NEW YORK — It’s rare for fans of the New York Red Bulls to ever actually see their team play in New York. But on Tuesday, they got their chance as Thierry Henry and the Red Bulls practice at Chelsea Waterside Park in Manhattan near the Hudson River.
The level of excitement was high even before the team arrived, and the buzz about their appearance in the city they represent was palpable.
I’m really excited [to be here],” season ticket holder Hannah said. “It’s kind of a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don’t often see my teams practice, so this is cool.”
The park was crowded with fans anxious to get a glimpse of the team, cheering the team as they walked onto the field. Despite the fans and the fanfare, training proceeded as usual for the Red Bulls.
Matt, a Long Island native and former Cosmos fan, switched allegiances to the Red Bulls around 2006. His first love is English club Chelsea FC, and admits that he still considers soccer in the U.S. to be alien. But the chance to see the team was too good to pass up.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “We’re in the middle of New York City and we’ve got a soccer team practicing in New York City. How could you not love it?”
There was more to love after practice was over. If there were any doubts about the fans’ passion and their excitement about seeing the team in the City, the clamor that erupted at the edges of the field and near the team bus should put it to rest.
“Look at how many people are out here,” Matt said. “What is it, a Tuesday? It’s 11:39 on a Tuesday, and this park’s packed.”
Soccer, at least for Tuesday, was in the ascendancy in New York. This was the city’s team, and the support of the city’s fans could be seen throughout the Park and beyond.
“We’ve worn our jerseys around the city getting here, and people stop and ask us and look at us,” Hannah said. “We tell them what it’s all about.”
“It’s a great experience,” Thomas, a 14 year old goalkeeper from upstate New York, said of the practice. “Especially because they’re a New York team. The whole aspect of being a New York team is playing in New York, so they’re finally here.”
