New York Red Bulls

Red Bull New York

File:RBNY.PNG
Full name	Red Bull New York
Nickname(s)	Red Bulls, Metro, RBNY
Founded	1995 (as NY/NJ MetroStars)
Ground	Giants Stadium East Rutherford, NJ
Capacity	80,242
Owner	Red Bull GmbH
Coach	Juan Carlos Osorio
League	Major League Soccer
2007	3rd (Eastern Conference) Playoffs: Conference Semifinals
Home colors Away colors

Red Bull New York is an American professional soccer organization based in New Jersey, who currently fields a team in Major League Soccer. While the organization is Red Bull New York, the actual team and playing squad is officially and commonly known as the New York Red Bulls. The team plays their home matches at Giants Stadium located at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey but is currently constructing a new stadium named Red Bull Park. The team's headquarters are located in Secaucus, New Jersey. The team colors are red, white, and blue.

Although the team has been in the league since its inaugural season (1996), it has gone through several name changes. The team was originally known as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars through 1997. From the 1998 season until right before the 2006 season, the team was known as simply the MetroStars. On March 9, 2006, it was sold to Red Bull GmbH, and the name changed to Red Bull New York. The sale of the team has been controversial among some fans of the MetroStars, similar to the situation in Austria, where Red Bull bought SV Austria Salzburg and renamed it FC Red Bull Salzburg.

History

Overview

The team plays its home matches at Giants Stadium located at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford; the headquarters are located in Secaucus. During the team's first season, the MetroStars had solid black or solid white jerseys and during all other seasons, the home jerseys had red and black vertical stripes. The MetroStars were known as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars through 1997, after which the NY/NJ part of the name was gradually phased out and then dropped altogether.

The team's best result in MLS play being the MLS Cup semifinals in 2000. In the US Open Cup, the MetroStars reached three semifinals (1997, 1998, 2000), before finally reaching their first final in 2003, losing 1-0 to the Chicago Fire. On August 26, 2000, the Metros' Clint Mathis set an MLS record by scoring five goals in a game against the Dallas Burn.

The team's main and bitter rival is D.C. United, with whom they compete annually for the Atlantic Cup, a minor title instituted by the two teams' management that DC United has won four out of five times. During one match in 2006, former DC United player Alecko Eskandarian went to the extent of drinking Red Bull after a goal and spitting it onto the field as an intentional slight on the recently renamed Red Bulls. He was then fined by the Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee $250. The DC United and Red Bull New York rivalry is perhaps the most embittered rivalry in all of MLS. Other rivals are the New England Revolution and the Chicago Fire. Red Bull New York is also developing a rivalry with the new MLS expansion side Toronto FC due to the little distance between both teams.

The team was sold to Austrian energy drink producer Red Bull and then was renamed Red Bull New York in 2006 The team currently has plans to build a new stadium named Red Bull Park. The team colors are red, white, and blue.

Some of the high-profile international players that played for the team were Roberto Donadoni, Branco, Lothar Matthäus, Adolfo Valencia, Youri Djorkaeff, Amado Guevara. The team has had its share of famous coaches as well, including Carlos Queiroz, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Bora Milutinović, as well as Bob Bradley, Mo Johnston, and Bruce Arena . American stars Tony Meola, Tab Ramos, Tim Howard, Alexi Lalas (who was also the team's General Manager, for a brief time), Clint Mathis, and Eddie Pope have all played for the team.

1996-2000

The club's original name was Empire Soccer Club, which gave birth to the name of the team's largest supporters' group, Empire Supporters Club. Team owners John Kluge and Stuart Subotnick were executives at the company MetroMedia, leading to the inclusion of "Metro" as part of the soccer team's name. Nike wanted the full name to be MetroFlash, but a more sensible MetroStars was selected.

Tab Ramos, the first player to sign with MLS, became the first MetroStar, and was soon joined by 1994 World Cup teammate Tony Meola and A.C. Milan star midfielder Roberto Donadoni. 1990 World Cup player Peter Vermes was named the first team captain, but it was the previously unknown Venezuelan Giovanni Savarese who became the Metros' first breakthrough star. The team's first coach was Eddie Firmani of New York Cosmos fame.

When the league began play in 1996, it was expected that the MetroStars would quickly become the league's dominant team. Despite famous players and high-profile coach, the team never seemed to gel. Firmani left after eight games (3-5) and was replaced by former Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz who did no better than even (12-12) the rest of the season. The team made it into the playoffs, only to lose to eventual champions D.C. United.

The team continued to flounder season after season. The combination of talented players and insipid play earned the team the sobriquet, RotMasters, from Paul Gardner, a curmudgeonly columnist at SoccerAmerica. Gardner coined the name by rearranging the letters spelling MetroStars.

Starting in 1998, the team stopped referring to itself NY/NJ, but it took a few years for the media and fans to catch up. The team went by just MetroStars, with no city or state attached to it, a rarity in American sports.

In 2000 MetroStars dropped the bombshell by acquiring German International player Lothar Matthäus from Bayern München. Matthäus played in 16 MLS fixtures during the season and his tenure in USA is considered a disappointment.

Over the years, the MLS front office has attempted to help this team, which sits in the middle of the nation's media center of New York City by bending the rules to move high-profile names to the team. However, that practice was abandoned since the sale of the team in 2001 to the Anschutz Entertainment Group; in fact, AEG President Tim Leiweke commented on neglect towards the franchise under its previous owners.

2001-2005

Despite their poor domestic record, the MetroStars became the first (and at this point, only) MLS team to win a trophy outside of North American soil, a 2004 victory in La Manga Cup . The MetroStars defeated Ukraine's Dynamo Kyiv 3–2 in the semifinals before edging Norway's Viking FK 1–0 in the final.

Late in 2005, after the firing of Bob Bradley, assistant Mo Johnston was named interim head coach and guided the team to seven points in its last three games, with wins at DC United and then at Chivas USA the MetroStars made it to the playoffs. Unfortunately it was just another season to end in disappointment after they were knocked out of the playoffs with a 3-2 loss to the New England Revolution.

Red Bull takeover (2006-2007)

When Red Bull purchased the MetroStars in 2006 , it decided to completely re-brand the franchise, changing the name, colors, and logo. The team's purchase by Red Bull generated controversy among some fans of the MetroStars, not dissimilar to the situation in Austria, where Red Bull bought SV Austria Salzburg and renamed it Red Bull Salzburg. While some fans were disappointed with the loss of Metro identity, others found fault in corporate branding, or with labeling the franchise as New York, when it plays and is headquartered in New Jersey. Some fans even went to the extent of leaving the team. Letters to the Red Bulls ownership show their indifference to what former fans thought of the name change. Other fans have accepted the change, in light of the MetroStars' lack of success on the field, and waning support in the stands. In 2006 the Red Bulls managed to defeat German powerhouse Bayern Munich 4–2 in a friendly game in Giants Stadium which was a sign of progress.

Red Bulls VS. L.A. Galaxy On August 18, 2007

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber has stated that a second franchise in the New York area can come "as early as 2010, but not before that." Whether that new team will be known as the MetroStars, and whether it would inherit the team's pre-2006 history from the New York Red Bulls, is not known, but seems unlikely since Red Bull has announced that it will acknowledge MetroStars history from the team's inception, regarding the New York Red Bulls as a continuation of that history and not a separate franchise. Despite the claim, the Red Bull New York media guide claims that the club was founded in 2006.

After a disappointing world-cup run, Bruce Arena immediately helped the new Red Bulls. They made it to the playoffs and after a late goal by Jozy Altidore seemed they could go further. Unfortunately a late goal was scored by DC United ending the playoff run and dreams of players and fans.

On November 5, 2007, Bruce Arena resigned as coach of the Red Bulls. The move came two days after the team was eliminated from the 2007 MLS playoffs by the New England Revolution.

Former Chicago Fire and Millonarios coach Juan Carlos Osorio was announced as the new coach of the Red Bulls. He has wanted to come back to New York because of his family and friends located in New York. "This is without a doubt one of the most proud moments for me, to be back in New York with all my family and friends," Osorio said. "Since 2001, when I left for Manchester City I always made it my goal to come back to MLS as head coach of the New York Red Bulls. Today, I've been given that opportunity, and I'm extremely proud and extremely pleased."

2008-A New Beginning

Since the preseason, Juan Carlos Osorio has looked into acquiring a new defender to improve the defense which is one of the team's weak areas. These players include Guillermo Imhoff, Mario Yepes, Lider Marmol, Chris Innes, Ernst Obster, Sebastian Garcia, many of whom have already had trials with the club. The April 15th transfer window has passed, so the earliest any of these players may be acquired is in the summertime. The Red Bulls have $300 million in salary cap space and Osorio has made getting these reinforcements a high priority so far during his tenure.

Crest

• Original New York/ New Jersey MetroStars crest (1996–1997)
  Original New York/ New Jersey MetroStars crest
  (1996–1997)
• MetroStars crest (1998–2005)
  MetroStars crest
  (1998–2005)
• Red Bull New York crest (2006–2007)
  Red Bull New York crest
  (2006–2007)
• Red Bull New York crest (2008–present)
  Red Bull New York crest
  (2008–present)

Stadium and training facility

See also: Giants Stadium and Red Bull Park

The team currently plays in Giants Stadium. The stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside of New York City. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) owns Giants Stadium along with the Izod Center. Currently, the New York Red Bulls training facilities are located at Giants Stadium.

Red Bulls Playing At Giants Stadium

The team is planning to move to a new soccer-specific stadium, Red Bull Park, in Harrison, New Jersey, a suburb directly across the Passaic River from Newark, in 2009 with a 25,000 expected capacity. On November 16th, 2007 Red Bull announced that it had purchased full ownership of the project, overseeing all aspects of construction and stadium management. Red Bull will build the stadium without taxpayer money.

Red Bull New York recently announced plans to build a permanent training center in Hanover, New Jersey. The facility will include six soccer fields, a 50,000 square-foot two-story building and a one-story fieldhouse. Construction is to begin fall of 2007 and is to be completed by December 2008. The main centerpiece of the complex will be the training center that will house the sporting and business sides of the club.

Amenities for the Red Bull New York first team and academy teams, include multiple locker rooms, a players lounge, and a weight room. A trainer's room will be located on the first floor and the second floor will be the front office's headquarters. Of the six soccer fields, five will be outdoors while one will be covered by a Tension Fabric Frame Structure which can be used during periods of inclement weather or at night. Four of the six fields will be equipped with lights for evening and night activities. The fields will be a mix of natural and synthetic surfaces. Red Bull New York has released a video tour and can be found here.

Supporters

The team's oldest supporters group is the Empire Supporters Club, which was created before the team's inception and is still very popular. Another popular supporters group, called Raging Bull Nation, was organized prior to the 2005 season as MetroNation, but when the MetroStars were purchased by Red Bull the supporters group was renamed Raging Bull Nation. The team's oldest biggest fan and media website is MetroFanatic.com.

In 2007, knowing a new stadium was being built in their neighborhood, another supporters group from Kearny was started, called Kearny Army. Kearny Army is one of the newest supporters groups, but also one of the largest. Cobra Kai Metro Firm, and the First Row Idiots are two other (smaller) supporters groups. The Empire Supporters Club sits in section 101, Raging Bull Nation is in 115, and Kearny Army is located in 117. The team anthem is called "Whoa! Alright, Yeah…Uh Huh" and is performed by Dance-punk group and New York City natives The Rapture.

Broadcasting

Red Bulls matches are televised by MSG and MSG Plus. Some matches will also be telecast by Fox Soccer Channel, HDNet and ESPN2 (and ESPN2HD). JP Dellacamera, Shep Messing, and Steve Cangialosi are the MSG/MSG Plus announcers.

All matches are broadcast in Spanish on WADO or WQBU radio announced by Ernesto Motta and Robert Sierra.

Honors

Domestic

League

• MLS Reserve Division:
  • Runners-up (1): 2005

Cups

• US Open Cup:
  • Runners-up (1): 2003

International

Cups

• La Manga Cup:
  • Winners (1): 2004

International competition

• 2001 Copa Merconorte
  • 3rd place in Group B
• 2004 La Manga Cup
  • Group Stage v. Viking Stavanger -- 0:1
  • Group Stage v. Bodø/Glimt -- 3:1
  • Semifinals v. Dynamo Kyiv -- 3:2
  • Championship Match v. Viking Stavanger -- 1:0

Players

Current Squad

As of April 18 2008.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
1	GK	USA	Danny Cepero (on loan to Harrisburg City Islanders)
2	DF	USA	Kevin Goldthwaite
3	DF	USA	Hunter Freeman
4	DF	USA	Carlos Mendes
5	MF	USA	David Roth
6	DF	USA	Seth Stammler
7	FW	USA	Mike Magee
8	MF	BIH	Siniša Ubiparipović
9	FW	COL	Juan Pablo Ángel (VC)
10	MF	USA	Claudio Reyna (Captain)
11	MF	NED	Dave van den Bergh
12	MF	RSA	Danleigh Borman
13	MF	USA	Kevin Mesa
14	FW	USA	Ricky Schramm

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
15	FW	USA	John Wolyniec
16	DF	USA	John Gilkerson
17	FW	USA	Jozy Altidore
18	GK	USA	Jon Conway
19	MF	JAM	Dane Richards
20	FW	COL	Oscar Echeverry
21	MF	USA	Michael Palacio
23	DF	USA	Eric Brunner
24	GK	USA	Zach Thornton
26	FW	PUR	Chris Megaloudis
32	MF	USA	Luke Sassano
33	DF	USA	Chris Leitch
40	GK	AUS	Caleb Patterson-Sewell
60	DF	USA	Jeff Parke

Notable players

Austria

• Markus Schopp (2006–2007)

Bolivia

• Jaime Moreno (2003)

Brazil

• Branco (1997)

Colombia

• Juan Pablo Ángel (2007–)
• Antony de Ávila (1996–1997)
• Adolfo Valencia (2000–2001)

Costa Rica

• Roy Myers (1999-2001)

Ecuador

• Eduardo Hurtado (1998–1999)

France

• Youri Djorkaeff (2005–2006)

Germany

• Lothar Matthäus (2000)

Honduras

• Amado Guevara (2003–2006)

Italy

• Roberto Donadoni (1996–1997)

Netherlands

• Dave van den Bergh (2007–)
• Ronald Waterreus (2007)

Serbia

• Saša Ćurčić (1999)

Ukraine

• Dema Kovalenko (2006–2007)

Venezuela

• Giovanni Savarese (1996–1998)

United States

• Jeff Agoos (2005)
• Jozy Altidore (2006–)
• Eddie Gaven (2003–2005)
• Tim Howard (1998–2003)
• Alexi Lalas (1998)
• Clint Mathis (2000–2003, 2007)
• Tony Meola (1996–1998, 2005–2006)
• Mike Petke (1998–2002)
• Eddie Pope (2003–2004)
• Tab Ramos (1996–2002)
• Claudio Reyna (2007—)

Former managers

1990's Eddie Firmani (1996) Carlos Queiroz (1996) Carlos Alberto Parreira (1997) Alfonso Mondelo (1998) Bora Milutinović (1998–1999)

2000's Octavio Zambrano (2000–2002) Bob Bradley (2003–2005) Mo Johnston (2005–2006) Richie Williams (2006; interim) Bruce Arena (2006–2007)

General managers / Sporting Directors

• Charlie Stillitano (1996–1999)
• Nick Sakiewicz (2000–2005)
• Alexi Lalas (2005–2006)
• Marc De Grandpre (2006; interim)
• Bruce Arena (2006–2007)
• Jeff Agoos (2008—)

Current staff

• Juan Carlos Osorio, Head Coach
• Jeff Agoos, Sporting Director
• Richie Williams, Assistant Coach
• Des McAleenan, Assistant Coach/Goalkeeper Coach
• Rick Guter, Athletic Trainer

Team records

• Games: Mike Petke, 134
• Goals: Giovanni Savarese, 41
• Goals in a single season: Juan Pablo Ángel, 19
• Assists: Tab Ramos and Amado Guevara, 36
• Shutouts: Tony Meola, 25
• Minutes: Mike Petke, 11,520

MLS regular season only, through 2007

• All-Time regular season record: 146-168-54 (Through Oct. 21, 2007)

Home stadiums

• Giants Stadium (1996–2008)
• Red Bull Park (2009, planned opening)

Ownership

• John Kluge and Stuart Subotnick (1995–2001)
• Anschutz Entertainment Group (2001–2006)
• Red Bull (2006—)

Year-by-year

Year	Reg. Season	Playoffs	Open Cup	CONCACAF Champions' Cup	SuperLiga
1996	3rd, East	Quarterfinals	Did not enter	Not qualified	Started in 2007
1997	5th, East	Did not qualify	Semifinals	Did not qualify
1998	3rd, East	Quarterfinals	Semifinals	Did not qualify
1999	6th, East	Did not qualify	Round of 16	Did not qualify
2000	1st, East	Semifinals	Semifinals	Did not qualify
2001	2nd, East	Quarterfinals	Round of 32	Not held
2002	4th, East	Did not qualify	Quarterfinals	Did not qualify
2003	3rd, East	Quarterfinals	Final	Did not qualify
2004	3rd, East	Quarterfinals	Round of 16	Did not qualify
2005	4th, East	Quarterfinals	Round of 16	Did not qualify
2006	4th, East	Quarterfinals	Quarterfinals	Did not qualify
2007	3rd, East	Quarterfinals	Did not qualify	Did not qualify	Did not participate

Average attendance

Year	Reg. Season	Playoffs
1996	23,898	14,416
1997	16,899	N/A
1998	16,520	11,686
1999	14,706	N/A
2000	17,621	15,172
2001	20,806	12,817
2002	18,148	N/A
2003	15,822	10,211
2004	17,194	11,161
2005	15,077	10,003
2006	14,570	14,570
2007	16,530	14,165

• Highest League Match Attendance: 66,237

Sources

• Red Bull Park
• Stadium Info

See also

• MetroStars players
• Red Bull New York players

External links

• Official website
• MetroFanatic.com
• MetroFanatic's year-by-year history of the team
• Empire Supporters Club official website
• Raging Bull Nation supporters club website