Running Of The Bulls or Bull Fight?

¡Hola mi amigos!

It has been a while since the last post, but honestly I have been all over the place. But whatever, less bitching and more typing so here we are. This weekend the MLS playoffs continue on their merry way with the first leg of the Eastern and Western Conference Championships. I will be in attendance for the Eastern piece the New York Red Bulls (who play in New Jersey) against the New England Revolution who play in…you guessed it, New England (specifically in Foxborough, MA). I have followed the Red Bulls since their MetroStars days (Donadoni, Tab Ramos and Tony Meola) and I have to say that basically their playoff runs go in one of two directions - 

They are either the bulls in the Pamplona, Spain running of the bulls where annoying tourists get gored and trampled or the bulls in a bull fight. I had the chance to catch one of these in Madrid a few years ago and let me tell you something, the bull never wins. SO who will we see on Sunday afternoon? I surely don't know but Steve does, so take it away Steve! To Red Bulls fans, this is uncharted waters. When the late season setback happened vs Columbus, most fans expected the same tailspin that has haunted the Red Bulls through the Metro/Red Bull history since 1996. Just make the playoffs, lose early, and wonder what could have been. Well, the fans prayers for something different finally have been answered. Maybe it’s the magic of 37 year old Thierry Henry not wanting to say goodbye just yet, or front runner Bradley Wright-Phillips (BWP,#DARE2BWP) wanting to show he can score the goals in the crucial games, but this playoff run has the different. 

Following the loss to Columbus, the Red Bulls have gotten the job done. Back to back wins vs. Sporting KC (one regular season, one wildcard play-in), followed by finally defeating DC United in a meaningful playoff series, Red Bull fans will flock to Harrison Sunday (1:30PM) for the first leg of the Eastern Conference Championship vs. The New England Revolution. Led by MLS MVP finalist Lee Nguyen(#MVLEE) and US World Cup 2010 team member Jermaine Jones, the Revolution have been on a tear in the second half of the season. They finished in 2nd place.  Owner Bob Kraft needs a hug...he isn't getting one on Sunday!!!

Since Jones has come on board following the games in Brazil, the Revolution have turned into one of the best teams of the league. Along with defensive mid Scott Caldwell, the Revs midfield pressures high to cause turnovers that lead to goal scoring opportunities. Former US National Team member Charlie Davies leads a front line that dismantled the Columbus in their 2 legged semifinal series. Their backline is very solid led by defending MLS defender of the year Jose Goncalves. The Red Bulls come into this game riding the high of knocking out #1 seed and rival DC United. Thierry Henry and Bradley Wright-Phillips have connected this season like few have in MLS history. Lloyd Sam and Peguy Lluyindula have pushed the ball through the midfield and the wings giving the Red Bulls a vaunted attacking group that can score with anyone. The key to this series will be how the defensive midfielders and center backs co-exist. Midfielders Dax McCarty and Eric Alexander must provide cover and outlet for Ibrahim Sekagya and Jamison Olave at center back. If they fail to provide necessary outlets for them the Red Bulls will have a hard time possessing the ball down the field. 

At left back, Roy Miller will be suspended for the series due to a red card he picked up at the end of the DC series, rookie and Cameroonian international Ambrose Oyongo will need to be ready to step in a play in a big moment for a Red Bull team and fan base desperate for a win in the first leg on Sunday. Harrison will be rocking on Sunday. 25,000 tickets have been sold. Five guys will have burgers and peanuts for fans pregame. The fans will be ready. In the league’s 19th season, the Red Bulls are two games away from MLS Cup. Can the Red Bulls stop MVLEE and the Revolution on their march to the finals? Will the magic of Henry and BWP carry the Red Bulls one more time in the last Red Bull home game of the season? For those who can’t make the trip to Harrison, tune in Sunday 1:30 on NBC to find out. As long as were breathing……

You are already calling my name my dear - 

HAPPY WATCHING!!!

Red Bulls Are Second Legging It Out in DC!!

This guys is clearly taking things very seriously...and you know what? You should!  MLS (apparently there is no 'the' MLS) Playoffs are in full force and quite honestly, the hottest game in town.  Today it gets real - 4th row correspondent Steven walks us through the major points and the nitty gritty for the second leg of the RBNY-DCU game.  Steve help us figure it all out!

Following a first leg 2-0 home win, the New York Red Bulls travel down I-95 to take on DC United in the return leg of this Eastern Conference semifinal matchup. Led by Thierry Henry, the Red Bulls dominated from the open last Sunday's scoring in each half to put themselves in firm control of this series heading to DC. DC will be looking to score early to take some of the pressure off of having to come from 2 goals down to even the matchup. Their attack, led by Eddie Johnson and Fabian Espindola, will hope to have the addition of 11 goal scorer Luis Silva. Silva missed the first leg with an injury, and hopes to be ready for today's match. DC will use its familiar high line of pressure to hope to force the Red Bulls possession game into turnovers and goal scoring opportunities.

For the Red Bulls, coach Mike Petke hopes the team can continue its late season run, 5-1 in their last six matches, to advance to the Conference Finals. The recipe for the RBs has been the same all year, compact at the backline, play through midfielders Dax McCarty and Eric Alexander, and provide service to the attacking trio of Thierry Henry, Bradley Wright-Phillips(BWP), and right winger Lloyd Sam. Usually a much different team on the road than at home, the Red Bulls are looking to advance to their first conference finals since 2008. Does BWP have any more of that magical powder for that one goal that could be the deciding factor? Can Thierry Henry’s Achilles tendon hold up for what will surely be a back and forth affair between two fierce rivals? Or will it come down to what most Red Bull fans dread, does the defense have what it takes to stay compact, mark properly, and play together for 90 minutes? The Red Bulls have played themselves into another opportunity to prove their doubters wrong…Can they take the next step?

Tune in today at 2:30 on NBC to find out.

“As long as we’re breathing…”

Thanks Steve, top marks on your preview!!

HAPPY WATCHING!!

Red Bulls Playoff Run Recap & Why You Should Watch Thursday Night Football

(4th Row correspondent Steven Humiston takes us through Sunday's NY Red Bulls Game) - On a windy and cool Sunday afternoon, the Red Bulls and DC United played the 1^st leg of the home and home Eastern Conference Semi-finals in Harrison, NJ. From the first minute to the 90^th minute, the RBs controlled possession and tempo throughout all phases of the game leading to a 2-0 victory over top seeded DC United. Playing through its wing players Thierry Henry and Lloyd Sam, New York caused havoc down the flanks creating numerous scoring opportunities. Magic struck for the Red Bulls in the 40^th minute as Lloyd Sam played a ball through the box that was back heeled by Henry to a streaking Bradley Wright-Phillips (BWP). BWP calmly pushed the ball by DC keeper Bill Hamid for the first goal of the match. DC's backline was left confused and struggling for answers as the combo attacking plays unlocked DC's defense for the first goal.

In the second half, it was more of the same. Led by backline stalwarts Jamison Olave and Ibrahim Sekagya, the Red Bulls controlled possession forcing DC United to press for the away goal that is so important in soccer’s playoff structure. Stretching DC United’s formation the Red Bulls were able to work the ball to Thierry Henry at midfield, who played an excellent over the top ball to fellow Frenchman Peguy Luyindula. Peguy (not of credit card commercial fame) slipped the shot through DC goalie Hamid’s legs giving the Red Bulls a commanding 2-0 lead after 73 minutes. With the game in hand, Thierry Henry was pulled for a sub to save his legs for the return match at RFK Stadium on Saturday (2:30PM NBC). With the possibly that this could have been his final home match, Henry went out in style – two brilliant assists and Red Bull faithful chanting HENRY and ONE MORE YEAR as he left the field. The last 10 minutes were played with DC looking for a goal, but it would not be the case on this Sunday.

With the Red Bulls up 2-0 in this series heading to DC United, they are seeking their first trip to any conference final since 2008. DC United will be looking to keep its worst to first season alive. This MLS original and only I-95 rivalry that counts (sorry Union fans) will add yet another thrilling chapter on Saturday at RFK Stadium.

Full preview of Saturday’s matching coming Friday right here on Grilled Cheese Sports.
Thanks again Steve!  Looking forward to Saturday's battle!!

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals - Thursday 8:25PM NFL Network

    I know exactly what you're thinking when you read the line above…ugh Browns-Bengals…Why should I care?  I'm not from Cincinnati…I'm not from Cleveland (dodged a bullet there), why on Earth would I tune into this game on NFL Network when I could be watching any number of other highly rated television programs on Thursday night?  Heck, I could save my eyeballs the strain of such terrifying football and just go to bed early, get a jump start on Friday and actually have some energy to go out partying Friday night.  BUT let me tell you something brother (Macho Man Randy Savage), this isn't your, uh older brother's Browns and Bengals..no, no this my friend is the match up of the new Midwestern NFL powerhouses!!  One that will last through the next century (easily!) and cripple the current football kingdoms in Green Bay and Chicago. 

Well, maybe not just yet but there is plenty to get excited about for this game.  Let's run through a few things -

1.  Both teams are over .500 with the Browns (5-3) and Bengals (5-2-1)…yes they have a tie.  I forgot about it too.  October 12th against Carolina in a very high scoring affair.  There are more and more teams that are not only falling to .500 or below but many of which can't even smell .500, yes Jets, Bucs and Raiders you found our way into this post.

2.  The Bengals play in Paul Brown Stadium (long time owner and namesake of the original Browns, now the Ravens).  The Browns play in FirstEnergy Stadium (which up until 2012 was Cleveland Browns Stadium…So if the Browns play at Paul Brown Stadium is it considered a home game or at the very least a home away from home game?

3.  The QB for Cincinnati is Andy Dalton, his nickname in The Red Rocket and has Cheez Doodle colored hair - that's pretty awesome.

4.  Cleveland despite being named the Browns wear primarily orange and white uniforms and don't have a logo on either side of their helmets which I believe makes them the only team to do so.  It's kinda like if the Cincinnati Reds (baseball) worn jerseys primarily consisting of blue and yellow.  I know they were named after Paul Brown and not the color brown but they could make a better effort to incorporate it into the mix.

5.  The Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer has had a pretty incredible run through the NFL ranks to get to this spot eventually having to fight off college football superstar and all-around party animal Johnny Manziel. Hoyer has been competent in leading the Browns and deserves to keep the role thus far.

6.  AJ Green, Bengals wide receiver is back for his second week after recovering from injury.  The shortened turnaround time from Sunday should prove to be tough and will level the playing field in this game because when he is healthy…other teams' secondaries usually get toasted!!

That's about it!  Turn on, tune in and take it all in!

HAPPY WATCHING!!

Red Bulls Rampaging In Harrison!!

Soccer Spookiness in New Jersey!!

Happy Halloween everyone!  There is much to be excited about today - 1.  It's Friday.  2.  It's Halloween.  3.  It's Halloween on a Friday, believe that!!

Playoffs?!  Last night I was fortunate enough to attend the NY Red Bulls - Sporting Kansas City MLS playoff game.  What is interesting about the MLS and the way they conduct their playoffs is that the structure is all out of whack!  First off, European leagues do not have playoffs.  If you stunk the whole season you don't get to participate in the playoffs and make a late run to win a title (I am looking right at you NBA…you know I am, too).  The first round is a winner take all game and then there's the home and home but they don't follow the Euorpean goals aggregate rules (this makes no sense) and above all else…they don't have playoffs!  Wait, I mentioned that already.  Thing about playoffs is that they are exciting as anything.  Last night's game was great, awesome atmosphere and a brilliantly crisp fall evening.  

I have once again turned to the resident MLS & Red Bulls fanatic to run through a recap of last night's tilt.  So without further ado, Steven Humiston, take us through the game - 
For 76 minutes last night at Red Bull Arena, Red Bull fans and players felt that sinking feeling coming across them yet again. Another year over, another playoff let down. Having control of the ball for the majority of the game, a 72-28% possession ration in the home sides favor, a sloppy midfield giveaway saw the RBs down 1-0 to Sporting Kansas City(SKC). 22 goal man Dom Dwyer calmly slotted the ball past RB goalie Luis Robles. For large stretches of the game, the RBs seemed to be okay with holding possession without penetrating the SKC defense. Head coach Mike Petke seemed to pull the right string at the right time inserting 23 year old Cameroon international Ambrose Oyongo in at right back and shifting to a back three allowing right winger Lloyd Sam to shift to the left side to team with Thierry Henry. This switch opened the field for the Red Bulls. In the 77th minute, Sam sprung Henry free down the left side. Streaking down the middle was just the man the Red Bulls need, 27 goal scorer and MLS record holder for goals in a season Bradley Wright-Phillips(BWP). Henry found BWP in the cross and slotted the ball home to tie the game. 

For much of the game, SKC sat back and defended. They took 30-40 seconds and walked every throw-in 15 yards forward before throwing the ball in. Following the goal that leveled the match at 1, SKC did not change their game plan. The next 10-12 minutes were spent watching them waste clock, seemingly trying to will the game to overtime and penalty kicks. In the last minute of regular time, the Red Bulls finally broke free once again. Red Bulls defender Jamison Olave played what could have been his best pass of the year up to this point down the right to the recently inserted Oyongo. Ambrose attacked down the line, and found the Red Bulls talisman once again streaking down the middle. The cross went to near post instead of far, which wrong footed both SKC central defenders and their keeper. BWP leaped and headed the ball just inside the far post for his second goal of the match. Four finger crossing minutes of extra time felt just as long as the first 90, but the Red Bulls did it. They didn’t fold when they went down 1-0, or hit everything but the back of the net. Thierry Henry provided the setup and the magical season of BWP continues as his two goals pushed the Red Bulls into the eastern conference semifinals. 

Next up for the Red Bulls is the Eastern Conference’s top seed, DC United. This is the original rivalry in MLS. Supporters Groups - The Empire Supporters Club vs. La Barra Brava, Coaches - Mike Petke vs. Ben Olsen, DC vs NY is a rivalry rich in MLS tradition. From their 1996 playoff tilt which saw the RBs then METROSTARS win the home leg in a shootout, only to crash in DC, to the recent touch line shouting matches between head coaches, these two clubs flat out don’t like each other. DC United comes into the playoffs as the top seed in the east. They play a high line of pressure and will try to force the Red Bulls into turnovers and mental mistakes. DC Keeper Bill Hamid is one of the best in the league, and the Red Bulls will have their work cut out for them to put goals past him. Perry Kitchen, Nick DeLeon, and Sean Franklin will be key figures working the ball up to a lethal trio of attackers; Eddie Johnson, Luis Silva, and Fabian Espindola. Keys to victory for the Red Bulls remain the same, defend as a team, work the ball to speedster Lloyd Sam through French Legend Henry, and hope that magical dust that BWP seems to have found hasn’t washed up yet. Tune in Sunday 4PM MSG for the first leg in what is sure to be another storied battle in this I-95 rivalry. 
Thanks a ton Steve, I look forward to Sunday's game!  It has a lot to live up to after this one.  AND, as I mentioned earlier this week…if you're hitting up Red Bull Arena, you gotta get one of these.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN - watch out for razor blades in apples, pills pushed into chocolate bars and men with mustaches and trench coats…you've been warned!

HAPPY WATCHING!!

You Go And Do Something Like This...And Totally Redeem Yourself!!

HARRY, I TOOK CARE OF IT!!

So yesterday I wrote about how depressing the sports world had been lately…and you know what, the facets I spoke about are actually still really annoying BUT the sports world as a whole goes ahead and totally redeems itself tonight and tomorrow!!  Finding intrigue and excitement in some dark corners (at least for me) has revitalized my sports interest…for now.  Here's a look at what can get you pumped over the next two day (nights really) - 

Tonight at 8:07PM on FOX the Kansas City Royals host the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of Major League Baseball's World Series.  Last night in KC the Royals rolled on the Giants 10-0 behind more stellar pitching from Yordano Ventura.  Ventura honored fellow Dominican Oscar Tavares by writing an RIP message on the front of his blue Royals hat.  Tavares was killed earlier this week in an automobile accident in the DR.  Ventura's classy move surely would have set him up for some sort of uniform violation had he been playing in the NFL.  KC pounded SF pitching last night and took care of the other side only giving up 6 hits.  I am not going so far as to call anyone who is a citizen "un-American" but you really should tune in for an inning or two on this one with a perennial winner (SF) taking on the underdogs (KC) in a winner take all match up.

Thursday Night Under The Lights!  The MLS Playoffs come to Harrison, New Jersey at Red Bull Arena!!  I will be there in the flesh to take it all in, should be a great time.  Here is some great insight and predictions for tomorrow's game from Steven Humiston (a hardcore Red Bulls fan, adamant sports follower and also happens to be my brother).  Steve take it away - 

Thursday night’s MLS Eastern Conference Play-in game is a rematch of the season finale as the New York Red Bulls (RBs) take on Sporting Kansas City (SKC) from Red Bull Arena in Harrison. Sunday night’s finale saw MLS Golden Boot winner and Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips score in each half leading the Red Bulls to a 2-0 win in Kansas City. With only three days of down time, the teams will play Thursday in a winner take all for the chance to take on Eastern Conference regular season Champ DC United in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Red Bulls are a streaky team led by a strong backbone in the middle of the pitch with central defenders Jamison Olave and Ibrahim Sekagya providing a solid base the RBs rely on to sure up their defense as well as key their attack. Through the midfield, Dax McCarty and Erik Alexander rely on work rate and pin point passes to spring speedsters Lloyd Sam and Wright-Phillips in on goal. The question marks for the Red Bulls are big ones. The first is what Red Bulls team will show up, the one that dismantled SKC to ensure this game would be played in Harrison, or the one that looked sluggish and disinterested in their 3-1 home defeat to the Columbus Crew on October 19th. The second one centers around the RBs big money players. Thierry Henry missed Sunday’s win with an Achilles injury and is a game time decision for Thursday night. The other, Tim Cahill has been the enigma for the Red Bulls all season. He scored perhaps the goal of the 2014 World Cup, but his club form has not been on the same standard. They will need one of them to play up to their potential to see their side through to the semifinals. 

SKC comes into the match with only one win in their last five games. Let in the back by Matt Besler and Aurelien Collin, the defending MLS Cup champions have had the target on their backs all season. SKCs midfield is controlled by US World cup veterans Graham Zusi and Benny Feilhaber, with 22 goal scorer Dom Dwyer leading the way upfront. Questions about this team as they have played more than their fair share of games this season with MLS, US Open Cup, and CONCACAF Champions League games on the schedule. The last few games they look to have been playing on tired legs, and with the short turnaround, this could provide the difference in Thursday’s pivotal match. The main two concerns for SKC are things they have full control over. In Sunday’s match up, they seemed to have trouble keeping track of the runners for New York. Their defensive organization must be better to ensure a different result this time around. Also, Dom Dwyer has scored 22 goals this season. They must find ways to get him the ball in dangerous attacking positions. 

In all, the Red Bulls don’t play their best when the lights are brightest, but have made Red Bull Arena a nightmare for visitors since opening in 2010. Sporting Kansas City does, but are their legs too weary to defend their crown after a long campaign? Will the home field advantage that the Red Bulls have be the difference? Tune in Thursday 8PM on ESPN2 to find out.  Editor's note:  If you are attending the game you gotta grab one of these on the way in at Five Guys!

Thanks a ton Steve!!

And last but not lease the NBA kicks of it's regular season tonight with a whole slew of games.  It is a cool night for basketball, a lot of fan fare BUT I am holding off for tomorrow's NYK vs CLE game.  LeBron plays Carmelo in Cleveland and I assume the TV networks will be bumping with chatter…Worth watching tonight are CHI vs NYK and OKC and POR…the rest of the games are fine but nothing special, check your local listings.

And that my friends is how sports got me interested again!  Let's keep it going.

HAPPY WATCHING!!!

Late Friday Update, Baseball's Back and It's Better Than Ever!!

Officially - Happy Friday!

My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble

(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend's back)

You see him comin' better cut out on the double

(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend's back)

You been spreading lies that I was untrue

(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend's back)

So look out now cause he's comin' after you

Deal with it! - Baseball is back, after much delay!

Side note - Saturday 7PM in glorious Harrison - NY Red Bulls are taking on the San Jose Redux (Earthquakes), who names their team after a natural disaster that destroys buildings, lives and livelihoods? It just seems wildly inappropriate.  Am I wrong?

Short post just wanted to welcome "er'body in the club, back to baseball"  Ladies you may or may not see your man friends this weekend, it's been a tough stretch.  

Happy watching,

-Shaun

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