Good afternoon all. I have made it out to Salt Lake City for tonight’s match between the New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake. Tonight marks the opening of Rio Tinto Stadium and the mood around the Red Bulls seems to be a positive one.
As if the Red Bulls needed any more motivation, they received some bulletin board material from former Red Bulls midfielder Dema Kovalenko, who had some very interesting things to say about tonight’s match, and about his feeling towards Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
"I was thinking all year about these two games," Kovalenko told the Salt Lake Tribune. "There and home, just against this team, because I don’t like (Osorio), at all. And I don’t care if I say it. I don’t like him. I don’t respect him. And I want to play this game, because I want to help my team to win. That’s the most important thing, to get three points."
Osorio traded Kovalenko before the 2008 season, citing concerns about Kovalenko’s salary and lack of production.
Kovalenko has been sidelined for eight games with a calf injury and may not play. If he does, things could get interesting.
I just spoke to Osorio about Kovalenko’s comments and let’s just say his response is priceless. I’ll post the response shortly.
For those of you didn’t see it, here is my ESPN.com preview on tonight’s match.
I will be posting periodically throughout the afternoon before I make my way out to Rio Tinto Stadium. Thanks for the suggestions on things to do in Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, it’s starting to look like I won’t get to do much before heading out to the stadium.
For now, share your thoughts on tonight’s match in the comments section below.