The Seattle Sounders braved the dark dredges of the USL waters and have begun plucking MLS talent like vultures on a carcass. In an odd twist, the Red Bulls loss in Jeff Parke, though sentimental, was also inevitable and costless.

And in a move that can be best described as giving the Red Bull fans a big fat hug after taking a couple of emotional beatings, Mike Petke will be making his return to New York for the 2009 season (as reported by SBI)!

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As the starting lineup for the first leg of this home and home series was announced, it seemed that the omissions were louder than the stadiums speakers. Juan Pietravallo, Gabriel Cichero and Jorge Rojas all rode the bench in a crucial playoff showdown. But put it into context; these are the show pieces of the Coaches midseason signings.

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Hey everyone. I am back.

There has been some construction in my office that forced me off the internet for nearly four days. I never knew technology could cause withdrawals . . . . but here I am, back to the old bloggeroo.

And here is some stuff I've missed (and maybe you have too) this week:

+ As some of you already know, Gabe Cichero and Jorge Rojas won't be there for the leagues induction of RSL's new soccer specific stadium.

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Just when you thought the league turned the corner on ridiculous rules and regulations, we get this - MLS has blocked Red Bulls transfer of Atlanta Silverback standout, Kanji.

Grandfathering Carlos Ruiz is fine.

Grandfathering Landon Donovan? No problem Beckha .

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Liverpool's roll-call of magnificent number sevens includes legends like Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Peter Beardsley - and Robbie Keane is determined to add his name to that list.

Ever since Keegan arrived at Anfield in the 1970s, Liverpool have enjoyed their most successful periods when the number seven shirt has been filled by a dynamic playmaker capable of raising the team's play to a higher level. Click to continue reading...

Questions abound regarding that Reyna DP slot. Do we own it? Will we use it?

Ives is clarifying things, as always. The Bulls won't be using the DP slot this season - mainly due to salary cap constraints. But they plan on using it on a marquee player for the opening of Harrison next summer.

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Bobby Abreu and Jorge Rojas. Together.

Had they known I was at the Stadium too, they would have definitely called me over. For sure. Right?

In hard news, they are reporting that, if all goes well, Rojas should be training with the team next week, and is aiming at a Los Angeles debut.

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News out of Central America is that Jeff Agoos has sent out the paperwork to Arsenal and Motagua of Honduras, offering both young striker Georgie Welcome, and his cousin, Shannel Welcome, a five day trial with the Red Bulls.

Georgie Welcome is a youth prospect hero for the Honduran side.

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So many have had their chance to claim a starting spot with this years squad and have fallen well short. Injuries and mishaps have been abundant, creating potential opportunities everywhere. Believe me, with the present state of affairs, Coach Osorio would have welcomed a fired up bench warmer who shows a bit of class and touch on the pitch, taking a starting spot unexpectedly.

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And here are the pictures of their newest acquisitions.

Check out Red Bulls Reader for more:

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Venezuelan Captain Jorge Rojas and Argentine defender / midfielder Juan Pietravallo will be announced as the newest Red Bulls come today, so says Big Apple Soccer (GREAT work boys).

An Argie? A Red Bull? Ill be the first one on line for that name on my jersey. Better do well .

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With a smiling face and a crowd of fans, El Zurdo Rojas not only confirmed the rumors, but took it all a step forward - he announced his arrival as a Red Bull.

Just as we have been speculating all week about the status of Rojas, reading reports from South America claiming he was signed while this side of the Americas has kept quiet, we run into this.

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Take three Major League Soccer rookies, and force them to live in a house, where they stop being polite - and start getting real!

Real Life - Secaucus - Only on Red Bulls Reader!

Pretty cool stuff actually. Danleigh Borman, Luke Sassano and David Roth show us what the life of a rookie can be all about (and boy, am I ever happy that my modest apartment is better than a pro players hole in the wall).

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The derby is back!

Red Bulls face DC United this week, in what is always a highly contested and battled game (Saturday 7:30 on MSG and HDnet).

Unfortunately, we are limping into the Lions Den, and the scent of blood is definitely in the air. Claudio Reyna is still injured.

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A six year contract with the second place team in all of La Liga?

Jozy, as always, you are doing us proud.

So the final chapter to this prelude is over. And here comes the excitement!

For the many Red Bull fans, USMNT followers, and soccer lovers throughout our great nation - thank you.

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Marc DeGrandpre left the managing directors position vacant. And after a six month search, plus a visit from the Salzburg ownership, the Red Bulls have a new face manning the ship.

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Erik Stover.

Taking a look at his "resume," there are definitely pro's and con's to the hire.

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So I walked into my building today to get to my apartment. I head upstairs and the dog is going nuts - its been like 8 hours since I walked him last. But there is a problem - Boca v. Atlas was already started, in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. As the whining reached a fever pitch, I swung open the door, and "Dexter" ran out to the hallway.

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Hey y'all.

Before anything, I would like to address this major issue: I HATE ALLERGIES. Last year was the first year I had ever gotten em, and I hate it even more this year. Absolutely hate.

But on the bright side - I did catch 6 bluefish and a striper this week. So spring is good for something.

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First off, good looks to "BriGuy" for this find on the Red Bulls Reader.

You have to love Danes flip into nothingness - but more needs to be shown of that spectacular goal celebration.

Check out the highlights. Leave your comments.

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Hey everyone. Its been a busy news day:

+ Eric Brunner, our 2nd round pick and first pick in the 2008 draft, has decided to forgo the meager amount of money that befits a developmental player and will begin exploring options in "USL and Europe" according to his agent (SBI has the scoop).

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GOAL.com has an interesting interview with Claudio Reyna. Here are some of the highlights:

On Stats

"I think people think goals and assists are the only thing," he said. "It's never been part of my game. That's never how I played when I was in Europe. I think people look at ...

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Luis Arroyave reports that Lider Marmol is heading to Chicago.

You see, when a person is signed by someone, they play for that team.

In this case, when someone is "discovered" by a team, then why in the world would they train with an unrelated team?

I guess we can chalk this one up to convuluted MLS Rules, yet again.

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Luis Arroyave reports that Lider Marmol is heading to Chicago.

You see, when a person is signed by someone, they play for that team.

In this case, when someone is "discovered" by a team, then why in the world would they train with an unrelated team?

I guess we can chalk this one .

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10 games

7 losses

3 ties.

Since 2005, this is what they have been able to achieve against the Revolution.

Zilch.

They were able to hold Jozy and Angel to one goal apiece in 5 appearances by either man, respectively.

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10 games

7 losses

3 ties.

Since 2005, this is what they have been able to achieve against the Revolution.

Zilch.

They were able to hold Jozy and Angel to one goal apiece in 5 appearances by either man, respectively.

They were able to shut the Bulls down in last years home and home .

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You love my clever punitry (ability to pun - what you never heard of the word?!).

It looks like Angel is a go for the Red Bulls this weekend as they take on the dreaded Gambian connection of New England. Ives reports from Red Bulls camp, basically saying that he looked match ready.

Finally, the dynamic duo will be on the field.

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You love my clever punitry (ability to pun - what you never heard of the word?!).

It looks like Angel is a go for the Red Bulls this weekend as they take on the dreaded Gambian connection of New England. Ives reports from Red Bulls camp, basically saying that he ...

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He impressed the coaching staff in his short stay, but perhaps being a very large pond away from home couldn't be compensated for.

Big Apple Soccer reports that Chris Innes is heading back to Scotland, perhaps in search of more familiar pastures.

And where does that leave us?

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He impressed the coaching staff in his short stay, but perhaps being a very large pond away from home couldn't be compensated for.

Big Apple Soccer reports that Chris Innes is heading back to Scotland, perhaps in search of more familiar pastures.

And where does that leave us?

Well, with Jeff .

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Hard News - boring, just the facts, no opinion writing (which I love to do believe it or not)

Blog - what I do best, right here on theoffside. Irreverent as always!

For those who dont know, I contribute hard news to AmericanSoccerReader.

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Hard News - boring, just the facts, no opinion writing (which I love to do believe it or not)

Blog - what I do best, right here on theoffside. Irreverent as always!

For those who dont know, I contribute hard news to AmericanSoccerReader.com. I have posted the Red Bulls Game ...

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Who says we need to pilfer Chicago for all our acquisitions?

Jorge Rojas, 30, a Venezuelan National veteran with 78 caps to his name, and the infamous Chris Innes, former captain of the bankrupt and dying Gretna FC of SPL, are now on trial with the Red Bulls.

I knew there was ...

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RED BULLS PREVIEW - 2008
Let me begin by saying - this is completely based on the team as currently configured. I know April 15th is right around the corner, and 2 signings can change everything, but this is the current situation.
With that said . . .
Lets begin with a Haiku . .

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As we discussed last time, this Lider Marmol saga has had more twists and turns than a Capoeira fighter.

SoccerByIves reports that a league offer of approximately $100,000 was quickly turned down by the Paraguayan Midfielder.

Yeah, duh.

What does this tell us? Well, for starters, the league is attempting to appease .

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Hey.

Sometimes I just pass on talking about certain things for no particular reason (example: Mendoza as a trialist, Marmol as a Red Bull - until it became interesting - stuff like that).

So here are some cool things happening in our world that you may or may not have already heard:

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