its first-ever trip to the MLS Cup Final.

Houston's paced by Ching, who has one goal this season after scoring 13 goals and five assists in 2008. Canadian goalkeeper Pat Onstad has posted a 1.67 goals against average this season while midfielder Brad Davis and forward Chris Wondolowski have each scored a goal this season.

CLUB ADDS NEW ONLINE INITIATIVES: The New York Red Bulls have added several new multimedia initiatives across the team's web portals, including the team's official website: NewYorkRedBulls.com.

Adding to the club's existing list of web content, including Red Bulls Wrap, a weekly podcast, Red Bulls Insider, a bi-weekly video program taking a behind-the-scenes look at the Red Bulls, the Red Bulls Facebook page, and RedBullsReader.com, the official blog of the club, are two new podcast offerings as well as two Twitter options.

This season the team has launched two new podcasts. Red Bulls Al Aire, a Spanish language offering hosted by the radio voices of the club, Ernesto Motta and Robert Sierra, posts new episodes every Wednesday. Every Thursday, a new offering is online from Petke's Podcasts, hosted by New York and MLS veteran Mike Petke, provides the players' view on the club, from the defender's unique, and often hilarious, point of view. All three podcasts are available through iTunes.

The Red Bulls and Mike Petke have also joined Twitter.com, offering thoughts and information from the club 140 characters at a time. Follow the club at www.twitter.com/redbullsreader, and follow Petke at www.twitter.com/petkemike.

RED BULLS HOST VIEWING PARTY: Over the course of the regular season, the Red Bulls will be hosting Viewing Parties, with drink specials and prize give-aways, around the New York/New Jersey area when the team is on the road. On Saturday, the Red Bulls will be hosting a Viewing Party at Mulligans on First, located on 159 First St. in Hoboken, NJ. For more information, call the Red Bulls at 1.877.RBSOCCER.

FIRE KNOCK OFF RED BULLS: The New York Red Bulls dropped a 1-0 decision to the Chicago Fire on Sunday afternoon at a cold and windy Toyota Park. With the loss, the Red Bulls fell to 0-2-1 in 2009 MLS Regular Season action while the Fire improved to 2-0-1. Fire midfielder Marco Pappa scored the lone goal of the game.

The Red Bulls went a man up in the 14th minute. On a counterattack, Macoumba Kandji was sprung in on goal but was tackled from behind by midfielder John Thorrington before the forward was able to get a shot off. Referee Tim Weyland issued the Fire player a red card, reducing Chicago to 10 men. Kandji had to leave the game with a right ankle sprain suffered on the play and was replaced by Dominic Oduro.

Despite playing a man down, Chicago got its name on the scoreboard in the 33rd minute. A long ball was played into the Red Bulls penalty box. With Red Bulls goalkeeper Danny Cepero off his line, it was cleared to Pappa, who hit a 20-yard left-footed shot off the left post and into the net.

The Red Bulls applied pressure in the second half and came close in the 54th minute when Juan Pablo Angel slipped a ball through to Oduro, whose ensuing shot from 15 yards out skipped past the left post.

New York had a chance in the 79th minute to tie the game when there was a scramble in the box and Angel was able to hit a shot towards goal that was saved by goalkeeper Jon Busch and then cleared away by the Fire.

LAST WEEK: Red Bulls 0, Chicago Fire 1 on April 5 at Toyota Park

THIS WEEK: Red Bulls at Houston Dynamo on April 11 at 8:30 PM ET at Robertson Stadium (TV: Fox Soccer Channel; Radio: WQBU 92.7)

NEXT WEEK: Red Bulls vs. Real Salt Lake on April 18 at 7:30 PM ET at Giants Stadium (TV: MSG; Radio: WADO 1280 AM)

NEW YORK RED BULLS SCHEDULE (April 6-12)

Please contact a member of the Red Bulls Communications Staff if you have any requests or questions.

This Week's Schedule (subject to change - all times ET):

Monday, April 6: OFF

Tuesday, April 7: Training at Montclair High School (100 Chestnut St. Montclair, NJ) at 10 AM (availability will be at MSU afterwards)

Wednesday, April 8: Training at Montclair State University facility (artificial turf field) at 10 AM

Thursday, April 9: Training at Montclair High School (100 Chestnut St. Montclair, NJ) at 10 AM (availability will be at MSU afterwards)

Friday, April 10: Training at Montclair State University facility (artificial turf field) at 10 AM

Saturday, April 11: Red Bulls at Houston Dynamo at 8:30 PM ET at Robertson Stadium (TV: Fox Soccer Channel; Radio: WQBU 92.7)

Sunday, April 12: Travel back to NY/NJ area.

Parking Advisory: If you are planning to watch training at Sprague Field (turf field on Montclair State University campus), please park your car in the Red Hawk Parking Deck, located adjacent to the field. On Tuesday and Thursday, the team will be training at Montclair High School. However, media availability will take place after practice at the team's Montclair State University facility, located less than 10 minutes away.

JOHNSON MAKES DEBUT: Red Bulls defender Carlos Johnson made his MLS debut on April 5 against the Chicago Fire, coming on in the 62nd minute for Jeremy Hall. Johnson, who was signed on March 19, 2009, was most recently with Norwegian Second Division side, Bryne FK, where he made 17 appearances and scored one goal in 2008. Prior to his time in Norway, the right back spent four years with the Costa Rican First Division's CS Herediano. There, he played in 91 games and tallied four goals.

Johnson, who was brought up through CS Cartagines' (Costa Rica First Division) youth system, has earned seven caps for the senior national team. He has played at several national team youth levels including representing the Costa Rican Under-17 World Cup squad in 2001.

CELADES AVAILABLE, ECHEVERRY WAIVED: Red Bull New York announced on Thursday, April 2 that it waived forward Oscar Echeverry. The Red Bulls also announced that midfielder Albert Celades had gained P-1 visa approval and the League has received receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. As a result, Celades will be available for selection for Red Bulls matches.

Celades was signed by New York on March 11, 2009. He is a veteran of the Spanish First Division (La Liga), having played for FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The 33-year old began his career with Barcelona, appearing in 72 matches over four seasons and helping the Catalan side to multiple domestic and international titles, including two La Liga and Spanish Cup titles, as well as the 1997 UEFA SuperCup. After a stint with Celta Vigo, he made 56 appearances over five seasons with Real Madrid, playing a role in winning two La Liga championships and the 2001-02 UEFA Champions League.

Following a one-year loan to FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Celades made 72 appearances over three seasons with Real Zaragoza in Spain. Celades trained with the Red Bulls in Argentina in late February and early March.

"Albert impressed the coaching staff during his time with us in Argentina," said Red Bull New York Sporting Director Jeff Agoos. "He is a very talented player, and, with the experience that he brings, we are optimistic about his contribution to the club."

Echeverry, 31, was signed by New York on March 26, 2008 after joining the club from Colombian First Division side, Atletico Nacional. He played in nine regular season games last year, starting in seven, before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in August. He scored for the Red Bulls on June 25 in a 1-0 exhibition win over Chivas de Guadalajara in Glendale, AZ.

TRIO COMES BACK FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Red Bulls Andrew Boyens (New Zealand), Carlos Johnson (Costa Rica) and Jorge Rojas (Venezuela) were all recently called up to their respective national teams for internationals. As a result, all three were unavailable for selection for the Red Bulls' match against the New England Revolution on March 28.

In World Cup qualifying on March 28, Rojas and Venezuela dropped a 4-0 decision to Argentina at River Plate's El Monumental in Buenos Aires. Rojas started and played 83 minutes. The midfielder drew a yellow card in the 39th minute. Rojas was suspended due to yellow card accumulation for Venezuela's March 31 match against Colombia.

In an International Friendly, Boyens started and played the full 90 for New Zealand in a 3-1 loss to Thailand at Supachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok on March 31. New Zealand, which has already won the Oceania Region, awaits the fifth place Asian team for a spot in the World Cup. The All-Whites earned a 2-2 draw against Thailand 'A' on March 31. Boyens played the full 90 minutes and had an assist on Ryan Nelsen's first goal. Boyens now has eight caps with the national team.

Johnson was called up by Costa Rica, but was not among the 18 for the WCQ with Mexico at Estadio Azteca on March 28 and against El Salvador on April 1.

RED BULLS-FIRE POST-GAME: Here was the reaction after the Red Bulls-Fire match on April 5:

NEW YORK RED BULLS HEAD COACH JUAN CARLOS OSORIO:

On the loss:

"I'm disappointed. I think throughout the 90 minutes we made the extra man count and created enough chances to tie or even win this game, but they only give points for goals scored and that's the reality."

"They had two chances, one in the first half and they scored from it, and one in the 45th minute of the second half."

"At the moment things are not going well for us. We need to get back into training and turn things around."

NEW YORK RED BULLS MIDFIELDER LUKE SASSANO:

On the game:

"The result was a little bit frustrating, especially when you're up a man. They didn't have very many chances throughout the game; I think we had few more. We just have to put one of those away, there are no more excuses. We only have one point out of a possible nine. We have to put this game behind us and look forward to next week."

NEW YORK RED BULLS GOALKEEPER DANNY CEPERO:

On playing a man up:

"When you go a man up it's a tremendous advantage, especially on the road. To not capitalize on it is a shame. I don't think we played poorly, we just didn't take advantage of opportunities presented for us."

"This is a 30 game season, so there's a long way to go. We just need to put this behind. We have plenty of time to make a run for it, as last year has shown."

RED BULL ACADEMY UPDATE: APRIL 6

The New York Red Bulls traveled two of their Academy teams to Barcelona, Spain for an international tournament. The U14 Red Bulls, coached by Cris da Silva, and U15 Red Bulls, coached by Stan Lembryk, traveled to Spain on April 5 to compete in the prestigious Mediterranean International Cup.

The youngest Red Bulls teams will compete against some of the top youth academies in the world, including Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, the Brazilian National Team and the Mexican National Team in this week long event, concluding April 13.

The Academy U16 team has distinguished itself among the 148 team in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, running their unbeaten streak to 15 games (12-0-3) with wins over a pair of Pennsylvania teams March 28 and 29.

With U16 Schultz Academy's loss to U16 Clearwater Chargers, the Red Bulls' U16s are the only undefeated team left out of the 148 teams participating in the 2008-09 Academy League.

Check out the New York Red Bulls Statistics

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