Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

View From South Ward: Tripping the Light Fantastic in the New York Cold

It’s been a long, cold winter so far in the world that revolves around Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, with the biggest news so far being an Instagram video of Dax McCarty making snow angels in the middle of a white pristine RBA field.

With less than 2 months to go and a quickly closing European transfer window, the Red Bulls have been linked to three long shots, two possibles, and 1 youthful local.  Unfortunately, for all the supporters, there has been nothing but silence.

First, let’s cover the long shots.

The one that made the most excitement has been the possibility, as distant and desperate as it may be, of the wondrous playmaker Xavi  in a red and white kit after the World Cup is over this summer.  At first, sources close to FC Barcelona reported that Thierry Henry was making a push to the ageless midfielder to accept an offer from Red Bull to come ply his trade and provide Henry, Bradley Wright-Phillips, and Tim Cahill with exceptional service.  To be honest, this looked like a real possibility until the same source came back days later saying it was all just smoke.  The rumor continues to have legs, even after it was buried, however.  I give this one a silly rating of 7 out of 10

The second rumor flying around was that Didier Drogba was visited and schmoozed by Red Bulls brass recently.  I’m always fascinated how these sources pop up.  Were they sitting in a bush when they just so happened to see the Cote D’Ivoire striker walk into a restaurant with Red Bulls execs?  This one has a silly rating of 8 out of 10.

Let’s file the next one under “Strange Stories in Footy Rumors.”  Apparently, and don’t ask me where the UK publication The Mirror gets this stuff, Chelsea’s Ashley Cole was interested and being courted by Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh to come to the MLS.  To do this, RBNY would most certainly have give up their coveted third Designated Player slot.  Historically, this has never been used on a defensive back, and probably won’t be in the foreseeable future.  I give this a silly rating of 9 out of 10.

Now for reality.

A recent report has Armando Lozano, the Liga-B centerback, signing a two year contract with RBNY .  Lozano, will become fairly useful considering the Red Bulls will be playing in a total of three competitions this coming season.  Remember, not only will RBNY be competing in MLS competition, but also the US Open Cup, AND in the CONCACAF Champions League. Depth at every position will be key to success this coming season.

Then, there’s an intriguing link with another defensive back – Harrison, NJ product Modou Stowe.  The young Gambian back has been plying his trade with the Red Bulls Under-18 academy squad, and seems to be seeking a pro contract over spending time in the NCAA, where he’s considering Rutgers or Seton Hall. Again, with a focus on depth for this coming campaign, this has a silly rating of 3 out of 10.

Finally, there’s the link with midfielder Ronald Vargas.  Vargas currently plays for the Belgian club Alderbrecht… when he’s healthy. Over the past two seasons, the Venezuelan midfielder has suffered two knee injuries, and seems to be a bit fragile for someone listed as an attacking midfielder.  Will ARox take a gamble?  I don’t see Roxburgh as a big gambler.  If you look at the moves he has made, they’ve been short strokes, and this seems to suit the club just fine.  However, Vargas would have a lot of upside IF he could remain healthy.  I’ll give this a silly rating of 5 out of 10.

With other clubs improving themselves, it’s interesting that Red Bull hasn’t provided the necessary support to do the same.  That’s at least on the surface.  Roxburgh seems to believe that the squad he has in place is good enough, and we tend to agree.  There’s something to be said about the chemistry we saw between these players at the end of last season, to clinch the Supporters Shield.  It seems that even the oft-maligned Peguy Luyindula found a good home in the midfield providing service to Henry and whomever he was paired with.

With that said, Petke and Roxburgh covet a third designated player and/or a playmaking midfielder.  Hold on tight, Red Bull nation, there’s still time left for a slick signing.

 

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