Jets Upper Level Single Game Tickets On Sale Today at 4:00 PM EDT

The New York Jets are placing upper level single game tickets without EPL restrictions on sale today to the general public at 4:00 PM EDT. These seats went on sale at 10:00 AM for season’s ticket holders.

Red Bulls Shut Out Earthquakes 2-0 at Red Bull Arena as Henry Scores First MLS Goal Saturday

The New York Red Bulls defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 at Red Bull Arena Saturday night in front of a great crowd of almost 22,000 fans. Dane Richards was Man of the Match by getting the Red Bulls on the scoreboard in the 1st half stoppage time. Richards made a terrific move to get around the defenders then the goalkeeper as he shot the ball into an empty net. Thierry Henry was waving his hands for the ball on the left but Richards kept dancing with the ball until he scored the goal, his first of the MLS season. The Red Bulls kept the pressure on the entire half and had other scoring chance by captain Juan Pablo Angel and Henry, shooting just wide and hitting the post. Henry was giving the San Jose defense fits all game. Midway through the first half Cornell Glen came close to tying the game for the Earthquakes but pushed the ball wide right when in close on Bouna Coundoul (Bouna Time). Henry had another scoring chance but his soft shot was stopped easily. Early in the 2nd half Roy Miller crossed the ball from the left side to Henry who took a slick shot off his back heel but San Jose goalkeeper Busch made a great save. Minutes later Rafa Marquez took a shot from the right side at a tough angle that just missed left of the far post. In the 63rd minute the wait was over as Henry scored his first MLS regular season goal. Richards got the ball on the right side and fed Henry a nice cross near the spot. Henry controlled the ball and rocketed it pass Busch for the goal. Late in the 2nd half Glen missed a chance to get the Earthquakes on the scoreboard. Red Bull rookie defender Tim Ream made a good play on the ball to kick it away. Marquez played the best game I’ve seen with the Red Bulls. He attacked the ball and made great passes. Once again Danleigh Borman and Sinisa Ubiparipovic did not make it into the game. Head coach Hans Backe went with the same staring lineup for three successive games, a formula for success.

Sunday, August 29th Thoughts on Jets Training Camp

The New York Jets are 1-2 in preseason this year and have been a bit overmatched at times. Obviously preseason means nothing but I am concerned that Darrelle Revis has yet to report to training camp and quarterback Mark Sanchez has looked pedestrian or brutal in the time he’s been on the field. I was saddened to hear that the Jets cut wide receiver Lavernius Coles as he was hoping to retire as a Jet. I’ve always liked Coles and was glad that he was coming back. I don’t know if David Clowney is the answer but I sure hope he steps up in the four game absence of Santonio Holmes. It would be great if Revis signs an extension with the Jets before 6:00 PM on Wednesday. That will ensure he’s on the final episode of Hard Knocks.

Alternatives to Major League Baseball – Atlantic League Independent Baseball in New York and New Jersey

There are alternatives to paying top dollar at the new Major League ballparks in Queens and the Bronx. You can watch the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks, Somerset Patriots and Newark Bears. The Atlantic League is an independent league made up primarily of former Major and Minor League players. My Wife and I have attended games since 2007 and have had the Saturday Plan for the Somerset Patriots since 2008. Cost of tickets range from $10.00 to $12.50 for excellent seats. The stadiums are family and fan friendly.

The Long Island Ducks play at Suffolk County Sports Park in Central Islip, NY. The Ducks won their division last season under manager Gary (Kid) Carter but lost in the opening round. Their current manager is Dave LaPoint.

The Somerset Patriots play at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ and are managed by ex-Yankee Sparky Lyle. They won the league championship last year and are looking forward to another playoff run this year.

The Newark Bears play at the Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium and are managed by Tim (Rock) Raines.

Friday, August 27th Installment of What’s Up Jerry?

The New York Mets are one game under .500 and at best look to be a .500 club this season. I predicted 75 wins for this team coming out of Spring Training and I hope I’m wrong. Let’s get to at least 81 wins please. Decisions will need to be made with Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo and the like for next season. There have been trade rumors circulating around Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes. The only problem in trading Reyes is who will then play shortstop for the Mets. Ruben Tejada is a terrific fielder who has shown that he can play second base as well as shortstop but cannot hit Major League pitching. Jerry Manuel says he’ll work Tejada into the lineup depending upon the pitching matchups. I don’t think Manuel will be around to see Tejada become a Major League hitter next season. Manuel has stated that Wright’s inconsistencies have in part been to Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran having down years as well as his stance in the batter’s box. I hope Wright works out his batting stance once and for all. In 3-game series’ this season the Mets record is 5-13 in the rubber game (3rd game of each series). That’s a huge stat and makes the difference between a .500 or sub.-500 club and a playoff team. The good teams take 2-of-3 at home and play at least .500 on the road. The 1986 Mets squad never lost a series the entire year, at home or on the road! That’s amazing.

Hope to See Tony Dungy on Hard Knocks at Jets Training Camp Tonight

New York City sports radio stations have been floating the idea that Darrelle Revis will appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks tonight with contract and helmet in hand. Steve Sabol from NFL Films has confirmed that Revis will not appear on tonights show. The person that I hope is on tonight is former head coach Tony Dungy. After the first episode of Hard Knocks appeared two weeks ago Dungy was not thrilled with the F bombs that were dropped by Jets head coach Rex Ryan and others. Dungy said he’d never hire Ryan to coach on his team. Thanks for the unsolicited commentary Tony. Ryan trumped Dungy by offering to visit the Jets at training camp and Dungy said he would take him up on his offer. NFL football is about the craziest sport there is. I’d love to see CBS, Fox and ESPN have their sideline parabolic dish microphones on full to hear what the lineman are yelling at each other during the game. Almost all of it would need to get bleeped out. I just hope to see Dungy trotting the sidelines with Marty Schottenheimer (father of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer) tonight. Marty was known to drop a few F bombs himself. I thought this picture of Bill Belichick’s face, head coach of the Patriots (aka Cheaters), reluctantly shaking hands with Tony Dungy is classically funny. Belichick is such a sore loser and wanted nothing to do with shaking hands after his Patriots (aka Cheaters) lost to the Colts in that AFC Championship game. Hopefully we’ll see Revis on the last show next Wednesday night. If Revis signs an extension this week we surely will.

Mangold Signs 7-Year $55 Million Extension with Jets

The New York Jets signed All-Pro center Nick Mangold to a 7-year, $55 million extension Tuesday. The big question that’s being talked about is “What is the guaranteed money?” Reports indicate that it’s in the vicinity of $24 million. Mangold is arguably the best center in the National Football League and now is being paid the most. I love watching him play but with all these crazy contacts being doled out I hope the Jets don’t jack up the price of tickets 20% next season.

Monday, August 23rd Notable Devils, Islanders and Rangers Free Agent Comings and Goings

I’ll keep up with a few of the notable comings and goings of the local NHL teams:

DEVILS
ILYA KOVALCHUK – nothing yet on the hottest free agent
ANDREW PETERS – tough guy left to sign with Florida Panthers

ISLANDERS
SEAN BERGENHEIM – left to sign with Tampa Bay Lightning
ANDY HILBERT – returns to Islanders from Minnesota Wild
FREDDY MEYER – left to sign with Atlanta Thrashers – Islanders stocking up on defensemen so Meyer was expendable

RANGERS
MARC STAAL – nothing to report on extending the restricted free agent’s contract with the Blueshirts – I hope Glen Sather (aka The Savior) just pays him already

Red Bulls Defeated Toronto FC 4-1 in Huge Win at BMO Field Saturday

The New York Red Bulls put some distance between them and the third place Toronto FC with a huge 4-1 win over Toronto Saturday afternoon at BMO Field, a very tough place to play for visitor. Latest Designated Player Rafa Marquez opened up the scoring for the Red Bulls with a golazo goal in the 35th minute. Tony Tchani passed the ball to Marquez who was moving up to Tchani’s right and blasted the ball into the upper-right corner of the net. A few minutes later right winger Dane Richards was mauled outside the box. Marquez took the free kick and curled the ball inside the box. A Toronto defender missed the ball and it hit off of Nane of Toronto for an own goal, Red Bulls up 2-0. Early in the 2nd half in the 49th minute Dwayne DeRosario scored for Toronto as he blew by Red Bull defender Carlos Mendes. The soft shot from the right side should have been stopped by Bouna Coundoul but overall he was great in goal. About eight minutes later Thierry Henry had a golden opportunity but shot high right. I saw the replay from behind the goal and was amazed that he missed that shot. Henry has yet to score in a regular season MLS game but the goals will certainly come. In the 60th minute a hand ball was called on Toronto, a blatant foul that resulted in a red card and penalty kick. Juan Pablo Angel took the shot and scored as the ball ricocheted off the bottom of the crossbar into the goal. Ex-Toronto player Carl Robinson was subbed for Marquez to cheers from the crowd. Robinson wasted no time scoring for New York in the 77th minute. He took the classy approach and didn’t celebrate the goal. Mac Kanji had visa issues and didn’t make the trip. Salou Ibrahim subbed for Henry but doesn’t have the mobility of Mac. Something to note was that Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Danleigh Borman and Seth Stammler did not play yesterday. They have had some tough games lately and head coach Hans Backe had them sit. With a bit of luck or better finishing the game could have been 6 or 7-1. That’s one aspect I hope gets better down the stretch for the Red Bulls, finishing on their chances.

Saturday, August 21st Thoughts on Jets Training Camp

In the New York Jets’ last Monday nights 31-16 loss to the New York Giants Rex Ryan played his first unit starters the entire first half and went into the locker room with a 13-10 lead. Quarterback Mark Sanchez threw an awful first pass interception that led to the Giants scoring early. As I watched the game on TV with my Wife I yelled “TIPPED OVER THE MIDDLE, IT WILL GET PICKED” and that’s exactly what happened. Sanchez came back and had a terrific half of football with 13-for-17 passing for 119 yards, a short touchdown pass to Brad Smith, one interception and three scores on his five offensive drives. This performance is a long way from a regular season NFL game but if Sanchez plays that kind of football the Jets will have a much better chance of bettering their 9-7 record from last season. In fact they will need Sanchez to take that leap in performance. Most starting NFL quarterbacks need a few seasons to get acclimated to the speed of the game. But my biggest concern is whether starting running back Shonn Greene can stay on the field the entire season and play at a high level. I was happy to see the Jets and Darrelle Revis’ agents stop their yapping about Revis’ contract negotiations. I wonder if Revis himself was pissed off with the dopey portrayal of him in the first episode of Hard Knocks last week. Ryan was doing a “bed check” and was looking for Revis in his empty room. The F bombs and dopey commentary was toned down for this weeks episode. I’d like to continue to see more of the real grit of football as they started to portray in episode two. All in all I can’t wait for the season to begin to go to the new Meadowlands Stadium for the Jet home Monday Night Opener against Ryan’s old team the Baltimore Ravens. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

From Rutgers University – Two Weeks Until Kickoff! Get Your Tickets Today

From RU via email: Only two weeks until kickoff!

Kickoff Pack $90
Includes an endzone ticket to the first two home games against Norfold State and North Carolina.

Norfolk State Sept.2 @ 7:30 PM 2010 Season Opener
Come watch your Scarlet Knights open the 2010 Football season!

Scarlet Pack
Pick 3 games for the 2010 season and save $5 per ticket, per game!

Yankee Cervelli Wore Wilson Wright #5 Custom Glove Monday

New York Yankee catcher Francisco Cervelli was called upon to play third base in the absence of Alex Rodriguez (aka A-Roid) Monday night. The cameramen at YES discovered that Cervelli was sporting a Wilson Wright #5 custom glove. I love it, a Yankee wearing a Met player’s custom glove! Obviously Cervelli wouldn’t have a contract with a glove manufacturer of his own as he hasn’t played third for the Bronx Bombers until recently. I wonder what George Steinbrenner (The Boss) would have thought? For the Yankees sake I hope it’s the 2007 & 2008 model when David Wright won the National League Gold Glove.

Rangers and Flyers (aka Effers) Share ECHL Affiliate Greenville Road Warriors – Ewww, the Whole Thing Feels a Bit Dirty

The New York Rangers had to shop for a new ECHL minor league affiliate as their old affiliate Charlotte Checkers moved up to the AHL as the affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning. They have come to terms with the Greenville Road Warriors who were formerly the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL.

On August 12th the Greenville Road Warriors announced they have entered into an affiliation with the Rangers:

"We are all very happy and proud to be the ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers," said Neil Smith, Road Warriors owner and president. "Glen Sather and Jim Schoenfeld are committed to player development and we will work hard to develop future Rangers here in Greenville."

On August 16th the Road Warriors announced they have entered into an affiliation with the Flyers (aka Effers):

"To be affiliated with the Philadelphia Flyers and Adirondack Phantoms will greatly enhance what it means to be a member of the Greenville Road Warriors,” said Road Warriors president and general manager Neil Smith. “The Flyers are committed to winning at every level. We hope to help them with that commitment by developing their future AHL and NHL players.”

Do you see how "The Flyers (aka Effers) are committed to winning at every level.” Where was that in the Rangers’ announcement? The whole thing feels dirty, sharing anything with the Effers. Maybe Neil Smith and Glen Sather aren’t exactly pals as Sather replaced Smith as GM of the Blueshirts in 2000. Sather once ripped Smith by saying if he had the Rangers’ money he’d win the Stanley Cup every year in the pre-salary cap years.

Jets Play Host to Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Tonight at 8:00 PM on ESPN

The New York Jets play host to their rival and cohabitants of the New Meadowlands Stadium New York Giants tonight in their first preseason game. What a way to christen the new stadium than have both teams play each other. They usually save this game for the fourth and final preseason game but I love the idea of opening the new stadium this way. The Jets will introduce their inaugural Ring of Honor, 2010 Class as halftime. The inductees are: Weeb Ewbank, Winston Hill, Joe Klecko, Curtis Martin, Don Maynard and Joe Namath. Congratulations to all great Jet players. I just hope Jet head coach Rex Ryan doesn’t do something stupid and play his starters for two quarters just to show up the Giants and run up the score. No injuries, please.

Galaxy Shut Out Red Bulls 1-0 at Sold-Out Red Bull Arena Saturday

The New York Red Bulls lost to the LA Galaxy 1-0 Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in front of a sold-out crowd. My Wife and I were joined by two of our friends who made their first trip to the Cathedral of Football. A good time was had by all but a win would have made it sweeter. The weather was excellent as we enjoyed the walk from Newark Penn Station to and from the arena. The supporters were in good form and got the crowd into it but the Red Bulls looked a bit flat in the loss and once again could not capitalize on scoring chances. Galaxy Chris Birchall took a shot in the 7th minute that slammed off the crossbar. In the 10th minute Galaxy midfielder Juninho took the ball away from our latest Designated Player Rafa Marquez and got it to Edson Buddle. Buddle split NY defenders Tim Ream and Carlos Mendes and scored the first and deciding goal of the match. Red Bull goalkeeper Bouna (Bouna Time) Coundoul came off the goal line but was beaten by Buddle, who scored his MLS leading 13th goal. Marquez played for Mexico in a friendly three nights before in Mexico City and he looked slow all night, losing balls, poor passing. Thierry Henry and Juan Pablo Angel looked a bit lethargic as well. The Red Bulls had good possession but I felt held the ball too long and should have taken shots rather than trying to make the perfect pass and losing the ball to LA. In first half stoppage time Marquez played a free kick perfectly to Angel who headed it off the crossbar. That would have put the crowd into a frenzy and made the 2nd half more intense. The Galaxy played hard nose soccer in the 1st half but seemed to go down to the turf quite easily in the 2nd half, looking for fouls on a lot of plays. At one point Landon Donovan dragged down Dane Richards with a headlock and wasn’t called, for a yellow card or even a foul! Not only that but it was Richards who was called for the foul! What a joke. In the 59th minute Angel was given a yellow card for Dissent, vehemently arguing with the ref, supporting his team as a captain should. The refs were brutal and the Red Bulls were called offside at least 5 times too many. Dane Richards was the man of the match with a lot of speed and didn’t stop all night. I wish it was Henry who had those honors but goals will happen for TH14. Henry had a great scoring chance in the 54th minute but Galaxy goalkeeper Ricketts came out of the box to stuff the play. The Red Bulls travel north of the border for a Saturday matinee against Toronto FC.

Monday, August 16th Installment of What’s Up Jerry?

In the post-game press conference Met manager Jerry Manuel states that the Mets haven’t been playing badly, they’re just not hitting. Is he kidding? What is the worst part of this debacle is that the players haven’t focused in a long time and tried to elevate their play high enough to win. If it’s just a lack of hitting why did they commit more errors on the field then runs scored against the hated division rival Phillies playing at home? Committing errors, not hitting, getting caught stealing, is not playing well. I really wish things were different but scoring 2 runs in three games is a complete joke. Starting pitching was good and the offense, at home no less, was non-existent. The only bright spot of this series happened Sunday night when Angel Pagan threw out the Phillies starting pitcher from right field before he got to first base. That’s a real schoolyard softball play and it was awesome, reminiscent of the play by Brooklyn Dodger right fielder Carl Furillo (Reading Rifle) who had a cannon of an arm. The Mets have committed more errors than runs in this series against the Phillies! The Mets are 4-6 in their 10 games, 1 game under .500, 10 games behind the NL East Division leading Braves and 8 games behind in the Wild Card. I really feel bad for the season’s ticket holders who’ve already paid a lot of money for their tickets or the families that will go and spend a fortune to see guys play so poorly. To actually hear Jerry Manuel say they’re playing well and just not hitting is an insult to all Met fans.

Heading to Red Bull Arena as Red Bulls Play Host to Galaxy Tonight – Televised on Fox Soccer Channel

My Wife, friends and I are heading to Newark for some grub then off to sold-out Red Bull Arena as the New York Red Bulls play the LA Galaxy tonight at 6:00 PM. We are looking forward to see all three of the Red Bull Designated Players on the pitch at the same time: Angel, Henry and Marquez. I will root for Buddle and Donovan during warm-ups then it’s all Red Bulls. LET’S GO RED BULLS!

Mets’ Closer Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) Should Go After Arrest for Third-Degree Assault on Father-In-Law Wednesday

The Mets’ closer Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) didn’t have a lot to say to reporters after his arrest Wednesday night. K-Rod was charged with third-degree assault on his 53-year-old father-in-law Carlos Pena, who had bruises on his head and said he was punched by Rodriguez. This is a complete nightmare and he should be banished from the team. The two things that will keep him around are his monster contract and the rhetorical question: Who will take on the closer role if not K-Rod? What other job is there where you can punch out, allegedly of course, your father-in-law at the office and keep your job? I don’t see that happening in the average office these days. My only question is this: Did K-Rod tap his chest, get down on one knee and point to heaven after he threw the punches? He should really go but will most likely return to the team this weekend as the Mets’ slim playoff chances need to be kept alive as per GM Omar Minaya (aka Nomore Goodbya). What a joke though, really. (I took the picture of the K-Rod bobblehead on the train ride home with my Wife from Citi Field last September. Note he’s down on one knee. K-Rod will no doubt be inducted into my Hall of Shame if he’s convicted. My friend was waiting for this post, and you know who you are!)

Special Pre-Match Ceremony to Honor Clint Mathis 5:30 PM Today at Red Bull Arena

From the New York Red Bulls via email:

Hi Red Bulls Fans, 

We are looking forward to the New York Red Bulls match against the LA Galaxy tomorrow evening at 6:00 PM.

Please make sure to get to Red Bull Arena early for a special on-field ceremony to honor fan favorite Clint Mathis. Please enter Red Bull Arena by 5:30 PM to make sure you don't miss out!

Thank you for your support and let's show Clint the love he deserves!

Manchester United has Banned Vuvuzelas from Old Trafford

Manchester United has joined a growing list of Barclays Premier League teams that have banned vuvuzelas from their stadiums. I pray that they will not be visible at Red Bull Arena any time soon.

A club spokesperson said: "The decision was taken after careful consideration and in light of correspondence received from fans. We recognise the vuvuzela was a feature at the World Cup – and we're sure it will remain a part of the matchday experience in South Africa – but in the context of English football we believe it's had its day."

Updates to Blog Tomorrow Morning

I’ve been away from the blog of late. I will post updates tomorrow morning, including K-Rod, Francoeur, excellent starting pitching from the Mets and the Red Bulls.

Play Hooky at Citi Field this Afternoon: Mets Host Phillies Friday, Saturday And Sunday Nights

The New York Mets host the Colorado Rockies in the rubber game of the 3-game series this afternoon at Citi Field. Last night was an utter disaster that disturbs me too much right to write about at the moment. I’ll put together a What’s Up Jerry? post later on today. I was heading home from the Red Bull game last night on NJ Transit where I heard two disgruntled Met fans bemoaning the awful game they just attended and were asking themselves why they continue to support this team. As a lifelong Met fan I decided to not join in and move my seat to the next car! It was just easier that way. I received an email from the Mets telling me to play hooky and come out to Citi Field this afternoon. I think I’d rather play hockey so I will listen to the game on the radio and hope that David Wright goes 3-for-4 with a 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs.

Kovalchuk Remains a Free Agent as Deal with Devils is Rejected by Arbitrator

Arbitrator Richard Block has ruled that the NHL was within its legal right to reject the 17-year, $102 million deal with the New Jersey Devils. Kovy remains an unrestricted free agent and the Los Angeles Kings and Devils are in the mix for signing the superstar. The picture was from a game at The Garden in February 2010 where my Wife and I sat with our Cousins right next to the Ranger penalty box. Seeing Kovy and Marian Gaborik up-close was tremendous as the Rangers won the game 3-1. Thanks to my Cousin for getting the great seats. Another Cousin sat nearby in the red seats that night with his family as well. The Devils and Kovalchuk may get fined by the NHL but nothing has been announced yet.

U.S. Men National Team Playing Brazil and Down 2-0 at Halftime – So Far All Brazil – Televised on ESPN2

The U.S. Men National Team is hosting Brazil at the new Meadowlands Stadium right now and is down 2-0 at halftime. So far it’s been all Brazil. The U.S. cannot get the ball to Edson Buddle or Landon Donovan for any quality scoring chances. The killer was Brazil scoring at the end of the first half where goalkeeper Tim Howard came off his line but lost the battle. Bob Bradley is coaching the U.S. club and may end up at Aston Villa of the English Premier League. Grass was placed over the stadium turf for the friendly match. The game is being televised on ESPN2.