United Confirmed as All-Star Game Opponent; Agoos Out!

The Red Devils Thumped DeRosario and Company in 2010

In what must come as surprising news to exactly no one, MLS officially confirmed today that Manchester United will be the opponent for this year's All-Star Game, Wednesday July 27 at Red Bull Arena. The MLS All-Stars played the Red Devils last season down in Houston and were spanked 5-2. Depending on what kind of squad Sir Alex Ferguson decides to bring with him to the States this time, we can probably expect a similar result, but who really cares? In the end it's a meaningless exhibition match. Hopefully no Red Bulls get hurt and everyone has a good evening at the Cathedral of Football.

Red Bulls season ticket holders will have the first crack at purchasing seats for the match, beginning April 20. Season ticket holders, partial season ticket holders and five match plan holders will have priority, in that order. RBNY members will be eligible to purchase up to double the number of seats they currently own. I would advise members - whether or not they plan to go to the match - to purchase tickets for this event. Manchester United has a large enough fanbase in the New York area to fill Red Bull Arena at least two times over, and could probably come close to filling up New Meadowlands Stadium - even on a Wednesday. As a result, there should be an active market for tickets to this game.

With the Red Bulls back in Jersey after their hard-fought 0-0 on Saturday in Columbus, Hans Backe informed reporters today that Thierry Henry is likely to be back in the squad for the home game against Houston on April 2, barring another injury setback. The prognosis for goalkeeper Greg Sutton, who suffered a concussion in training leading up to the Crew match is less clear. With Bouna Condoul returning from international by the weekend, it could be Bouna Time again in Harrison. Alex Horwath did about as well as could be expected of a third-string keeper in Sutton's place, but surely Condoul would be preferred if he is able to get back in time and is fresh enough to start, wouldn't he?

Finally, sweet vindication for me and my good friend Keith Brown, who joined me in launching the Fire Jeff Agoos Facebook Group almost two years ago. Agoos, who was at the helm during the disastrous 2009 season and was either wholly or partly responsible for signing footballing abortions such as Juan Pietravallo and Leo Krupnik, has departed RBNY and taken on the Technical Director role at Major League Soccer, according to numerous reports. I never understood what special skills Agoos brought to the Red Bulls, even before his status was downgraded to that of roving scout. But give the man credit - he has a knack for failing upward. Anything that takes him further away from day-to-day decision making in Harrison is fine by me. Best of luck, Jeff and thanks for... uh... never mind.

United Confirmed as All-Star Game Opponent; Agoos Out!