New York Red Bulls fans haven't had much to cheer about during the team's horrendous 2009 season, but they are about to finally get at least some good news.
Argentine midfielder Juan Pietravallo has left the team and has parted ways with the Red Bulls after reaching an agreement to terminate the remainder of his guaranteed $205,000 contract, sources told SBI on Friday. The agreement frees up a roster spot for the Red Bulls and puts an end to one of the more disappointing signings in club history.
The move is the first of what should be several for a club in desperate need of a roster shake-up.
Pietravallo was signed a year ago and was expected to give the team a tough and skillful defensive midfielder, but the veteran never adapted to the style of play in MLS and often found himself issued cards and whistled for fouls repeatedly. After a somewhat promising start, including his role in a rare Red Bulls win vs. D.C. United last summer, Pietravallo eventually found a permanent spot on the bench. Last offseason the team attempted to unload the 27-year-old midfielder but could not reach a deal with Pietravallo, who would have been waived in the pre-season if not for his guaranteed contract.
Things didn't change much this year as Pietravallo has been limited to two starts and just three appearances for the worst team in MLS.
Pietravallo's departure frees up a roster spot the club is expected to use to add highly-regarded Dutch Austrian midfielder Ernst Obster. Obster cannot join the Red Bulls until July 15th.
The club is also still interested in signing Bouna Coundoul, but must first reach an agreement with the Colorado Rapids, which hold his rights. Coundoul's potential signing would likely mean the end of Jon Conway's time with the club. The Red Bulls are also believed to be in the market for a cental defender and defensive midfielder, with Khano Smith another player expected to be shown the door before the July 1 date when all MLS contracts become guaranteed.
One player who isn't coming is Colombian Breinner Bonilla, who was linked to the club by an internet report. Sources tell SBI that the club has no intentions of signing Bonilla.
The Red Bulls are essentially out of the playoff race, but are still looking for ways to bolster the roster ahead of the CONCACAF Champions League series vs. Trinidadian squad W Connection. The Red Bulls have a month prepare for that home-and-home series,with a victory in the series securing a place in the group stages.
What do you think of the Red Bulls finally dumping Pietravallo? Relieved? Excited that some help may be on the way? Have you already decided to stop following the team until 2010?
Share your thoughts below.