Comments on: Corporate America; A closer look at the New York Red Bulls http://backpagefootball.com/corporate-america-a-closer-look-at-the-new-york-red-bulls/21976/ Fri, 24 May 2013 18:18:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 By: Armando Diaz http://backpagefootball.com/corporate-america-a-closer-look-at-the-new-york-red-bulls/21976/comment-page-1/#comment-47270 Armando Diaz Wed, 27 Jul 2011 03:40:26 +0000 http://backpagefootball.com/?p=21976#comment-47270 First and foremost thanks for taking the time to read the article.
Second, Red Bulls management may very well continue to roll the dice and aim for championship caliber team year in and year out. They will undoubtedly continue to use their maximum allowed designated player allocations (currently at 3 in the MLS). An interesting observation is one made recently by Hans Backe. Backe told the public he has 11 players and no quality bench players. Personally, I think last year’s play off exit still stings the team. He doesn’t see the point in buring out Henry and Marquez at this juncture. (Assuming Marquez was fit to play in every game of course.)
Because the MLS has a playoff system, entering the playoffs in 3rd or 4th position is not a big deal for this group of experienced footballers.
What I find most unsettling about this team is the attendance or lack thereof. Don Garber and MLS brass want teams in their biggest media markets. There are already two teams in LA and there will be two teams in the tri-state area in the near future. The NY Cosmos seem to be going to the MLS. (A few major issues must be addressed.) The major markets have been outshone by smaller media markets.
Finally, you observed what is arguably one of the best MLS venues. When you combine Seattle, Portland and Vancouver it is clear this is the area where fans are the most passionate for the game. You gave Houston as an example however I have one better. FC Dallas made it to the final of the MLS Cup last year yet they consistenly average an attendance in the low 10,000 range.
I feel the MLS wants to showcase the Pacific Northwest as much as possible. This is why Man Utd. had a match in Boston only to be flown to the opposite side of the country for a match against the Seattle Sounders.
If one doesn’t think the U.S. can provide a venue for world class football just ask Michael Owen. He was sending pictures of the Seattle locker room via Twitter before the match.

]]> By: Mike http://backpagefootball.com/corporate-america-a-closer-look-at-the-new-york-red-bulls/21976/comment-page-1/#comment-47039 Mike Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:32:48 +0000 http://backpagefootball.com/?p=21976#comment-47039 My Question is, despite all of these big name signings and desire for immediate results, what will happen if those results do not come? They are clearly throwing cash around in the hopes of winning a title, but what if no silverware is won? Is there something wrong with the formula?

It is a question that is asked of a lot of under performing teams, but in a league such as the MLS I am very surprised to not see a real string of dramatic victories with the world class talent that New York is bringing in.

Also, recently returning from a trip to Seattle, I was surprised to see how vibrant, loyal, and personable the fans on the West Coast are of their football teams. At the Manchester United vs Seattle Sounders game, despite the scoreline, the stadium was filled to the brim in Green and the crowd, despite enjoying a clinical display from United, was firmly behind their team.

How does the mentality change so much as that Houston gets 13,000 fans a game while Seattle sells out 60,000 every weekend? I suppose that is a lot of questions with some very complex answers, but these are the questions that really stick out at me as to why Football in America is such a complex creature.

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