Red Bull New York is an American professional soccer organization based in New Jersey that fields a team in Major League Soccer (MLS) called the New York Red Bulls . [1] 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 in Harrison, New Jersey named Red Bull Arena. The team's headquarters are located in Secaucus, New Jersey. The team is a founding member of MLS (1996), but 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 , though 'NY/NJ' continued to be displayed on the MLS Website in reference to the team through the early 2000s. On March 9, 2006, it was sold to Red Bull GmbH, and the name of the organization was changed to Red Bull New York while the playing team was to be called the New York Red Bulls .

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Overview

The team plays its home matches at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 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 was the MLS Cup final in 2008. 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 seven out of eight times. In 2006, former D.C. 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 MLS Disciplinary Committee $250. ^[2] The DC United and New York Red Bulls rivalry is perhaps the most embittered in all of MLS. Other rivals are the New England Revolution and the Chicago Fire.

The team was sold to Austrian energy drink producer Red Bull and then was renamed Red Bull New York in 2006. The team currently is building a new stadium named Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The team colors are red, white, and blue.

Some famous players that played for the team were Roberto Donadoni, Lothar Matthäus, Adolfo Valencia, Youri Djorkaeff, Amado Guevara. The team has had its share of famous coaches as well, including Carlos Queirós, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Bora Milutinovic, as well as Bob Bradley, Mo Johnston, and Bruce Arena. ^{[3] [4]} 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.

Seasons

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 FIFA World Cup teammate Tony Meola and AC 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. ^[5]

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 click together. In the team's first home game against the New England Revolution, former Juventus defender Nicola Caricola inadvertently flipped a cross into his own net in the dying minutes to hand New England a 1-0 win in front of 46,000 fans. ^{[6] [7]} The resulting play would later be dubbed the "Curse of Caricola" by fans to explain the team's inability to come through with a domestic trophy in their history. ^[8] Firmani left after eight games (3-5) and was replaced by former Portugal coach Carlos Queirós, 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. ^[9]

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 Munich. Matthäus played in 16 MLS fixtures during the season and his tenure in the U.S. 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. ^[10] 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. ^[11]

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. ^[12] The MetroStars defeated Ukraine's Dynamo Kyiv 3–2 in the semi-finals 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 D.C. United and then at Chivas USA; the MetroStars made it to the playoffs. ^[13] 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 (2006-07)

When Red Bull purchased the MetroStars in 2006 ^{[14] [15]}, it decided to completely re-brand the franchise, changing the name, colors, and logo. 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. Also in 2006, the Red Bulls had a friendly against FC Barcelona but lost 4-1 in front of a sold out crowd of over 79,000 fans at Giants Stadium. ^[16] Also, on August 18, 2007, the N.Y.-Los Angeles Galaxy match debut of David Beckham drew 66,238 fans to Giants stadium, an all time league record for a non-double header league match.

150px 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 D.C. United, ending the playoff run and dreams of players and fans.

On November 5, 2007, Arena resigned as coach of the Red Bulls. ^[17] 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 the city. "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 - Present

Juan Carlos Osorio led the Red Bulls to a good start in the 2008 season, despite some injuries to his squad. South African midfielder Danleigh Borman made an early push for Rookie of the Year after scoring two goals in two games. Borman was drafted in the first round of the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft. Jeff Parke led the defense in Osorio's 3-5-2 formation.

Superstar forward Jozy Altidore left the Red Bulls to sign a six year deal with La Liga club Villarreal CF for a record $10 million transfer fee, the highest for any American soccer player. On July 14, American soccer star Claudio Reyna retired from the team. His departure left an opening for some of the Red Bulls' recent additions, including Jorge Rojas, who already has three assists under his belt, Juan Pietravallo ^[18], Diego Jiménez ^[19], and Gabriel Cichero. Over 47,000 tickets were sold to the July 19 game versus the Los Angeles Galaxy, which was the team's and league's season record attendance. The game ended in a 2-2 draw with goals from Dave van den Bergh and Juan Pablo Ángel. ^[20] The Red Bulls held the lead for most of the match, but Landon Donovan tied the game late into injury time. New signing Rojas had two assists in the game. Pietravallo also made his Red Bull debut as a substitute in the 89th minute.

The Red Bulls againplayed Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona in a friendly match on August 6 before about 40,000 fans. They lost 6-2, with their goals scored by Rojas and Seth Stammler. ^[21] Gabriel Cichero made his debut that night. ^[22] On August 11, the Red Bulls defeated bitter rival D.C. United in a convincing 4-1 win with goals from star striker Juan Pablo Ángel, Mike Magee, and Siniša Ubiparipovic. This crucial win kept the Red Bulls in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race, though United did maintain the Atlantic Cup for another year. ^[23]

Though being the last team to qualify for the playoffs in the 2008 season, the Red Bulls made an impressive playoff run, defeating two-time defending champions Houston Dynamo 4-1 on aggregate. The next week, they played Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference final at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah. Dave van den bergh put the Red Bulls ahead in the 28th minute. The Red Bulls stubbornly defended for the rest of the game and although Real Salt Lake hit the post three times, they couldn't find the equalizing goal. This win put the Red Bulls into the 2008 MLS cup final in Los Angeles against MLS Supporters' Shield winners, the Columbus Crew. The Red Bulls lost 3-1, with their lone goal coming from veteran John Wolyniec in the 51st minute.

On March 19, 2009, at Qwest Field, the New York Red Bulls started the season against Seattle Sounders FC in Seattle's first ever MLS game. However, Seattle won the game 3-0, with goals coming from Freddy Montero (12', 75') and Brad Evans (25'). The official attendance of the game was 32,523. The tremendous run to the 2008 MLS Cup Final has also brought another competition for the 2009 schedule, the CONCACAF Champions League 2009–10. The New York Red Bulls will take part in the tournament's 2nd edition, starting in the qualifying round against Trinidad and Tobago side W Connection. The first leg of the round will be held between July 28-30, and the second leg will be held between August 4-6. On August 21st, 2009, head coach Juan Carlos Osorio resigned from his position. Assistant coach Richie Williams took over as interim coach.

Crest

Stadium and training facility

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.

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The team is planning to move to a new soccer-specific stadium, Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, located directly across the Passaic River from Newark, New Jersey. Due to various delays in construction, the stadium is now planned to open in 2010 with a 25,000 seating capacity. On November 16, 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. ^[24] The facility will include six soccer fields, a 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 front office's headquarters on the second floor. 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 of the facility.

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 .

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. Another support group, called Garden State Supporters (), emerged around 2005. The majority of the members are active participants in the hardcore / oi / ska street culture, many of which are members of bands also involved in the same "scene," most notably Hub City Stompers. Cobra Kai Metro Firm, Sparta Metro Firm and the First Row Idiots are three other (smaller) supporters groups. The Empire Supporters Club and the GSS sit in section 101, Raging Bull Nation is in 115, and Kearny Army is located in 106. ^[25] The unofficial club anthem is "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King. It is usually sung by the ESC in the waning minutes of home matches.

Broadcasting

Red Bulls matches are televised by MSG and MSG Plus. Some matches will also be telecast by Fox Soccer Channel, and ESPN2 (and ESPN2HD). JP Dellacamera was the original play-by-play announcer before moving to ESPN. Currently, Shep Messing and Steve Cangialosi are the MSG/MSG Plus announcers.

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

Honors

Domestic

• MLS Cup:
• *Runner up (1): 2008
• U.S. Open Cup:
• * Runners-up (1): 2003

International

• La Manga Cup:
• * Winners (1): 2004

Minor Trophies

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

International competition

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

Players

Current roster

As of June 29, 2009. ^[26]

No. Position Player 2 nat=USA pos=DF name= Kevin Goldthwaite

No. Position Player

For recent transfers, see List of MLS transfers for the 2009 season.

Notable former players

This list of former players includes those who received international caps while playing for the team, made significant contributions to the team in terms of appearances or goals while playing for the team, or who made significant contributions to the sport either before they played for the team, or after they left. It is clearly not yet complete and all inclusive, and additions and refinements will continue to be made over time.

Jeff Agoos (2005) Jozy Altidore (2006–2008) Michael Bradley (2004–2005) Branco (1997) Ricardo Clark (2003–2004) Saša Curcic (1999) Antony de Ávila (1996–1997) Dave van den Bergh (2007–2009) Youri Djorkaeff (2005–2006) Roberto Donadoni (1996–1997) Eddie Gaven (2003–2005) Cornell Glen (2004) Amado Guevara (2003–2006) Tim Howard (1998–2003) Wellington Sánchez (1998–1999) Eduardo Hurtado (1998–1999) Andrzej Juskowiak (2003) Mohammad Khakpour (1999–2000) Dema Kovalenko (2006–2007) Alexi Lalas (1998)

Mike Magee (soccer) (2003–2009) Clint Mathis (2000–2003, 2007) Lothar Matthäus (2000) Tony Meola (1996–1998, 2005–2006) Jaime Moreno (2003) Roy Myers (1999–2001) Jeff Parke (2004–2008) Peguero Jean-Philippe (2006) Eddie Pope (2003–2004) Tab Ramos (1996–2002) Sergio Galván Rey (2004–2005) Claudio Reyna (2007–2008) Ricardo Guero Rodríguez (1996) Giovanni Savarese (1996–1998) Markus Schopp (2006–2007) Adolfo Valencia (2000–2001) Jonny Walker (2003–2004) Ronald Waterreus (2007) Marvell Wynne (2006–2007)

Managers

Eddie Firmani (1996) Carlos Queirós (1996) Carlos Alberto Parreira (1997) Alfonso Mondelo (1998) Bora Milutinovic (1998–1999) Octavio Zambrano (2000–2002) Bob Bradley (2003–2005) Mo Johnston (2005–2006) Richie Williams (2006; interim) Bruce Arena (2006–2007) Juan Carlos Osorio (2008–2009) Richie Williams (2009; interim) 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 Richie Williams, Interm Head Coach Jeff Agoos, Sporting Director Erik Stover, Managing Director Des McAleenan, Assistant Coach/Goalkeeper Coach Rick Guter, Athletic Trainer Team records Games: Mike Petke, 134 Goals: Juan Pablo Ángel, 42 Goals in a single season: Juan Pablo Ángel, 19 Assists: Tab Ramos and Amado Guevara, 36 Assists in a single season: Shutouts: Tony Meola, 25 Minutes: Mike Petke, 11,520 MLS regular season only, through 2007 All-Time regular season record: 146-168-54 (Through October 21, 2007 ) Home stadiums Giants Stadium (1996–2009) Red Bull Arena (2010 , 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 Did not qualify 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 Not invited 2008 5th, East* Final Round of 16 Did not qualify Did not qualify 2009 * - Upon qualification, New York transferred to the Western Conference playoff bracket. 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 2008 16,967 11,578 2009 12,229 N/A Highest League Match Attendance: 66,237 [27] References Red Bull purchases MetroStars article via MLSnet.com Eskandarian Fined for his Red Bull Goal Celebration article via hospital ball.com Arena named Red Bulls sporting director, coach Press release via Red Bull New York official site Arena joins Red Bulls; coach cautious about U.S. team article via Soccernet Italian Star Signs With MetroStars article via New York Times Nicola Caricola own goal, MetroStars vs New England An Identity Stuck In The Swamps of New Jersey New York Times Ten Years Ago: The Curse of Caricola MetroFanatic.com Ten Years Ago: The playoffs that changed everythingarticle via Metrofanatic How MLS bends its rules, hoping against hope to help the MetroStars. article via soccer times Lalas named GM, president of Metros via mlsnet ESPNsoccernet - MLS - Metros claim La Manga Cup crown Metros clinch playoffs on last day of regular season USA Today. Article retrieved on 2007-08-13 "MetroStars Sold to Red Bull", ''USA Today'' "MetroStars sold and renamed Red Bull New York", ESPN Soccernet Metro Reds continue to own Bayern Municharticle via Metrofanatic Arena resigns from post with Red Bulls New Signings Diego Jimenez is a Red Bull NY-LA see-saw ends in draw Barca firepower too much for Bulls Cichero secures visa, will play vs. Barcelona tonight Angel, Red Bulls swamp United Press Release Red Bulls training grounds to be constructed in Hanover, N.J., New York Red Bulls: Home: Home http://web.mlsnet.com/players/roster.jsp?club=t107 66, 237 attendance sets new Red Bulls and Giants stadium regular-season record via ballhype.com. Retrieved on 2007-08-19 All Wikipedia content is licensed under the GNU Free Document License or is otherwise used here in compliance with the Copyright Act