Sunday, October 31, 2010

Cablevision will Broadcast Packers vs. Jets Today on Fox 5 New York

As you may know Cablevision and News Corp have come to a resolution so you will be able to see the Jets host the Packers this afternoon on Fox 5 New York. If the visiting team is from the NFC then Fox will broadcast the game. If the visitors are an AFC team then CBS has broadcasting rights. At least you won’t have to schlep to a sports bar at 1:00 PM to see the game. Darrelle Revis is reportedly 100% and I’m looking forward to seeing how the defense plays today.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Red Bulls vs. Earthquakes in First Leg of Eastern Conference Playoff Semifinal Series at Buck Shaw Stadium

The Red Bulls visit San Jose to play the Earthquakes at Buck Shaw tonight in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinal Series. The game is televised on MSG2, which is Channel 414 on Cablevision in the Greater New York City area starting at 10:00 PM EDT. The game will also be televised in progress on MSG+ at 10:30 PM since the Rangers, Knicks and Islanders are all playing tonight. Unfortunately the Red Bulls will be without Thierry Henry, rookie Tony Tchani and Solou Ibrahim. That’s going to be a tall order for the Red Bulls on the road and I’d be happy with a tie and ecstatic with a victory. Goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul will have his hands full and captain Juan Pablo Angel and Dane Richards on the right wing will need to play very well. Another rookie Juan Agudelo may get the start, having limited MLS experience. One good thing is that Agudelo has made the most of his minutes recently. LET’S GO RED BULLS!

Friday, October 29, 2010

A Message From Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson

Here is a video message from the Mets’ GM Sandy Alderson. I hope he hires a manager that won’t make the following mistake upon his introduction to the press that Alderson made:

"I view the position of general manager of the Oakland - excuse me, of the New York Mets…"
There actually may be hope for this team in 2012. By the way, I wanted to sit in the seat Sandy's sitting in but it's an absolute fortune. It's right behind the plate, very similar to box seats on the rail above home plate in the old Loge Section at Shea Stadium. Citi Field's version is a couple of hundred dollars plus for a regular season platinum level game.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Take a Citi Field Tour this Fall

Here is your chance to take a guided tour of Citi Field this fall. My Wife and I took the tour of Oriole Park at Camden Yards last year and thought it was excellent. With the poor play the past couple of seasons maybe the Mets should pay us to go!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Mets Get Their Man and Hire Alderson as General Manager

It has been reported that the New York Mets have their man and hired Sandy Alderson as their new general manager. This is the start of a new era for the Metropolitans and will hopefully bring credibility to the organization. The first order of business will be to deal with the dead wood on the team.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Metropolitan Hospitality: Host Your Holiday Party At Citi Field

If your firm is doing fabulously well this year then here’s your chance to host your holiday party at Citi Field. At some point in the evening all guests should shuffle down to the field to run the bases. Now that would be worth the price of admission.

Red Bulls to Play San Jose Earthquakes in Eastern Conference Semifinals

The New York Red Bulls will play the San Jose Earthquakes in the two-leg, aggregate goal Eastern Conference Semifinal Series. The Red Bulls will make the trip to Buck Shaw Stadium for the first leg on Saturday, October 30th and will return to Red Bull Arena on Thursday, November 4th for the second leg. I hope Thierry Henry is ready to go. To purchase tickets click here. LET’S GO RED BULLS!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Henrik Lundqvist Continues to Dominate the New Jersey Devils in Rangers 3-1 Win at MSG Sunday

Henrik Lundqvist continues to dominate the New Jersey Devils as the Rangers defeated their rivals from across the Hudson River 3-1 on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden. The King had 27 saves and played extraordinarily well in the 3rd period to secure the victory for the Blueshirts and improved to 3-2-1. Lundqvist improved his record to 19-7-5 with 1.89 goals against average and .934 save percentage with 4 shutouts in 31 career regular season starts against the Devils.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Congratulations to Red Bulls for Clinching First Place in the Eastern Conference of MLS

Congratulations to the Red Bulls for clinching first place in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer. The turnaround from worst to first in one season is amazing. I will post more on the Red Bulls later today.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Just Watched New York Yankees Lose to Texas Rangers in ALCS – Mike Francesca Gave Pitcher Colby Lewis and Rangers No Respect

The New York Yankees were just defeated by the Texas Rangers 4 games to 2 in the American League Championship Series. The Rangers outpitched them, out hit them, out ran them and flat out destroyed them. I subjected myself to listening to Mike Francesca on WFAN-AM yap on and on incessantly about “Andy, Andy, Andy, Andy, Andy” and tidbits such as “’Cause they’re the Yankees!” What a joke. Francesca gave absolutely no respect to Colby Lewis and the Rangers who blew away the Yankees. All Francesca could do was speak about Andy getting the ball tomorrow night and all the pressure the Yankees were putting on Andy at his age. Mike obviously forgot about Game 6. Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan could not have been more humble in accepting the American League Championship trophy. The Rangers will go onto their first World Series.

A GM Search Update from Mets Ownership

From the New York Mets via email:
October 22, 2010
Dear Mets Fans:
We are bringing back Josh Byrnes and Sandy Alderson for a second round of interviews with Fred, Saul and me. Josh is scheduled for Monday and Sandy for Tuesday as we continue our search for the next General Manager of the Mets. 
John Ricco and I spoke personally with Allard Baird, Rick Hahn, Logan White and Dana Brown earlier today to thank them for their interest and taking the time to interview with us.
We will be back to you with more information regarding our new GM soon.
Sincerely,
Jeff Wilpon
COO

Update from Mets Ownership Regarding GM Search

From the New York Mets via email:

October 21, 2010

Dear Mets Fans:

As you may know, earlier today we completed the initial round of interviews with six talented candidates to become the new General Manager of the New York Mets.

Each was extremely impressive - Allard Baird, Rick Hahn, Josh Byrnes, Sandy Alderson, Logan White, and Dana Brown. All reiterated their desire and interest in pursuing this opportunity.
We will be in direct communication with each as we narrow the candidate pool by early next week. We subsequently will invite the leading candidates back to meet with Fred, Saul, and me.

We have an outstanding group from which to select our new General Manager. We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

Sincerely,

Jeff Wilpon
COO

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Going to Red Bull Arena for Red Bulls’ Season Finale Against Revolution

I’ll be meeting friends, going to the Ironbound in Newark for some grub then onto Red Bull Arena for the Red Bulls’ season finale as they host the New England Revolution. Unfortunately Thierry Henry will not be on the pitch again tonight as he rests his knee. Since the Red Bulls are in the playoffs head coach Hans Backe will not take any chances with Henry. Unfortunately Henry has not been on the pitch long enough to make a real impact and I hope he’s ready to go and is a force in the playoffs. A victory tonight would clinch first place in the Eastern Conference and home field advantage through the playoffs. It is Fan Appreciation Night and we’re looking forward to having a great time. LET’S GO RED BULLS!

Marc Staal Wearing “A” as Second Alternate Captain of New York Rangers and it is Well Deserved

The Rangers defenseman Marc Staal wore an “A” on his jersey last Monday night against the Avalanche at Madison Square Garden. I said during training camp last season that Staal will be the Rangers captain one day. Being named alternate captain is well deserved, if only on a temporary basis while Vinny Prospal recovers from knee surgery. I would not be surprised if the Rangers name another alternate captain while the captain Chris Drury recovers from his fractured finger injury but it must be earned.
Staal was asked when he found out:
"Before warm-ups. Obviously it's an honor. It's a nice thing that they put the responsibility of that on me."

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Jets Sit Atop the AFC East at 5-1 with NFL’s Best Record Heading into Bye Week

The New York Jets have won five games in a row to bring their record to 5-1, the NFL’s best as they head into their bye week. My Wife, friends and I witnessed their opening night loss to the Ravens unfortunately as it was their worst game by far. Good teams find a way to win and lesser teams find a way to lose. A big difference I see between this team and the team from last season is that mentality. The Jets played very well down the stretch last season but this team has found a way to win the games they may have lost last year. When the defense has not been the best the offense has picked them up, and vice versa. The special teams and kicking game have been outstanding and in fact better than predicted. Not signing running back Thomas Jones and kicker Jay Feeley were thought to be questionable moves but they’ve proven in the early going to have been the best moves the team could have made. Not signing those two players freed up money for running back LaDainian Tomlinson and kicker Nick Folk. Another unsung hero is little mentioned punter Steve Weatherford. Braylon Edwards has not dropped the ball (well he dropped one pass last game that would have been a first down) as he had in the past and Santonio Holmes should get more comfortable in the offense. My main concern is the status of Darrelle Revis’ hamstring injury and if the bye week will help him get to 100%. Head coach Rex Ryan describes Revis at 90% but from what I’ve seen he’s no where close to that. The signing of defensive end Trevor Pryce may be the steal of the season as it relegates Vernon Gholston back to special teams exclusively. When I saw #77 Kris Jenkins (The Human Truck) not get up from the turf on the sixth play of the season I thought the defense would take a huge hit. However nose tackle Sione Pouha has filled The Human Truck’s shoes admirably. There is a long way to go but the Jets have been terrific thus far.

Red Bulls Look to Preserve First Place in Eastern Conference with Season Finale Victory Against Revolution at Red Bull Arena Thursday – Also Fan Appreciation Night

The New York Red Bulls are looking to preserve a first place finish in the Eastern Conference as they play their regular season finale at Red Bull Arena tomorrow night against the New England Revolution. I will be going to the match with three friends and we’re anticipating a good effort from the Red Bulls. Their last game on Saturday at Philadelphia was brutal. They did not play with passion in the 1st half and were not only missing Thierry Henry who sat out an injury incurred during practice but they were missing all creativity in the midfield. The Red Bulls will have their hands full tomorrow night with New England’s midfielder Shalrie Joseph, who attended St. John’s University. Thursday will also be also Fan Appreciation Night at Red Bull Arena.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Message from Mets Ownership Regarding GM Search

From the New York Mets via email:

Dear Mets Fans:

We have heard from many of you over recent weeks offering suggestions and ideas on how to assemble a winning team. Thank you for taking the time to contact us. Your interest and support of the Mets is greatly appreciated.

We have been hard at work since the end of the season exploring ways to improve our club. As you likely know, this week we interviewed five candidates for General Manager - Allard Baird, Rick Hahn, Josh Byrnes, Sandy Alderson, and Logan White. They all are intelligent, creative and passionate about winning. They conveyed their honest assessment of our franchise and discussed how we can move forward on our pledge to give our fans the winner that they deserve.

We are continuing our search and expect to hire our new GM in the next few weeks. We will be in contact with you with more information and details soon.

Thanks again.

Jeff Wilpon
COO

Monday, October 18, 2010

Postings Monday Morning on Jets, Giants and Red Bulls

I will post more Monday morning on the Jets, Giants and Red Bulls.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Maple Leafs Defeated Rangers 4-3 in Overtime at Garden Friday and Lose Gaborik and Drury to Injuries

The Toronto Maple Leafs came into Madison Square Garden Friday night and ruined the Blueshirts home opener with a 4-3 overtime victory. We saw the Leafs outplay the Rangers for the majority of the game on both ends of the ice and bombard Henrik Ludqvist with 38 shots on goal. Michal Rozsival, who was met with boos unfairly by the crowd during the introductions, scored the games first goal at 7:58 in the 1st period on a wrist shot from the right point. Rozy also led all Rangers in over 28 minutes of ice time. Toronto scored three unanswered goals in the 2nd period to take a 3-1 lead. What hurts a lot more is losing sniper Marian Gaborik and Chris Druty in the 2nd period to injuries. Gaborik suffered a separated left shoulder on a boarding penalty by Toronto’s Colby Armstrong and Drury fractured the same index finger he just recovered from. Sean Avery challenged Armstrong and he skated away from Avery. Brian Boyle scored at 2:10 in the 3rd period on a much needed goal to bring the score to 3-2 and the Rangers played a much better game from that point on. Former Ranger Colton Orr, who I used to love, was once again a dope in front of his old fans. Orr took a bad roughing penalty just seconds after Boyle’s second goal. At 3:49 in the 3rd period the Rangers’ Ruslan Fedotenko and Avery were called for penalties. The Blueshirts did an outstanding job of killing off the two man 5-on-3 advantage. Boyle came though again by scoring the tying goal at 6:19. The game went into overtime and Toronto came out on top by Phil Kessel’s power play, his second goal of the game. Marc Staal was called for a joke of an interference penalty and that gave the Leafs the 4-on-3 advantage. On the trip home we were talking about the injuries to Gaborik and Drury and that Alex Frolov will need to step up. The Rangers have a tough schedule the first month of the season and will need to play well at home to not lose ground in the early going.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Going to Rangers Home Opener at Garden in Original Six Matchup with Maple Leafs

It’s been 55 years since the New York Rangers have hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs in their home opener. My Wife and I are looking forward to sitting in the green seats once again. I will post more on the Blueshirts later tonight and tomorrow morning.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Jersey's Team Community Report – October 2010

From the New Jersey Devils via email:
New Jersey Devils are pleased to release the October 2010 Community Report. We hope you take a moment to read about the Devils' commitment to New Jersey's communities.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Mets Offering Family Fleece Sale – Haven’t the Mets Fleeced their Fans Long Enough?

The New York Mets continue to discount their garb. I can’t help but think that they’ve fleeced us long enough! Next season will hopefully be yet another new beginning for the Mets but in the interim you can keep warm in one of these fleeces.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Jets Host Old Friend Brett Favre Tonight as Vikings Play Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on Monday Night Football – Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson and Visanthe Shiancoe Will Be a Handful

The New York Jets play the Minnesota Vikings tonight at the New Meadowlands Stadium on Monday Night Football and will see the return of their old teammate Brett Favre. The Vikings traded for Randy Moss this week and I expect The Golden Arm to throw the ball his way early and often. The timing could not be better for Gang Green as Calvin Pace returns from right foot surgery and Darrelle Revis returns from his hamstring strain. The most exciting addition could be Santonio Holmes, who will play his first game as a Jet. First order of business for the Jets will be to contain Viking running back Adrian Peterson. Second order of business will be to make their old friend Mr. Favre terribly uncomfortable in the pocket. They will have to knock him down and make him pay for keeping the ball until the last moment. Third order of business will be to keep the ball out of Moss’ and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe’s hands. Revis Island is back in business and the game promises to be a good one. It makes me cringe thinking of Favre getting sacked multiple times two seasons ago as a Jet. Sitting in the upper deck of Giants Stadium I remember my Wife saying to me “HE'S GETTING THROWN AROUND LIKE A RAG DOLL!” He sure was and Favre’s horrific play began from there. Well he’s just visiting now! J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake Play to 0-0 Tie at Red Bull Arena Saturday

The New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake met at Red Bull Arena on Saturday afternoon and played to a scoreless draw. Dane Richards and Bouna Coundoul (Bouna Time) were not in the lineup for the Red Bulls as they played matches for their respective countries. Thierry Henry played the game on the left wing, a position that did not sit well with him when he played for Barcelona and Greg Sutton was in goal. Much of the game was played in the middle of the field with not a lot of shots on goal. The early part of the game was controlled by RSL but then the Red Bulls took control for the rest of the 1st half. They had five scoring chances in the half but could not muster a goal. RSL had two excellent chances in the 1st half and hit the post on both shots. Just before halftime there was a questionable foul called on Roy Miller just inside the box that resulted in a free kick for RSL. The referee called the foul but did not call it inside the box. The free kick did not get past the wall and the Red Bulls went into the locker room with the game scoreless. New York had chances in the 2nd half but could not capitalize. Dane Richards and his speed were missed on the right wing. It was the kind of game that could have been 2-0 RSL or 4-2 Red Bulls. It would have been nice if Juan Pablo Angel put away one or two of his headers. Henry could not get a shot on goal and many of his passes were picked off by RSL's defense. Rafa Marquez took a shot from outside the box but it missed wide of the far left post. I’d like to see Marquez shoot more from there. Angel’s status after this season has not been discussed publicly by the team and I wonder if that means the Red Bulls will look in a different direction. Two Red Bulls were called for yellow card fouls (Chris Albright and Roy Miller).

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) Hall of Shame Inductee #9 with Shame-O-Meter Rating of 7

New York Mets closer, or should I say future ex-closer Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) is the ninth inductee into my Hall of Shame with a Shame-O-Meter Rating of 7. After the Met game at Citi Field on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 Rodriguez was charged with third-degree assault on 53-year-old Carlos Pena who is the father of his ex-girlfriend. Pena had bruises on his head and said he was punched by Rodriguez after Pena interrupted a profane outburst by K-Rod outside the Player’s Family Lounge at Citi Field. That’s the guy I want on my team! The Mets punished him a couple of games and naturally pitched him the following weekend as they were holding onto their slim playoff hopes at the time. After discovering that Rodriguez tore a ligament in his right thumb the Mets placed him on the restricted list and stopped paying him. Naturally the MLBPA is coming to his rescue. On September 14, 2010 Rodriguez appeared in Queens Criminal Court as he tried to explain why he sent 56 text messages to the mother of his children, 19 of which were sent while in Venezuela. The great thing is that an order of protection is against him in that country! I am happy to hear that K-Rod is taking anger management classes but I doubt they will do any good. Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in court again on November 10, 2010 as his attorney is working a plea deal with the prosecutor. The bottom line is that he should be banished from the New York Mets organization forever. It would quite a joke if K-Rod shows up in a Met or Triple-A Buffalo Bison uniform next season. I hope I don’t hurt my thumb when I smash our two K-Rod bobbleheads.

Devils Home Opener, Yankees ALDS Playoffs and Rangers – Will Post More on These Stories and More Saturday Morning

• Devils lost season opener 4-3 at Rock in overtime to the Dallas Stars

• New York Yankees are up 2 game to none in best-of-five series against the Minnesota Twins

• New York Rangers season opener tomorrow night at Buffalo against the Sabres

I will post more on these stores and more Saturday morning.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Sean Avery Sporting What Appears to be the Rangers 2010-11 Alternate Third Jersey

Here’s a picture of Sean Avery sporting what appears to be the Rangers 2010-11 alternate third jersey. I haven’t seen anything officially confirmed but I’m sure it this is true then the Rangers’ website will be all over it. Last year I posted on my blog how I loved the blue road jerseys from the late 70s with New York across the front and this version is a throwback from the early Original Six era.

Rangers Trimmed Training Camp Roster by 6 Players – Sign Former Islander and Penguin Forward Ruslan Fedotenko to One-Year Deal

The New York Rangers have trimmed their training camp roster by 6 more players to get down to 23 (which includes Chris Drury and Vinny Prospal who are injured) and may be ready for the start of the NHL season. The following players were assigned to Hartford Wolf Pack: Ryan McDonagh, Pavel Valentenko, Dale Weise and Mats Zuccarello. Two players were waived: Todd White and Tim Kennedy. Waiving both players was a planned move and done in case another player or two becomes available in the next day or two. The Rangers signed former Islander and Penguin forward Ruslan Fedotenko to a one-year deal. He’s played very well in the preseason and I think he’ll work out well. I’m still hoping to see a top line center in a Ranger jersey on the ice for opening night though.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Jets Defeated Bills 38-14 at The Ralph Sunday to Go 3-1 on Season and 3-0 in AFC East

The New York Jets travelled to Upstate New York to play their division rival Buffalo Bills Sunday and came away with a huge 38-14 victory at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Jets rushing game was excellent Sunday. LaDainian Tomlinson led the way with 19 carries for 133 yards & 2 TDs and Shonn Greene with 22 carries for 117 yards. It was the first NFL game for rookie Joe McKnight who carried the ball 4 times for 12 yards late in the game. The Jets offense clicked all game and quarterback Mark Sanchez was the centerpiece who went 14-of-24 for 161 yards and 2 TDs. In four games thus far Sanchez has a quarterback rating of 105.3, 8 touchdowns, 67.3% completion ratio and the biggest stat, no interceptions. That is the single biggest change for Sanchez this year compared to last. He also sat out the 4th quarter and Mark Brunell came in to finish the game. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards continues his great play with 4 receptions for 86 yards and 1 TD. Tight end Dustin Keller has emerged as Sanchez’s favorite target and he was huge on Sunday with 4 receptions for 28 yards and 2 TDs. Last night my Wife and friends and I went to the Grasshopper off the Green in Morristown, NJ for the Inside the Jets radio show and autograph signing session. I said to Keller “5 TDs, 250 yards?” As he nodded and smiled I told him “keep winning and get ready for the Pro Bowl baby, you’re a Pro Bowler.” Linebacker David Harris and safety Jim Leonhard had 4 tackles and the team had 3 total sacks. Shaun Ellis (The Big Cat) left the game with a knee injury but an MRI taken yesterday reported no damage thank goodness. The Big Cat may be ready for the showdown this week against Brett Favre and the Vikings on Monday Night Football. The NFL recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month where game balls had pink ribbons, players wore pink cleats, wristbands, gloves, chin straps, sideline caps, helmet decals and towels. The NFL will auction all equipment with all proceeds benefiting The American Cancer Society.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Rangers’ AHL Affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack will Change Name to Connecticut Whale Sometime this Season

The New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack will be renamed to the Connecticut Whale sometime this season. Howard Baldwin and Whalers Sports & Entertainment will take control of the business operations of Hartford's American Hockey League. Maybe I should get some signatures on my Wolf Pack jersey soon. The old Hartford Whalers played in the same arena before moving to Carolina and changing their name to the Hurricanes after the 1996-97 season.

"Based on internal discussions and significant feedback from both Whalers fans and Wolf Pack fans, we've chosen a name that touches on our past but also signifies this new era in Hartford hockey," one source close to Baldwin said. "Fans have always referred to the Hartford Whalers as the 'The Whale,' so it's a very familiar name."

Mets Fire Manuel and Relieve Minaya (aka Goodbya) of Duties as Executive VP of Baseball Operations & General Manager

As we all expected the Jerry Manuel/Omar Minaya (aka Nomore Goodbya) Era is over. Why keep Nomore around any longer? It’s the equivalent of moving Razor Shines over to first base since he was absolutely brutal as a third base coach in 2009. I received from the Mets at 11:47 AM via email:
October 4, 2010

Dear Mets Fans:

Thank you for your support during another extremely disappointing season. Like you, all of us at the Mets had high expectations for 2010 and we did not come close to meeting them. Since reaching the National League Championship Series in 2006, we have underperformed. The failure is unacceptable and we share your anguish.

As Ownership, we are ultimately responsible and have determined that changes are necessary to produce a winning team for the long term.

Earlier this morning, we relieved Omar Minaya of his duties as Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations & General Manager, and advised Jerry Manuel that we are declining to exercise the club's option on his contract as Manager for 2011. We appreciate all that Omar and Jerry have done for the Organization and thank them for their time and effort. Changes like these are never easy, especially when dealing with people you like and respect.

We feel a fresh perspective in the leadership of our baseball department will elevate the performance of our club. That person will work with Ownership to hire a new Manager and will be responsible for creating a winning culture.

We have a lot of work to do to regain your confidence and support. Thank you for the opportunity to do so.

Fred Wilpon
Chairman & CEO

Saul Katz
President

Jeff Wilpon
COO

Red Bulls Shut Out Wizards 1-0 Saturday to Clinch a Playoff Berth and Take Over First Place in the Eastern Conference – What a Difference a Year Makes

My friends and I went to Krug’s in Newark on Saturday for burgers then walked over the Jackson Street Bridge to the Cathedral of Football to root on the Red Bulls. It was one friend’s first trip to Red Bull Arena and he was impressed. We were happy to sit next to the supporters and root on the Red Bulls as they shut out the Kansas City Wizards 1-0 in front of what looked to be close to a sellout crowd. With the victory the Red Bulls clinched a playoff berth and leapfrogged over Columbus to take over first place in the Eastern Conference. Dane Richards scored the lone goal early on in the 6th minute which was his 4th goal in the last five games, just amazing. He has made a quite a turnaround this season and has become one of the most valuable players on the team. I was disappointed to hear from one friend that Rafa Marquez would sit this one out but happy to see Thierry Henry on the field. Recent addition Mehdi Ballouchy played a little deeper in the midfield for Rafa. This was not the type of game the Red Bulls have been playing lately with a lot of ball control and possession. It was marred with turnovers and giveaways in their own end of the field that often left Bouna Condoul (Bouna Time) to be the last line of defense. Bouna Time made save after save and was a machine in goal for the Red Bulls as he had 12 saves. I kept saying the Red Bulls need to play the game in KC’s end of the field. Marquez was sorely missed and I hope he’s back soon to take on the role of Man in the Middle. Henry looked a bit slow and didn’t have that burst to the ball as it was serviced to him. On two occasions TH14 could not get to the ball quickly and that gave time for the Wizard defenders to break up the play. The Red Bulls had scoring chances in the 2nd half as Henry came streaking down the left side and missed just wide of the far post and Richards was one-on-one with the keeper along the right side and hit the near post. Carl Robinson was subbed in for Henry very late in the game. As the Man of the Match voting appeared on the screen my friend asked me who it should be, and I said it had to be Bouna Time. The rest of the fans felt the same way and it was well deserved. With each save he got me out of my seat. Three Red Bulls were called for yellow card fouls (Roy Miller, Carlos Mendes and Mehdi Ballouchy). My Wife and I are looking forward to going to the Cathedral of Football next Saturday vs. Real Salt City and She’ll get to wear her new scarf. LET’S GO RED BULLS!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Going to Red Bull Arena as Red Bulls Play Wizards – With a Win the Red Bulls Clinch a Playoff Berth

The New York Red Bulls play the KC Wizards tonight at Red Bull Arena and with a win will secure a playoff berth. I’m driving to Newark with friends for the “Best Burger in NJ” and then we’ll walk it off to Red Bull Arena over the bridge in Harrison.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Rangers Host Senators at Garden in Rangers’ Home Final Preseason Game Tonight – Game One of Home-and-Home Series – Going to The Garden Shortly

My Wife, friend and I will be going to The Garden tonight as the New York Rangers play the Ottawa Senators in the Rangers final home preseason game and first in home-and-home series. I’m hoping to see 20-year old Derek Stepan, Tim Kennedy and Alex Frolov play tonight. Marc Staal will most likely sit this one due to a laceration he suffered on his hand/finger on Wednesday. Vinny Prospal was ready to go but was a late minute scratch and will start tomorrow night at Ottawa.