July 16, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
The good, bad and ugly of Claudio's career
Presenting one writer's memories of the career of Red Bulls retiring captain and midfielder Claudio Reyna, which includes, the good, the bad and yes, the ugly
July 7, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
There is still so much work to do
For the Red Bulls, it's not a matter of the glass being half full or empty. It's filled only halfway. As they hit the midway mark of the season after last week's most recent disaster, a 4-0 trouncing by the struggling Colorado Rapids, the Bulls' record stands at an appropriately mediocre 5-5-5. That is good for sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference and certainly not good enough to make the playoffs if they began today.
June 28, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Yeah, it's one of the team's all-time worst
OK, so how does the Kevin Goldthwaite blunder from Saturday's game fit in the 13-year history of the Red Bulls/MetroStars? Well, it is certainly up there. Very much up there.
June 24, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Michael Lewis celebrates 34 years of journalism with a unique interview
It was exactly 34 years ago today that BigAppleSoccer.com editor Michael Lewis started his first professional job as a sportswriter with the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. Here is a special question and answer with Lewis.
June 22, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS (UPDATED)
Some quick throughts on the WCQ 2nd leg
Some observations from Sunday's World Cup qualifier (second leg) between the United States and Barbados (this column will be updated periodically during the game).
June 14, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Remembering a U.S. qualifying disaster
The last time I covered a World Cup qualifier in this neck of the woods was a generation ago. And what a disaster it was. With archrival Mexico the host of the 1986 World Cup, it looked like the U.S.'s path to the greatest show on earth was clear and that the Americans would book a place in the tournament for the first time in 36 years. Needing but a draw to continue in the competition, the U.S. dropped a devastating 1-0 loss to Costa Rica on a football field before a crowd of 11,800 at El Camino College.
June 9, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Is Altidore already history?
No one on the Red Bulls is going to admit it, but it wouldn't be surprising if Jozy Altidore has played his last game with the MLS club. The 18-year-old striker is in the process of completing his $10 million transfer with Villarreal, which includes contract negotiations and passing a physical.
June 4, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Jozy, we hardly knew ye
Less than two years after making his professional soccer debut with the Red Bulls, the 18-year-old striker is heading for greener pastures in more ways than one in La Liga in Spain. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, his American soccer record $10 million transfer to runner-up Villarreal of the Spanish First Division is expected to be completed soon. While the transfer won't become official until the European transfer window opens July 1, you have to wonder if he has played his last home game as a Red Bull.
May 27, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Has the most intimidating soccer ground in the world lost some of its bite?
As stadiums go, from the outside Saprissa Stadium looks just about like any other soccer ground in the world. The white stadium is situated in the Tibas neighborhood of Heredia just outside the Costa Rican capital. What has made this ground different from the others is the fans, who can be quite voracious when they want to be. They are loud and and can make Toronto FC fans seem like petty litterers when they throw streamers onto the BMO Field.
May 21, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS (MLS SPECIAL)
Coaching carousel could be a busy one
The MLS's head-hunting season has gotten off to an early start. Only seven games into the season, the first coach has bitten the dust. Steve Morrow Tuesday was shown the door by FC Dallas. Morrow's departure could signal the start of a busy firing season in MLS.
May 21, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Nevada Smith's should be rocking again
Like many pubs and bars in New York City, Nevada Smith's will be hopping Wednesday afternoon. It will be filled with supporters from Chelsea and Manchester United and interested onlookers and soccer fans prior to the Champions League final clash at 2:45 p.m. They probably will have a good time after the final whistle, especially for the winners, who will want to celebrate into the night.
May 20, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Osorio keeping Red Bulls afloat
Here it is seven games into the season and would have thought the Red Bulls would have been one of two MLS teams with one loss apiece? While Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio likes to deflect credit to his players, he should get his share of the praise for keeping the Red Bulls competitive and within striking distance of their conference rivals.
May 13, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Osorio gets his defensive message across
It's only six games into the MLS season, but there is little doubt that the Red Bulls have bought into coach Juan Carlos Osorio's defensive strategy. The Red Bulls are No. 2 in the league in defense, allowing only five goals in six games.
May 3, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Surprise! Crew are atop the MLS heap
Are we in a parallel Earth? Have they turned the Eastern Conference standings upside down? Are we are on drugs? Who would have bet that the Columbus Crew would have the best record in MLS?
April 29, 2008
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Deepest sympathies to Bradley's family
It is with great sadness to hear that former Cosmos coach Gordon Bradley has passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
