(Apologies for not getting this up sooner but as you know, another story developed this afternoon.)
We had our first glimpse of some of the new faces at Red Bull camp in action on Tuesday and there were several impressive performances. Here is a rundown of some news and notes from today’s practice.
Mexican defender Diego Jimenez left the match after a brief appearance because of a knee injury he suffered while training with the team over the weekend. It doesn’t sound serious but between the knee, and the fact that he developed blisters on his feet after his first exposure to playing on turf in 90-degree weather, Jimenez was pulled early.
Argentine midfielder Juan Pietravallo wasn’t around today. He is in Toronto securing his visa, a very good sign for the club.
No, still no word on when the new players will be eligible to play but head coach Juan Carlos Osorio made it clear that if players are cleared to play that we could see some newcomers as early as Saturday. He came out and admitted that if Jorge Rojas is available that he would start.
Juan Pablo Angel and Oscar Echeverry did not train with the team. The did individual work at Montclair State University. Echeverry is still not 100 percent and his knees are clearly bothering him. That said, Osorio insisted that he hasn’t given up hope on Echeverry still being an impact player and that once he is healthy he will have a chance to show what he can do.
With Reyna’s retirement, that leaves the Red Bulls three open senior roster spots (Altidore, Ubiparipovic dropped to developmental slot and Reyna retirement). With Rojas, Cichero, Pietravallo and Jimenez expected to join the team in the coming days, the Red Bulls will still have to cut one more player to make room for all four. They’ll have to cut a second to make room for the forward they are expected to sign using the DP slot salary cap space they now have.
I asked Osorio about Joe Vide and if the club would have interest in him and Osorio says he just heard about Vide’s release this morning but that he hadn’t given it any though. With Pietravallo and Stammler as starters and Carlos Mendes as a back-up (and Costa Rican Brandon Poltronieri trying out) I don’t think it’s a sure thing that Vide will get a look.
That’s all for now. Share your thoughts on any and all these topics in the comments section below.
Vide is definitely NOT one of the ten worst players to have played in the Swamp… just on the Metro side alone, how about a starting ten of:
Byron Alvarez, Peter Canero, Ruben Dario Hernandez, Julian Gomez, Martin Klinger, Kevin Knight, Joao Luiz, Edmundo Rodriguez, Steve Shak and Marcelo Vega.
For goalkeeper, I’d reach outside the team and pick Jay Nolly for a performance at Giants Stadium.
If Osorio re-signs Vide, I will literally burst into flames in Section 107 during a game in protest. One of the worst players to have played in the Swamp in the 13 years of MLS.
Also, the Red Bulls cannot afford (m)any delays in bringing in Rojas, Cichero, Pietravallo and another forward. If the team’s play does not improve soon, the season will be over before summer finishes and that would be a shame. I’m not sold on Jimenez yet but since he is signed, I hope he joins the club quickly as well.
I would at least let Vide tryout.
Vide needs to work on his passing but he’s still young. He was extremely aggressive and helpful in the midfield for the Red Bulls the second half of last season. Vide seemed to have a good influence on the team as well; helped bring the energy level of the team up when the team needed it. Bring Vide in; it can’t hurt.
Someone please tell me why Vide is worthy? He “had a good engine” but every pass and I mean every pass was off the mark.
Miguel
a senior developmental is $17,700., as opposed to a regular DEV deal which is 12,900.
Minimum wage Senior contract is $33k.
They’re completely different things.
Ubi took both a pay cut and a drop to the dev roster to stay with the team (unlike Brunner who rejected that demotion) and left for Miami FC.
I could see Goldthwaite gone. Or Leitch.
Neither would be a loss….
Personally, I’d cut Magee. He’s a bust.
“and Ubiparipovic dropped to developmental” ?
Ubiparipovic was already a developmental player, no matter if he earns $33k this year. He’s a Senior Develpmental player.
any word on potential forwards they might target?
They won’t get rid of Boyens. They just signed him like a month ago. A ballsy move would be to get rid of Magee.
agreed Liethc and Boyens wouldnt hurt me if they left.
Leitch, yes. Boyens I’d give a little longer.
Boyens, Magee, and Echeverry going wouldn’t bother me.
Leitch is solid, lets not get rid of him just yet.
Let’s hope those cuts are Leitch and Boyens
Just an fyi that our only new signing did receive his work permit today so the Galaxy will likely be starting Argentine Dominguez in the match on Saturday.
Hopefully your guys get their permits too.
Vide is great but we don’t need any more dmids for now. Or “defensive-minded” midfielders.