Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com

By AVI CREDITOR

HARRISON, N.J. — With the U.S. national team frequently playing in the New York-New Jersey area, the novelty — but not the joy — of coming back has worn off a bit for a few of the players who call the region home.

Tuesday's match against Ecuador adds a new wrinkle to the homecoming trip for Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley and Tim Howard, though, as the trio of former Red Bulls/MetroStars players get their first run out at Red Bull Arena.

"It's beautiful, and obviously me being from New Jersey it's great to see," Bradley said. "We get the chance to play in a lot of the new soccer stadiums in America, and for me this looks to be one of the best." 

The arena is a far cry from the cavernous old Giants Stadium, which used to be the home grounds for all three players. While all three have played in the New Meadowlands Stadium in two U.S. friendlies over the past 14 months, getting the chance to take to the field at Red Bull Arena signifies the culmination of what was merely a vision back when they played in MLS.

"It's weird, because they were trying to find a place for the stadium back when I was playing with the MetroStars, and to finally see it come to fruition is pretty awesome," Howard said.

Added Altidore: "This was what everyone was hoping for when I was here too, and talking about the day that it would open."

For Altidore, the two friendlies have provided an extended homecoming trip for him. Born in New Jersey but brought up in Florida, Altidore has been able to hit both stops during this international break, one that comes during his most successful stretch on the professional club level.

"It's been nice playing in places where it all started for me, so it's real special," Altidore said.

Altidore, Bradley and Howard join current Red Bulls Juan Agudelo and Tim Ream and former Red Bull Edson Buddle among national team players with ties to the MLS club. As for rejoining the organization some day, the 32-year-old Howard said he would welcome the opportunity.

"I'd like to," Howard said. "My desire is certainly to come back to MLS and it would be an amazing story if i could (play for the Red Bulls). It's tough to say with all the rules, but if that could happen of course I would love it."