MLS Red Bull New York

Weekly Update: Red Bulls Return to MLS Action, Visit Chicago Fire on Sunday

Published on June 11, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


The Red Bulls will complete a 25-day break in Major League Soccer action when they head to Toyota Park to visit the Chicago Fire on Sunday, June 17 at 5:00 PM ET (TV: NBC Sports Network; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM).

New York's last MLS match was back on May 23, a 1-1 home draw with Chivas USA which saw the end of Red Bulls' five-game winning streak. However New York still earned a point thanks to Kenny Cooper's league and team leading 11th goal of the season, which came after former Red Bull Juan Pablo Angel gave the visitors a temporary lead. With the draw, New York enters this weekend's Chicago clash in second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 8-3-2, 26 pts. A win or draw in Illinois will run New York's unbeaten streak in MLS play to seven.

During the team's MLS break, the Red Bulls were eliminated from the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 3-1 extra time loss to USL-PRO side Harrisburg City Islanders on June 5. New York had advanced to the fourth round with a one-sided 3-0 win over the Charleston Battery on May 29. Red Bulls defender Connor Lade led New York with two goals during the two-match stretch, including his first professional goal against Charleston while newly-acquired defender Heath Pearce also scored his first Red Bulls goal in the third round against the Battery.

The Fire enters the match in a tie for fourth place in the East on 18 points with a 5-5-3 record. Chicago has lost their last two matches, most recently falling at the New England Revolution, 2-0, on June 2. Former Red Bull Dominic Oduro leads the club with four goals on the season, while Marco Pappa and Sebastian Grazzini lead the way in dishing out three assists each. Sunday's match will be the 41st all-time matchup between the sides, with Chicago leading the all-time series with an 11-20-9 record.

RED BULLS-FIRE CONNECTIONS

Red Bulls defender Wilman Conde began his MLS career with Chicago in 2007, joining them from Colombian club Millonarios. Conde played for the Fire until 2007, appearing in 73 regular season matches and adding four goals and four assists. Conde had a standout season in 2009, winning the league's Defender of the Year award and earning a spot on the MLS Best XI. Conde spent the 2011 season with Mexican club Atlas before joining New York this season.

Chicago forward Dominic Oduro was a member of the Red Bulls during the 2009 season, having been acquired in preseason from FC Dallas in exchange for midfielder Dave Van Den Bergh and a swap of SuperDraft picks. Oduro appeared in just three matches and started one, and was subsequently sent to the Houston Dynamo for a 2010 first round draft choice and a 2011 second round pick.

LAST WEEK

2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round "" Red Bulls 1, Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO) 3 on Tuesday, June 5 at Skyline Sports Complex

THIS WEEK

Red Bulls at Chicago Fire on Sunday, June 17 at 5:00 PM ET at Toyota Park (TV: NBC Sports Network; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM)

NEXT WEEK

Red Bulls at Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday, June 20 at 11:00 PM at Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium (TV: MSG; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM)

Red Bulls vs. D.C. United on Sunday, June 24 at 7:00 PM ET at Red Bull Arena (TV: NBC Sports Network; Radio: WLIB 1190 AM)

HENRY, COOPER AMONG SIX RED BULLS ON ALL-STAR BALLOT

Six members of the Red Bulls are on the fan ballot for the 2012 MLS All Star Team, who will take on UEFA Champions League winner Chelsea FC on July 25 at PPL Park, home of the Philadelphia Union. The Red Bulls who are on the ballot are goalkeeper Ryan Meara, defender Heath Pearce, forwards Kenny Cooper and Thierry Henry and midfielders Joel Lindpere and Dane Richards. The All-Star First XI is chosen by fan voting, and the final roster will be rounded out by Union head coach Peter Nowak, who will lead the team against Chelsea.

To vote, click here: http://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2012/vote

HOT START

With 26 points off an 8-3-2 record, the Red Bulls are off to their best start in club history through 13 regular season games. This tops the 21-point start the team had in 2007 (6-3-4), and the 24-point start in 2010 (8-5-0). Additionally, the Red Bulls have yet to lose at Red Bull Arena this season, posting a 4-0-2 record so far.

COOPER STILL ON TOP

Despite a lengthy break in MLS play, Red Bulls forward Kenny Cooper still stands atop the league's goal scoring list, tied at 11 with San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski. Cooper's teammate Thierry Henry, who has battled injury and missed four matches, is second with nine.

GREAT DANE

Red Bulls midfielder Dane Richards is now third on the club's all-time regular season games played list. With his appearance on May 23 against Chivas USA, Richards passed Seth Stammler and John Wolyniec to move into sole possession of third place. Richards now only trails Carlos Mendes (146) and Mike Petke (169) in all-time games played.

Additionally, Richards' assist on Kenny Cooper's game-tying goal was his 26th career assist in the regular season, which is third-best in New York history. Richards is 10 assists behind Tab Ramos and Amado Guevara, who lead the club in all-time assists.

NEW YORK ELIMINATED FROM U.S. OPEN CUP WITH 3-1 LOSS TO HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS

Despite coming back from a 1-0 deficit, the Red Bulls fell to the Harrisburg City Islanders 3-1 in an extra time loss at Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg, PA Tuesday, June 5 to halt New York's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run in the fourth round. New York rookie Connor Lade tallied his second goal in the competition in the result.

Harrisburg took the early 1-0 lead on a goal from forward Sainey Touray. Touray received a pass from Brian Ombiji and slipped one past Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara in the 13th minute.

Forward Jhonny Arteaga nearly scored the equalizer in the 24th minute courtesy of a feed from midfielder Jan Gunnar Solli. Arteaga's left-footed shot just went wide of the goal and out for a goal kick.

In the second half, Harrisburg pressured New York early, but it was the Red Bulls who turned things around quickly and reversed action up the pitch. In the 60th minute, the effort paid off, as Lade ripped one on goal past City Islanders goalkeeper Nick Noble to level the score. The tally marked Lade's second in as many matches.

New York kept its foot on the pedal in the second half and Dax McCarty and Brandon Barklage each nearly picked up the go-ahead goals inside the 65th and 66th minutes with shots just missing the mark. In the 70th minute, it was McCarty again who unleashed a rocket that bounced off the post and out of play to keep the score tied at one.

During second half stoppage time, the hosts broke in on goal and came within a Meara save of walking away with a win. But the former Fordham University product got a hand on the shot and sent it over the crossbar and out to keep the sides level heading into extra time.

In the 94th minute, Harrisburg's Garret Pettis sent a floater into the Red Bulls' defensive zone that was met by Touray, who chipped one over a diving Meara for his second of the match to give the City Islanders a 2-1 lead.

The Red Bulls raced for their second goal of the game and had their chances. Shortly into the second half of extra time, Barklage connected with McCarty on a free kick into the box that was headed on goal, but the ball was caught by Noble. It was McCarty again in the 113th minute looking to score the equalizer on a left-footed rocket that was just barely tipped by Noble. New York appealed for a penalty kick soon after, as Jason Pelletier seemed to have handled a Red Bulls cross in the box, but the referee let play go on.

The final goal of the match came off the foot of Harrisburg's Lucky Mkosana, who fired one past Meara from the right side in the 118th minute to secure the win and lead Harrisburg to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup.

OPEN CUP ACCOLADE

Despite the Red Bulls' exit from the U.S. Open Cup in the fourth round at Harrisburg June 5, the competition saw the first two career goals from Red Bulls defender and former Academy member Connor Lade. Lade notched a goal in each of New York's two Open Cup contests, on May 29 at the Charleston Battery and on June 5 at Harrisburg. Lade has made six regular season appearances as a rookie in 2012, including five starts, and has registered one assist.

RED BULLS LOAN HERTZOG TO WILMINGTON HAMMERHEADS

The New York Red Bulls announced May 29 they have loaned forward Corey Hertzog to USL PRO side, the Wilmington Hammerheads, for the next month.

Hertzog, originally drafted by New York in the first round (13th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft out of Penn State University, had not made a first team appearance for the Red Bulls in 2012. Last season, Hertzog featured in five regular season games. Hertzog scored one goal in three MLS Reserve League appearances this year. Wilmington is currently in seventh place in USL PRO with nine points off a 2-3-3 record.

FOUR RED BULLS CALLED IN FOR INTERNATIONAL DUTY

Red Bulls Roy Miller (Costa Rica), Joel Lindpere (Estonia), Rafa Marquez (Mexico) and Dane Richards (Jamaica) were recently called up for international duty and have been representing their respective nations on the pitch.

Miller took the pitch for Costa Rica against El Salvador in World Cup qualifying, starting and playing all 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw June 8. It was Miller's 31st appearance for Costa Rica. The Ticos continue qualifying on June 12 when they visit Guyana in Georgetown. Miller is off to a hot start for New York this season, propelling a potent attack with four assists in 10 games.

Lindpere made his 78th international appearance on May 28 in a 4-0 loss to Ukraine. He did not feature in Estonia's last match, a 4-0 loss to France in an international friendly. The midfielder was in fine form for New York before leaving for international duty, scoring twice in the past five matches for the Red Bulls.

Marquez earned his 111th international cap in a victory over Wales back on May 27, but has not appeared for El Tri since due to injury. Mexico began the Group Stage of World Cup Qualifying on June 8, defeating Guyana 3-1 at home. Mexco continues in qualifying on June 12, visiting El Salvador. Marquez has recorded two assists in six games so far this season with the Red Bulls.

On June 8, Richards made his 37th international appearance for Jamaica as they Reggae Boyz got off to a good start in World Cup Qualifying with a 2-1 victory over Guatemala. Richards started the match at played all 90 minutes as Jamaica won on goals by Demar Phillips and Ryan Johnson. On June 12, Richards and Jamaica play their second Group Stage game, visiting Antigua and Barbuda. This season for New York, Richards has played in 13 games, starting all, and has registered one goal and two assists.

VICTOR PALSSON WITH ICELAND UNDER-21 SQUAD

Red Bulls midfielder Victor Palsson was with the Iceland Under-21 National Team. Palsson did not appear for Iceland in their June 5 UEFA Under-21 European Championships qualification match against Azerbaijan, a 2-1 loss. Iceland next faces Norway on June 12 in Drammen, Norway in Group 8 play.

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-14's Capture Third Straight Northeast Regional Playoffs: The Red Bulls Academy Under-14 team won its third straight Northwast Regional Playoffs this weekend, and will now take place in the U.S. Club Soccer National Championships in July. On Saturday, the U-14s defeated fourth-seeded Albertson to advance to the title game. Ethan Lochner scored twice, while Jerel Blades and Anthony Sileo rounded out the scoring, On Sunday for the title, the U-14s squared off against the top-seeded Baltimore Bays, who had handed the squad its only defeat of the season back in April. The Red Bulls got their retribution, taking the back-and-forth match 4-3. Lochner again scored twice, while Gideon Metrikin also got in on the action with a goal of his own.

The Under-18 Red Bulls also celebrated a title this weekend, winning the Liberty Division title in the East Conference of the United States Development Academy. On Saturday, the U-18s beat local rival Albertson on the road, with goalkeeper Max Brown pitching a shutout in a 2-0 win. After a scoreless first half, Brandon Allen found the back of the net twice, in the 65th and 82nd minutes to earn the victory. On Sunday, the U-18s found the offensive touch, putting in five goals en route to another shutout win, cinching the Division title. The Red Bulls got goals before halftime from Danny Bedoya, Ethan Decker and Allen, his 23rd of the season. Scotty Thomsen and Alex Muyl, who scored his first goal for the U-18s while playing up an age group, rounded out the scoring.

The Under-16 Red Bulls went unbeaten this week. On Saturday, the Red Bulls faced Albertson and found themselves down fairly late in the game, however the squad fought back and earned a penalty kick that Matt Miazga converted to earn a draw. The following day, the U-16s knocked off FC Westchester, 2-0. John Toher scored mid way through the first half and Malcolm Dixon scored mid way through the second half to help the Red Bulls to the away win. Alec Gogic and Evan Louro combined for the shutout win in goal, while Vinny Brunetti provided both assists.

Unfortunately, the U-15 and U-13 Red Bulls both fell in the playoffs this week. The Uner 15 side advanced to the title match, defeating PDA on Saturday 2-0 before falling to the New York Cosmos on Sunday, 3-1. The U-13 side also fell to the Cosmos, 3-0, on Saturday in the semifinals.

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Major League Soccer Stories from June 11, 2012


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