MLS Red Bull New York

New York Red Bulls Weekly Update

Published on January 23, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


NYRB TO PLAY PUMAS IN ARIZONA AT RED BULL RETO DEL SOL ON FEB. 23

The New York Red Bulls announced today that the Red Bulls will face Pumas UNAM in a friendly match on Thursday, Feb. 23 in a game called Red Bull Reto del Sol, or "Challenge of the Sun." This will be a follow up to last year's Red Bull Reto del Sol match, which pitted the Red Bulls vs. Club Atlas de Guadalajara. The 2012 game will be played at Chase Field, in downtown Phoenix, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. local time and kick-off slated for 8:00 p.m. More information is available at www.redbullusa.com/retodelsol.

Red Bull Reto del Sol will once again bring professional soccer to the Valley of the Sun, with some of the top players in the United States and Mexico participating, including Rafa Márquez, Thierry Henry, Juan Agudelo, Martin Bravo, EfraÃ-n Velarde and DarÃ-o VerÃ"ne. The Red Bulls, who finished the 2011 season by advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals, will go up against Primera DivisiÃ"n Team Pumas UNAM. Pumas, widely regarded as one of the most popular clubs in Mexico, are champions of the 2011 Clausura tournament, having won their seventh championship against Monarcas Morelia.

"We are looking forward to returning to the Phoenix area to face Pumas, an elite Mexican side that will provide us with a big test," said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "We had a good match against Atlas in 2011 playing in front of a great crowd and we look forward to competing in a similar atmosphere at this year's Red Bull Reto del Sol."

In 2011, Red Bull Reto del Sol took place in Glendale, AZ, pitting the Red Bulls vs. Atlas, and drew more than 23,000 spectators. After a scoreless first half, the Red Bulls went down 0-1 when Atlas player Edgar Pacheco put up a ball that was inadvertently deflected into the net by New York defender Tim Ream. However, former Atlas star and current Red Bull Márquez converted a penalty kick in the 89th minute, earning New York a 1-1 draw.

Tickets for Red Bull Reto del Sol are now on sale, starting at $20 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at usual tienda locations in the Phoenix area and at the Chase Field box office in person or via phone at 480-339-5000. For additional information please log on to www.azchasefield.com.

RED BULLS SIGN STEPHEN KEEL TO NEW CONTRACT

The New York Red Bulls announced last Wednesday that they have signed defender Stephen Keel to a new contract. Per League and club regulations, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Stephen had an excellent season last year and was a contributor in our postseason run," said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "He provides us a physical and experienced option in central defense and we are pleased that we were able to sign him to a new contract."

Keel enjoyed a breakout year in 2011, setting career highs in games played (16), starts (13) and assists (2). The 28-year-old also started in all three of the Red Bulls' postseason matches. Keel earned a spot on the squad after coming in as a trialist in preseason. He officially signed with New York on March 9, 2011.

Prior to joining New York, Keel was with then-USL First Division side, the Portland Timbers, where from 2009-2010, he appeared in 53 games. The Littleton, CO native started his career with the Colorado Rapids, appearing in 10 regular season matches. Keel attended Wake Forest University.

NEW YORK SELECTS THREE IN 2012 MLS SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT

The New York Red Bulls added three players in last Tuesday's 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. The club selected University of Virginia defender Mike Volk, University of Pennsylvania midfielder Christian Barreiro and Hastings College midfielder Nate Polak.

The Red Bulls selected Volk, 22, with their second round selection (31st overall). The defender played in 64 games during his three years at Virginia, starting 62. He was a team captain in his junior and senior seasons. As a sophomore, he capped off an impressive season by being named to the 2009 College Cup All-Tournament Team. Prior to attending the University of Virginia, Volk attended Rutgers University where he played in 13 games, starting eight.

With their third round selection (50th overall), the Red Bulls selected Barreiro, a two-time All-Ivy selection at the University of Pennsylvania. The Baltimore native played in 71 total games, starting 69. He tallied a total of 20 goals and 18 assists, and as a senior in 2011 led the team in both categories with seven apiece. He also earned First Team All-Ivy honors as a junior in 2010 when he tied for the conference lead with seven assists.

The Red Bulls selected Hastings College midfielder Polak, one of the top junior college players in the nation last year, with the 69th overall selection. Polak ranks third on Hastings' all-time goals and assists lists, as he notched 43 goals and 30 assists during his tenure. As a senior in 2011, the Lincoln, NE native scored 18 goals and added 17 assists while leading Hastings to an undefeated season in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. Polak's excellent 2011 campaign was recognized, as he was named an NAIA First Team All-American selection. As a junior, Polak was a vital member of the school's 2010 NAIA National Championship winning side.

The Red Bulls did not have a selection in the first round after trading their 2012 third round SuperDraft selection (now first-round supplemental draft pick) to the Houston Dynamo along with the rights to defender Hunter Freeman in exchange for allocation money in 2010.

RED BULLS DRAFT FORDHAM UNIVERSITY KEEPER RYAN MEARA IN 2012 MLS SUPERDRAFT

The New York Red Bulls selected goalkeeper and Fordham University product Ryan Meara in the second round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft with the 31st overall pick last Thursday at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, MO.

Earlier in the day, the Red Bulls acquired 2008 MLS Best XI forward Kenny Cooper from the Portland Timbers for a 2013 MLS SuperDraft First Round pick and allocation money.

The 6-foot-4 goalkeeper played four years of college at Fordham University, registering 31 shutouts in 74 appearances. Meara collected a number of accolades in his final season as he was named the 2011 Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and added to the All-Atlantic 10 Conference First Team. He also finished 11th overall in NCAA Division I play in goals against average (0.65).

Born in Yonkers and raised in Crestwood, the New York native played his high school days at Fordham Prep. In 2010 he was named Premier Development League Goalkeeper of the Year while playing for Ironbound Express.

NEW YORK ACQUIRES 2008 MLS BEST XI SELECTION KENNY COOPER

The New York Red Bulls announced last Thursday that they have acquired 2008 MLS Best XI forward Kenny Cooper from the Portland Timbers in exchange for New York's natural 2013 first round MLS SuperDraft pick and allocation money.

"We are ecstatic to bring in Kenny to our squad," said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "He has an impressive track record in MLS and will certainly play a key role in our push to win the MLS Cup this season. Kenny is a forward we have been impressed with for a while. He brings a number of attributes to our squad that we are confident will help him succeed in our system. He is a proven goal scorer in Major League Soccer and he will give us another fantastic option in our attacking game."

Cooper spent the 2011 season with the expansion Portland Timbers and featured in 34 games, starting 29. He led the team with eight goals, 78 shots and 30 shots on goal while also adding two assists. From 2009 until January 2011, Cooper was a member of German second division side 1860 Munich. During his time there, he played in 13 games and scored two goals. In 2010, he was loaned to English League Championship club Plymouth Argyle, whom he appeared for seven times.

Prior to his German stint, Cooper played for FC Dallas from 2006-09 and was a mainstay in the club's starting lineup. In 2006, his first year with the club, Cooper scored 11 goals and four assists in 31 games and was named the Team's Most Valuable Player. After playing just 14 games the following year due to injury, he bounced back with a breakthrough 2008 season which earned him a place in the MLS Best XI. Cooper led FC Dallas with 18 goals and was rewarded with the league's Comeback Player of the Year award. In all, Cooper appeared in 90 games for FC Dallas, scoring 40 goals and adding 10 assists.

Cooper began his professional career in England with Manchester United, but did not appear for the first team. He enjoyed a loan stint with English club Oldham Athletic in 2005, scoring three goals in seven games for the third division side. He has made 11 appearances for the U.S. Men's National team, scoring five goals.

RED BULLS SIGN SWEDISH DEFENDER MARKUS HOLGERSSON

The New York Red Bulls signed Swedish defender Markus Holgersson last Thursday. The 26-year-old will be added to New York's roster once he receives P-1 visa approval and passes a physical and the League gains receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

"Markus is a strong, experienced defender who will bring immediate stability and leadership to our back line," said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "Over the offseason, one of our priorities was to add more physical players and Markus certainly fits that bill. We are excited that he has decided to join New York."

Holgersson was most recently with Swedish Allsvenskan side, Helsingborg. From 2009, Holgersson made 80 appearances, scoring five goals and helping Helsingborg become the first Swedish club to win the League, Super Cup and Swedish Cup titles in the same year in 2011. Holgersson, a starter in central defense, also was a part of the 2010 squad that won the Swedish Cup and finished second in the Allsvenskan.

The 6-3 defender started his professional career in 2005 at Angelholms FF of Sweden's Superettan "" the country's second highest league. There, Holgersson featured in 89 games and recorded six goals. This month, Holgersson earned his first international call-up for the Swedish National Team.

RED BULLS ANNOUNCE PRESEASON TRAVEL SCHEDULE

The New York Red Bulls announced their preseason travel plans leading up to the start of the 2012 MLS Regular Season. The team's preseason tour includes stops in Mexico and Arizona before it returns to the New York area in early March ahead of its opening match of the 2012 season against FC Dallas on Sunday, March 11 at 3:00 PM ET at FC Dallas Stadium (TV: NBC Sports Network).

The Red Bulls reported to preseason camp on Monday, Jan. 16 at Red Bull Arena. On Monday, Jan. 30, the team departs for Riviera Maya, Mexico before returning to the New York area on Wednesday, Feb. 15. A full match schedule in Mexico will be released at a later date. The team embarks on its final trip of the preseason on Monday, Feb. 20, when it departs for Arizona to take part in the 2012 FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup.

New York will kick off the competition on Wednesday, Feb. 22 as it faces Real Salt Lake, and continues on Saturday, Feb. 25 against Eastern Conference rival, the New England Revolution. The Red Bulls' third match of the tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 29 versus the defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy. The competition concludes with the championship and third place matches on Saturday, March 3. The following day, the Red Bulls return to the New York area, concluding the preseason travel schedule.

This is the second straight year that the Red Bulls will spend preseason in both Mexico and Arizona. Please contact the Red Bulls Communications Department regarding media availability.

Below is a breakdown of the preseason schedule:

2012 New York Red Bulls Preseason Schedule

Monday, Jan. 16: Team reported to preseason camp at Red Bull Arena

Monday, Jan. 30: Team departs for Riviera Maya, Mexico

Wednesday, Feb 15: Team returns to New York area

Monday, Feb. 20: Team departs for Arizona

Wednesday, Feb. 22: Red Bulls vs. Real Salt Lake "" Desert Cup

Saturday, Feb. 25: Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution "" Desert Cup

Wednesday, Feb. 29: Red Bulls vs. Los Angeles Galaxy "" Desert Cup

Saturday, March 3: Desert Cup Finals and Third Place match

Sunday, March 4: Team returns to New York area

Sunday, March 11: Red Bulls vs. FC Dallas at FC Dallas Stadium at 3:00 PM ET (TV: NBC Sports Network)

RED BULL THIERRY HENRY JOINS ARSENAL FC ON LOAN; SCORES GAME-WINNER IN RETURN

The New York Red Bulls reached an agreement Jan. 6 to send forward Thierry Henry to English Premiership Club, Arsenal FC, on a loan that will see New York's captain return to the Red Bulls by the middle of February.

Henry returned to his former club on Monday, Jan. 9 in a FA Cup Third Round match against Leeds United, coming on as a 68th minute substitute. The Frenchman made his impact felt just 10 minutes after coming onto the pitch, controlling an Alex Song through ball and curling it past goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, recording the game's only goal in a 1-0 victory. Henry did not feature in Arsenal's most recent tilt, a 2-1 home loss to Manchester United.

The match against Leeds marked Henry's official return to Arsenal, the team where he became the club's most prolific striker and all-time leading scorer (227 goals for Arsenal in all competitions after the Leeds tally Monday).

"It is unreal to be honest. But when it comes to Arsenal my heart will always do the talking," the World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League winner said at the time of the loan announcement.

"Once I knew the plan behind it I was OK with it. I am not coming here to be a hero or prove anything. I am just coming here to help. People have to understand that. Marouane (Chamakh) and Gervinho are going to the Africa Cup of Nations so I was asked to fill in the gap. It is a loan deal and I'll be on the bench most of the time. If I can make the bench that is! The boss has a team here already who are doing something good. I am just going to be part of the squad.

"I want to send a message to the fans of New York Red Bulls as well. I always said I would not play in Europe again. But it is hard for me when it comes to Arsenal. I am not coming here for the whole season, I will be back and I want to win the MLS Cup with the Red Bulls. I hope it is win-win situation where I can help Arsenal and come back fit for the MLS season."

"We believe that this is a beneficial move for all parties involved," said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "From our perspective, we believe that Thierry will have the prime opportunity to develop his match fitness playing with Arsenal in preparation for our MLS regular season campaign. We are personally thrilled that Thierry has earned this chance to rejoin and help his former club and look forward to seeing him in preseason camp in February."

Henry was the Red Bulls' 2011 Most Valuable Player, taking home the club's Golden Boot after scoring a team-high 14 goals in the regular season. The Frenchman, who made the MLS All-Star Team and was part of MLS' season-ending Best XI, played in and started 26 games, logging 2,266 minutes and registering four assists in his first full season in the League. He also notched his first career MLS Cup Playoffs goal in New York's 2-0 victory over FC Dallas on Oct. 26 in the Wild Card round. His 14 regular season goals ranked third-best in MLS this season.

Henry was with Arsenal from 1999-07, becoming one of the side's all-time great players. The French marksman was the top scorer in the English Premiership (2002, 2004-06) a record four times and helped Arsenal win the Premiership championship in 2002 and 2004. The 32-year-old also helped lead his team to three English FA Cups and claimed the European Golden Boot in 2004 and 2005.

Henry will return to the New York Red Bulls in the middle of February and rejoin his teammates for their final weeks of preseason ahead of the team's season opener on Sunday, March 11 against FC Dallas at 3:00 PM ET at FC Dallas Stadium. The match will be televised live by NBC Sports Network "" the first MLS game broadcasted by the League's new national partner, NBC.

NEW YORK RELEASES 2012 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

The New York Red Bulls released their 34-game Major League Soccer regular season schedule. Full season ticket plans for the Red Bulls' 2012 home campaign at Red Bull Arena are available now by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com/tickets.

New York's home opener at Red Bull Arena will take place Sunday, March 25 against the Colorado Rapids at 4:00 PM ET and will be televised nationally on ESPN. The Red Bulls' open the regular season with a two-game road trip starting on Sunday, March 11 against FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park at 3:00 PM in a match to be televised live by NBC Sports Network "" the first MLS game broadcasted by the League's new national partner, NBC. On March 17, the Red Bulls will face Western Conference foe, Real Salt Lake, at 9:00 PM.

Each of the League's 19 clubs will play 34 matches, 17 at home and 17 away, during 34 weeks. Within each conference, each club will play the same number of in-conference and out-of-conference games, following the competition format announced on Nov. 20, 2011.

Less than a week after hosting the Rapids, the Red Bulls will take on expansion side, the Montreal Impact, at Red Bull Arena on March 31 at 4:00 PM in the first-ever MLS regular season match between the two sides. On May 5, New York travels to Los Angeles to take on the defending champion Galaxy in a 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs rematch in a match televised live on ESPN at 8:00 PM ET. The Red Bulls-Galaxy match is one of seven New York games that will be broadcast on the ESPN Networks.

New York welcomes Atlantic Cup rival, D.C. United, on June 24 at 7:00 PM (TV: NBCSN) for the first time in 2012 and begins a three-game homestand in July, facing Seattle Sounders FC on July 15 at 4:00 PM (TV: ESPN), Chicago Fire on July 18 with a 1:00 PM matinee kickoff start and I-95 foe, the Philadelphia Union, on July 21 at 2:30 PM (TV: ESPN).

Starting Aug. 26 at Kansas City, the Red Bulls will close the season against nine Eastern Conference opponents in the run-up to the MLS Cup Playoffs. In addition, the Red Bulls are a part of two of three nationally-televised MLS games that will be broadcast live on NBC, with New York hosting Chicago on Oct. 6 at 3:30 PM and the Red Bulls traveling to PPL Park to battle the Union on Oct. 27 at 1:30 PM in the regular season finale for both clubs.

Other highlights of the regular season schedule:

- The Red Bulls will play 25 matches against Eastern Conference teams and nine against Western Conference sides (New York will face each Western Conference team once). New York will battle Toronto FC and the Columbus Crew twice while facing each of the other Eastern Conference sides three times. Because of the unbalanced schedule format, the home and away fixtures will be reversed for the 2013 regular season (ie: If New York faces a Western Conference club on the road in the teams' only match against each other in 2012, New York will host that same side in the following season's fixture).

- New York is on the ESPN Networks seven times (four on ESPN, three on ESPN2), eight times on the NBC Sports Group (six on NBCSN, two on NBC) and six times on Galavision. The team's local broadcast schedule for the remaining matches will be announced at a later date.

- Taking into consideration fan feedback, the Red Bulls have scheduled additional afternoon matches, with seven of 17 home games having kickoff times taking place between 1:00 PM ET and 4:30 PM ET.

- More than 83% of all MLS games will take place on weekends or holidays, with every day of the week having at least one scheduled match during the year.

- The nine MLS games scheduled for Saturday, April 28 are set to break the League record for the most games in one day (previously eight, on March 26, 2011).

- MLS initially did not schedule any games on FIFA fixture dates, but the League afforded the option, only by mutual club consent, of moving a game to one of those dates when other scheduling conflicts could not be resolved. Thus a small number of games do occur on select FIFA fixture dates.

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 23, 2012


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