Red Bulls Not Done Shopping, Rodgers Still in the Picture ~ The Viper's Nest

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Red Bulls Not Done Shopping, Rodgers Still in the Picture

A few notes as the Red Bulls gear up for Wednesday evening's big game against divisional rival Toronto FC:

According to reports from training today, RBNY management is still working on several deals to improve the team, including the addition of a central attacking midfield player. The Post's Brian Lewis spoke with Hans Backe today about the mystery midfielder, but the Swede would only reveal that he was a player familiar to him from his time coaching in Denmark and that he was currently under contract to another club. The deal, if it happens, would have to be wrapped up by the August 15 transfer deadline. The other player still on the Red Bulls' radar is Luke Rodgers (pictured), whose visa issues seem to have been resolved. However the Notts County player would, according to Big Apple Soccer, probably not join until the off-season due to lingering paperwork and injury issues. It's the rumor that just won't die. He'd better be worth it!
Though Thierry Henry left the Chicago game with a groin strain, the injury does not appear to be serious enough to keep him out of Wednesday's game, though how long he plays is an open question. The four players the Red Bulls will be without are Dane Richards, Bouna Condoul, Roy Miller and Rafa Marquez, all of whom have been called up for their national teams. Joel Lindpere will not be playing for Estonia against the Faroe Islands.
Prior to the Chicago game, the Red Bulls announced that they had waived defender Kevin Goldthwaite. Goldie, who came over from Toronto in the unfortunate Todd Dunivant trade (one of Bruce Arena's less brilliant moves), was always a stand-up guy. My best memory of Goldthwaite will be his unbelievable goal line clearance against Real Salt Lake in 2009, which may have had some role in aggravating his abdominal injuries. Best of luck Goldie!
According to a club e-mail sent out today, traffic is expected to be (more) horrific (than normal) for tomorrow's game and Saturday's tilt against Los Angeles Galaxy. So plan to get there early if you can!
On Saturday afternoon the Empire Supporters Club will be staging a pre-game charity party for former player Joe Vide at El Pastor in Newark. Vide has been fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma (and insurance companies). Admission is $12 ($10 for any supporters club member, ESC or otherwise). There will be prize raffles, music and even a dunk tank. The cause could not be more worthy, so drop by on Saturday if you can.

That's it for now. I hope to see you out at the stadium on Wednesday night. If you're not there you'd better have a damn good excuse!

A few notes as the Red Bulls gear up for Wednesday evening's big game against divisional rival Toronto FC:

According to reports from training today, RBNY management is still working on several deals to improve the team, including the addition of a central attacking midfield player. The Post's Brian Lewis spoke with Hans Backe today about the mystery midfielder, but the Swede would only reveal that he was a player familiar to him from his time coaching in Denmark and that he was currently under contract to another club. The deal, if it happens, would have to be wrapped up by the August 15 transfer deadline. The other player still on the Red Bulls' radar is Luke Rodgers (pictured), whose visa issues seem to have been resolved. However the Notts County player would, according to Big Apple Soccer, probably not join until the off-season due to lingering paperwork and injury issues. It's the rumor that just won't die. He'd better be worth it!
Though Thierry Henry left the Chicago game with a groin strain, the injury does not appear to be serious enough to keep him out of Wednesday's game, though how long he plays is an open question. The four players the Red Bulls will be without are Dane Richards, Bouna Condoul, Roy Miller and Rafa Marquez, all of whom have been called up for their national teams. Joel Lindpere will not be playing for Estonia against the Faroe Islands.
Prior to the Chicago game, the Red Bulls announced that they had waived defender Kevin Goldthwaite. Goldie, who came over from Toronto in the unfortunate Todd Dunivant trade (one of Bruce Arena's less brilliant moves), was always a stand-up guy. My best memory of Goldthwaite will be his unbelievable goal line clearance against Real Salt Lake in 2009, which may have had some role in aggravating his abdominal injuries. Best of luck Goldie!
According to a club e-mail sent out today, traffic is expected to be (more) horrific (than normal) for tomorrow's game and Saturday's tilt against Los Angeles Galaxy. So plan to get there early if you can!
On Saturday afternoon the Empire Supporters Club will be staging a pre-game charity party for former player Joe Vide at El Pastor in Newark. Vide has been fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma (and insurance companies). Admission is $12 ($10 for any supporters club member, ESC or otherwise). There will be prize raffles, music and even a dunk tank. The cause could not be more worthy, so drop by on Saturday if you can.

That's it for now. I hope to see you out at the stadium on Wednesday night. If you're not there you'd better have a damn good excuse!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010