RED BULLS LOOK TO ADVANCE TO EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL THURSDAY: The Red Bulls take a one goal advantage into the second leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal Series against the San Jose Earthquakes and will look to advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the third time in club history in the first ever playoff match at Red Bull Arena on Thursday, November 4 at 8:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2/ESPN Deportes; Radio: WADO 1280 AM). Tickets for the second leg are on sale now by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or CLICKING HERE.
New York defeated San Jose 1-0 in the first leg on Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium to take the advantage heading into the second leg. After a scoreless first half, Estonian midfielder Joel Lindpere scored his first ever MLS Cup Playoff goal in the 56th minute to give New York a lead it held onto for the rest of the match. It was the Red Bulls fourth ever road playoff victory, and their third road victory all-time against San Jose.
A victory or a tie in the second leg for the top seed Red Bulls would see them advance to the Eastern Conference Final, which would take place at Red Bull Arena against the winner of the Columbus Crew-Colorado Rapids Eastern Conference Semifinal series. Under the total goals format in the semifinals, the team that scores the most goals over the two legs advances to the conference final. In order for the Earthquakes to advance, they would have to defeat the Red Bulls by at least a two-goal margin. If San Jose is leading New York by a one goal margin after 90 minutes, there would be two 15 minute extra time periods, followed by penalty kicks if the score is still level.
All-time at home in the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Red Bulls are 5-4-2. With the victory Saturday night, the Red Bulls improved their all-time playoff record to 9-14-2.
RED BULLS ANNOUNCE POTENTIAL EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL DATES:
Red Bull New York announced potential Eastern Conference Final dates at Red Bull Arena if the top seed Red Bulls advance to the next round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Red Bulls would either host the Columbus Crew or Colorado Rapids. If Seattle Sounders FC advances to the Western Conference final, the Red Bulls would play on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 8:00 PM. If the Los Angeles Galaxy advances to the Western Conference Final, the Red Bulls would play on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 8:30 PM. The Los Angeles Galaxy-Seattle Sounders FC series concludes Sunday, Nov. 7.
Currently, the Red Bulls head into the second leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinals Series against the San Jose Earthquakes with an advantage after winning on the road, 1-0, at Buck Shaw Stadium Saturday behind a Joel Lindpere goal. New York hosts San Jose on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 8:00 PM. Tickets for the Red Bulls’ home leg against the Earthquakes and a potential Eastern Conference Final at Red Bull Arena are available now by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or
CLICKING HERE
.
Under the total goals format of the Eastern Conference semifinals, New York would clinch a spot in the next round with a win or a tie Thursday.
LAST WEEK:
Eastern Conference Semifinal Leg 1 – Red Bulls 1, San Jose Earthquakes 0 on Saturday, Oct. 30 at Buck Shaw Stadium.
THIS WEEK:
Eastern Conference Semifinal Leg 2 – Red Bulls vs. San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday, November 4 at Red Bull Arena at 8:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2/ESPN Deportes/ESPN3; Radio: WADO 1280 AM).
NEXT WEEK:
TBD
FINAL MLS STANDINGS - INCLUDES GAMES OF SUNDAY, October 24, 2010
RED BULLS TAKE 1-0 ADVANTAGE OVER EARTHQUAKES IN FIRST LEG OF MLS CUP EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS:
The New York Red Bulls took control of their two-leg Eastern Conference semifinal series Saturday night, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes, 1-0, at Buck Shaw Stadium behind a Joel Lindpere second half strike and a stout defensive performance.
It was an end to end game between New York, the Eastern Conference regular season champion, and playoff wild card San Jose, and it took only two minutes for the game’s first scoring chance, as Earthquakes Designated Player Geovanni threatened New York’s goal with a volley that zipped across the goal frame. Three minutes later, the Red Bulls forced goalkeeper Jon Busch to make his first save of the match, as midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy’s point blank header from a Chris Albright pass was pushed away. Soon after, Busch was called upon again, this time parrying a Lindpere shot out of bounds.
In the 32nd minute, Ballouchy again nearly put his name on the scoresheet. The Moroccan gathered the ball from Juan Pablo Angel and curled a shot towards the right post that skipped just wide. The best chance of the opening stanza for either team came with a minute left in the half. Angel headed the ball into the air in the penalty box and Busch could not haul it in. The ball fell to Lindpere, whose blast was cleared off the line by defender Jason Hernandez.
In the second half, both sides continued to push for the first goal. Red Bulls midfielder Rafa Marquez fired a shot towards the left post that Busch tipped.
After putting San Jose under pressure, the Red Bulls broke through in the 56th minute. Angel put in a cross that was headed down by Earthquakes defender Brandon McDonald. The ball dropped to Lindpere, who controlled it and hit a short-angle shot from 10 yards out from the left side past Busch and into the back of the net.
Red Bulls forward Juan Agudelo, making his first MLS start and becoming the first Red Bulls Academy player to start and feature in a MLS playoff game, almost doubled the visitors’ lead four minutes later, shooting it at Busch by the left upright. Moments after, the 17-year-old U.S. Youth National Team standout and fourth youngest player to start a playoff game in League history, stripped Scott Sealy of possession and went in alone on goal. His ensuing attempt was blocked by a diving Busch.
The Earthquakes’ best opportunity to tie the game came seven minutes from full time. San Jose substitute Eduardo got on the end of a deflected Chris Wondolowski shot but the Brazilian’s attempt slammed off the right post. In second half stoppage time, Coundoul went to make a full extension save from a Bobby Convey try to preserve the shutout.
WORST TO FIRST:
After finishing the 2009 season with the worst record in Major League Soccer, the Red Bulls completed the best single season turnaround in MLS history, winning 10 more matches and amassing 30 more points in 2010 than they did in 2009.
WIN INCREASE IN CONSECUTIVE SEASONS, MLS ALL-TIME:
Team, Seasons, Win Increase
T-1. New York Red Bulls, 2009-2010, 10
1. NY MetroStars, 1999-2000, 10*
T-3. Kansas City Wizards, 1999-2000, 8
T-3. Los Angeles Galaxy, 1997-1998, 8
T-3. Colorado Rapids, 2001-2002, 8
Prior to the 2000 season, there were no ties in MLS matches
AGUDELO MAKES FIRST START, BECOMES FIRST RBNY ACADEMY PLAYER TO PLAY IN PLAYOFFS:
Red Bulls forward Juan Agudelo made his first MLS start on Saturday night, playing all 90 minutes of the Red Bulls’ 1-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes in the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. Agudelo, a United States Under-20 International, also became the first Red Bulls Academy player to feature in a playoff game.
The Barnegat, NJ native became the fourth youngest player in League history to start a playoff game:
Player (Team-Age) – Playoff Yr. Appeared
1. Jozy Altidore (NY – 16 years, 349 days) – 2006
2. Eddie Gaven (NY – 17 years, 15 days) – 2003
3. Freddy Adu (DC – 17 years, 141 days ) – 2006
4. Juan Agudelo (NY – 17 years, 341 days) – 2010
Agudelo appeared in two regular season matches and three U.S. Open Cup matches in 2010. He signed with the first team on March 26 from the Red Bulls Academy under MLS’ Home Grown Player Rule.
TEAM TO HOST TOY DRIVE NOV. 4:
The Red Bulls will host a toy drive during New York’s MLS Cup semifinals playoff match Thursday, Nov. 4 at 8:00 PM ET against the San Jose Earthquakes at Red Bull Arena to benefit the Newark Goodwill Rescue Mission.
"We're happy to support the Newark Goodwill Rescue Mission,” said Red Bull New York Managing Director Erik Stover. “We encourage fans to bring new, unwrapped toys to Red Bull Arena to help put a smile on the faces of those most in need during the holiday season."
The collection will begin at 5:00 PM and continue through the first half of the match. Volunteers from the Newark Goodwill Rescue Mission will be stationed outside of Red Bull Arena with donation drop points at Gates A, B and C. Below is a list of gift ideas and suggestions:
Infant/Toddler
Puzzles, Board Books, Building Blocks, Stuffed Animals, Blankets, Trucks, Musical Instruments for Toddlers, Riding Toys, Push Toys, Baby Dolls or Stuffed Animals, Clothes
Children Ages 3-6
Baby Dolls, Dolls, Puzzles, Books, Developmental Board Games (Counting Games), Arts and Crafts Sets, Race Tracks, Legos, Dress Up Clothes, Children’s Videos, Bikes, Clothes
Children Ages 7-12
Board Games, Books, Purses and Wallets, Art Sets, Boom Boxes, Sports Equipment, Barbie Dolls, Arts and Crafts Sets, Journals, Model Car Kits, Clothes, Bikes, Jewelry, Clothes
Teens Ages 13-18
Books, Journals, Bath and Body Gifts, Make Up Sets, Sports Equipment, Purses and Wallets, Jewelry and Watches, Art Supply Kits, DVD’s, MP3 Players, Clothes
For tickets for the Red Bulls’ home leg against the Earthquakes and a potential Eastern Conference Final at Red Bull Arena, call 1.877.RBSOCCER or
CLICK HERE
.
2010 RED BULLS SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
STINGY DEFENSE:
The 2010 Red Bulls were the best defensive side in club history. This season, Hans Backe’s revamped defense posted franchise best marks in shutouts (13), goals conceded (29), and goals conceded at home (9).
HOME COOKING:
The brand new Red Bull Arena proved to be a fortress, as New York enjoyed one of its best home seasons in franchise history in 2010. Their 10 home wins matched a franchise high, and they conceded just nine goals at home, which was second best in the league behind Real Salt Lake (7).
REAM LEADING THE WAY:
New York Rookie of the Year candidate Tim Ream led Major League Soccer in minutes played for the 2010 season. Ream and Colorado defender Drew Moor both played every minute of all 30 regular season matches, totaling 2700.
MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN 2010:
Aside from winning ten more games and securing 30 more points in 2010 from the 2009 season, the Red Bulls improved in numerous other facets of the game. Below are some examples of the drastic progress the club made in 2010.
WINS
2009 - 2010
5 - 15
POINTS
2009 - 2010
21 - 51
GOALS ALLOWED
2009 - 2010
47 - 29
GOALS SCORED
2009 - 2010
27 - 38
AVERAGE HOME ATTENDANCE
2009 - 2010
14,445 - 18,441
HIGHEST POSITION IN STANDINGS
2009 - 2010
Tied - 5th - 1st
2011 SEASON TICKET INFORMATION RELEASED:
Red Bull New York announced details regarding renewal dates for 2011 Season Ticket Plans. Current Red Bulls Season Ticket Holders may start renewing their plans by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or
CLICKING HERE
. The Red Bulls, led by captain Juan Pablo Angel and international stars Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez, completed the best single season turnaround in MLS history and captured the club’s second Eastern Conference regular season crown in 2010.
With the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps joining MLS in 2011, the regular season has expanded from 15 to 17 home matches. All Season Ticket Holders will receive tickets for all regular season, home playoff matches and a bonus event. Other benefits include: Pre-sale access to Red Bull Arena events, a Season Ticket Holder gift, invitation to exclusive events such as Meet the Team Day, access to discounted fee-free add-on tickets for home regular season and playoff matches and discounts on select merchandise in the Bullshop.
2011 Season Ticket Prices are as follows:
Supporters:
$320
Endline:
$340
Corner Flag:
$400
Sideline:
$530
Midfield:
$720
Premium Midfield:
$1000
*Includes complimentary Bulls’ Corner access for each seat purchased
Depending on the date, fans that renew early will be able to receive benefits such as guarantee of 2010 seat location (s), invitation to a private Red Bulls training session and a complementary Bulls’ Corner Membership.
RED BULLS DONATE $25,000 TO HARRISON:
In a joint statement Friday, Oct. 22, Harrison Mayor Raymond J. McDonough and Red Bull New York Managing Director Erik Stover announced a $25,000 donation to the Town of Harrison in support of the Town's efforts to construct over 2,000 feet of protective fencing along Frank E. Rogers Boulevard. The project, already underway, will replace temporary fencing with permanent, themed fencing and bring a "new look" to the Boulevard.
Mayor McDonough praised the Red Bulls for their ongoing commitment to Harrison, its growth, and progress. “This is a true partnership in every sense of the word,” said McDonough. “I am proud to be part of the stadium project and the team."
Stover again stressed the Red Bulls’ desire to present the ultimate fan experience both on and off the pitch. "This safety fencing will serve to protect our fans on game day as well as add a decorative touch to the Boulevard. It will also serve to protect all of the Harrison community on non game days.”
