RED BULLS VISIT GALAXY IN BATTLE OF FIRST PLACE SIDES: The top two points leaders in MLS so far in 2011 go toe to toe on Saturday night when the East-leading Red Bulls take on the West’s top side, the Los Angeles Galaxy, at the Home Depot Center at 11:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2/ESPNDeportes; Radio: WQBU 92.7 FM).
New York enters the match on the heels of its third straight victory, a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City last Saturday night at Red Bull Arena. Forward Luke Rodgers scored the only goal of the match in the 22nd minute off a Dwayne De Rosario feed. The Red Bulls’ defense continued its excellent form, holding its third consecutive opponent scoreless. Goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul, who made two saves on the night, has been between the posts for all three shutouts. Last season, Coundoul set a single-season franchise record with 11 shutouts. The win improved New York’s record to 4-1-2, 14 points.
Through nine games this season, the Galaxy sits at 4-2-3 with 15 points. They lead both Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC by four points for the West’s top spot, although they have played four more games than RSL and one more than Seattle. Los Angeles dropped a 2-1 decision in its last game Sunday night against FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park in a game that was marred by a weather delay of over an hour. Galaxy and United States international Landon Donovan scored the Galaxy’s only tally, as Dallas’ Brek Shea won the match just two minutes from time with a goal of his own.
The Red Bulls-Galaxy matchup dates back to 1996, and the series is even through 35 games. Each team has won 15 games and drawn five, with the sides splitting last year’s fixtures. Last season in front of a sold out crowd at Red Bull Arena on Aug. 14, the Galaxy defeated the Red Bulls 1-0. The Red Bulls returned the favor by upending the Galaxy, 2-0, on Sept. 24 at The Home Depot Center. The teams will meet again this season at Red Bulls Arena on Sunday, Aug. 28.
RED BULLS TO FACE ANGEL FOR FIRST TIME: For the first time, the Red Bulls will go up against their former striker and all-time leading scorer, Juan Pablo Angel, this Saturday when they visit the Los Angeles Galaxy. Angel joined the Red Bulls during the 2007 season from English Premiership side, Aston Villa, as a Designated Player, and played with the team through 2010. The Colombian holds the club record for goals scored in all competitions with 62, breaking Clint Mathis’ previous club record of 45 on Sept. 26, 2009 against Chivas USA. He was a three-time MLS All-Star as a member of the Red Bulls, and was named an MLS Best XI selection in 2007. Also in 2007, he was a finalist for the MLS Most Valuable Player award after registering 19 goals and five assists in 24 matches. Overall in his Red Bulls career, Angel played in 112 games in all competitions, scoring 62 goals and 15 assists.
OTHER RED BULLS-GALAXY CONNECTIONS: Galaxy forward Mike Magee began his MLS career with New York, being drafted by the club with the fourth overall pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft. Magee was with the team from 2003-08, appearing in 138 games and scoring 23 goals and 13 assists. His 23 goals still ranks eighth on the club’s all-time list in goals scored in all competitions.
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena joined the Red Bulls as head coach after the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and stayed on throughout the 2007 season. He led New York to playoff berths in both of his seasons at the helm, while registering a record of 16-16-10.
Los Angeles defender Todd Dunivant played 16 games with Red Bulls during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, notching two goals and adding an assist.
LAST WEEK: Red Bulls 1, Sporting Kansas City 0 at Red Bull Arena on April 30.
THIS WEEK: Red Bulls at Los Angeles Galaxy at Home Depot Center on Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2/ ESPN Deportes; Radio: WQBU 92.7)
NEXT WEEK: Red Bulls at Montreal Impact on Wednesday, May 11 at 7:30 PM ET. (Friendly)
Red Bulls vs. Chivas USA at Red Bull Arena on Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 PM ET (TV: MSG Plus/Galavision; Radio: WQBU 92.7 FM: TICKETS).
RED BULLS EDGE SPORTING KANSAS CITY, 1-0: Luke Rodgers scored his third goal of the season and Bouna Coundoul kept his third-straight clean sheet, as the New York Red Bulls defeated Sporting Kansas City, 1-0, on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in front of 20,636 spectators. The victory regained the top spot in the East for the streaking Red Bulls, who now have 14 points off a 4-1-2 record and hold a one point lead over the Philadelphia Union.
The Red Bulls earned a penalty kick in the 14th minute of the match, but were unable to convert. Off a throw in, Thierry Henry controlled the ball near the touchline and chipped it into the path of Dwayne De Rosario, who was taken down by Stephane Auvray. Rafa Marquez stepped up to take the penalty, but his low shot towards the right post was saved and controlled by Jimmy Nielsen.
Eight minutes later, New York took the lead. After Dane Richards earned a free kick near the midway line, Marquez slid a quick free kick to Henry. Henry then found De Rosario behind the Kansas City defense and the Canadian crossed it from the right wing to a streaking Rodgers, who put it into the back of the net.
The Red Bulls kept pushing for the rest of the half, and twice were denied by Nielsen before the break. In the 39th minute, Nielsen stopped De Rosario’s curling effort from 20 yards out with a diving, left-handed parry. On the ensuing corner kick, Marquez’s out-swinger found the head of Tim Ream, but Nielsen was able to keep out the United States defender’s headed effort.
Sporting had a chance to level the score in the 61st minute. Michael Harrington crossed from the right side of midfield into the box, where the ball deflected off of Ream’s head and onto the foot of Graham Zusi, whose volley sailed just over the bar. In second half stoppage time, Coundoul ate up a cross by Ryan Smith right at the end of the match to preserve the shutout.
RODGERS SCORES THIRD GOAL, SECOND GAME-WINNER OF 2011: Luke Rodgers’ 22nd minute goal in the Red Bulls 1-0 defeat of Sporting Kansas City last Saturday was the English forward’s third goal of the young season. That mark gives him the team lead with Thierry Henry, who are both tied for third in MLS in goals this season. Rodgers’ goal was also his second game-winning goal this season, and he is currently the only player in the league to register two game-winners in 2011.
HENRY, DE ROSARIO EACH RECORD THIRD ASSIST: Thierry Henry and Dwayne De Rosario linked up to provide the assists on Luke Rodgers’ goal in the Red Bulls 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City last Saturday off a quick restart. It was the third assist of the season for both players, who lead the club in that category along with Jan Gunnar Solli.
GETTING THAT FIRST GOAL: Under Hans Backe, the Red Bulls have yet to lose a game in which they scored the first goal. In 2010 and 2011 combined, New York has posted a record of 18-0-2 in games where they opened the scoring.
STRONG DEFENSE: Along with the Philadelphia Union and Real Salt Lake, the Red Bulls have given up the fewest goals in Major League Soccer in 2011, surrendering just two so far. The Red Bulls lead the league in shutouts with five, utilizing three goalkeepers to do so. Bouna Coundoul has the most shutouts on the team, registering three, which is the second best mark in the league.
NEW YORK’S GOT WINGS UPDATE: As part of the New York’s Got Wings program, Red Bull will be donating $1,000 in equipment and clinics for every goal scored this year by the Red Bulls to the New York City Parks and Recreation Department’s summer camp programs. So far, the Red Bulls have raised $10,000, having scored 10 goals this season.
NEW YORK TO FACE ARSENAL, PSG AT EMIRATES CUP: The New York Red Bulls will participate in the 2011 edition of the Emirates Cup, an international competition held at the Emirates Stadium in London, England, from July 30-31. In addition to the Red Bulls, storied English side and host Arsenal FC, legendary French club Paris Saint-Germain and Argentine powerhouse Club Atlético Boca Juniors will participate.
The Red Bulls will be the first MLS side in history to participate in the tournament, with New York Designated Player and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry returning to take on his former club, where he was the team’s all-time leading goalscorer with 226 goals.
The 2011 Emirates Cup kicks off at 9:00 AM ET on Saturday, July 30 with the Red Bulls facing Paris Saint-Germain followed by Arsenal taking on Boca Juniors at 11:20 AM ET. On Sunday, July 31, Paris Saint-Germain faces Boca Juniors at 9:00 AM ET, while Henry and the Red Bulls square off against Arsenal at 11:20 AM ET.
"We are honored with Arsenal's invitation to participate in this year's Emirates Cup," said Erik Soler, Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director. "Our club is looking forward to representing Major League Soccer in this high profile international tournament."
Teams will be awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. The competition also rewards attacking play, with teams being awarded one point for each goal they score. In addition, shots on target will be counted and will be used to decide the tournament winners if teams are level on points and goal difference. The winning team will be presented with the Emirates Cup trophy after the second match on July 31.
"We would like to thank James Grant Sports Management for their help with this project." added Soler.
Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said: “We’re delighted and proud to once again be hosting the Emirates Cup this summer. Over the previous four years, the Emirates Cup has proved to be an overwhelming success and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of football.
“Nearly half a million supporters have now come to Emirates Stadium to attend the Emirates Cup in the four years, and the tournament is now recognized around the world as a prestigious pre-season event.
“New York Red Bulls, Boca Juniors and Paris Saint-Germain are three clubs with great players and huge followings, and they are sure to make Emirates Cup 2011 a hugely exciting weekend of football. Also, I’m sure all Arsenal fans will be looking forward to welcoming back Thierry Henry – a true Arsenal legend.”
For more information on the 2011 Emirates Cup and further developments regarding the Emirates Cup 2011 and the Red Bulls’ participation in the tournament, please visit newyorkredbulls.com and Arsenal.com.
2011 Emirates Cup match schedule:
Saturday July 30th
New York Red Bulls v Paris Saint-Germain (9:00AM ET/2:00 PM London Time)
Arsenal v Boca Juniors (11:20 AM ET/ 4:20 PM London Time)
Sunday July 31st
Boca Juniors v Paris Saint-Germain (9:00 AM ET/ 2:00 PM London Time)
Arsenal v New York Red Bulls (11:20AM ET/ 4:20 PM London Time)
Emirates Cup Information
Previous Tournament participants and winners:
2007 Participants: Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Valencia, Inter Milan
2007 Winner: Arsenal
2008 Participants: Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid, Hamburg SV
2008 Winner: Hamburg SV
2009 Participants: Arsenal, Rangers, Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain
2009 Winner: Arsenal
2010 Participants: Arsenal, Celtic, Olympique Lyonnais, AC Milan
2010 Winner: Arsenal
RED BULLS TO FACE MONTREAL IMPACT AT SAPUTO STADIUM MAY 11: The Red Bulls will take on the Montreal Impact at Saputo Stadium on Wednesday, May 11 at 7:30 PM ET.
With Montreal set to join Major League Soccer in 2012, this will provide soccer fans around the province with a great opportunity to get an early taste of MLS action.
Some well-known faces will take part in this match, including a couple of former FC Barcelona members, French forward Thierry Henry and Mexican defender Rafa Marquez, as well as Canadian goalkeeper Greg Sutton, who played for the Impact from 2001 to 2006.
”I am looking forward to come to Montreal later this year with my teammates to play against the Impact,” said Henry. “I know that the fans in Montreal are devoted to their team and are excited to join MLS in 2012. It should be a great atmosphere at Saputo Stadium.”
"We are excited to play Montreal as they build momentum for joining Major League Soccer next year," said Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "Montreal is truly a cosmopolitan city with a great soccer fanbase and we are thrilled to help promote the Impact with this match in May."
“We are very excited to welcome the New York Red Bulls and bring an MLS team to Montreal,” declared Impact president Joey Saputo. “We will have the chance to face one of the original members of MLS, a club that has proved over the years to be a top class organization. This match promises to be a great experience for our fans. As we prepare our club for MLS in 2012, we would like to thank the Red Bulls organization for this opportunity.”
