Just clearing out the Red Bull notebook before I head to the Garden, and among the topics are Juan Pablo Angel’s (minor) injury, a U.S. Open Cup pairing vs. San Jose, a celebrity charity match at the home opener, and some ex-trialists _ including RBNY surprisingly on the OTHER side of a tug-of-war with Columbus.
First, Angel suffered a thigh injury during yesterday’s scrimmage, but I’m told it’s “just a contusion” and “nothing serious.”
Second, the Red Bulls got their U.S. Open Cup pairing, and they open April 29 at San Jose. The MLS qualifying first round includes Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle, Colorado vs. the Galaxy and Dallas vs. D.C. And if the Red Bulls win, they get a tantalizing second-round matchup against either archrival D.C. or ex-stalwart Dave van den Bergh and the Hoops. Nice.
This won’t be a cakewalk, and considering managing director Erik Stover has already eloquently made his feelings known about the U.S. Open Cup being third on a three-front list of priorities, their depth will be tested.
RBNY still owns his MLS rights after drafting him last winter, and it would appear they’re driving a hard bargain. No idea what they’ve asked for, but sources claim they want Brit Matt Jansen, Clifton product Danny Szetela and Seton Hall midfielder Teddy Niziolek. (Kidding. Kind of).
And speaking of ex-trialists, Haitian striker Leonel Saint Preux is in camp with Real Salt Lake. He was RBNY’s top scorer in the Florida leg of camp, but was erratic. He played 30 minutes in RSL’s 2-0 over USF Saturday and started the 4-0 rout of the University of Tampa, but didn’t score in either.
*** RBNY will have a celebrity game before the 7:30 p.m. home opener vs. New England. It kicks off at 5 p.m., benefits the Books for Kids Foundation, and includes Werner Roth of the Cosmos, Kaycee Stroh of High School Musical, Survivor-Thailand’s Ken Stafford and actors Lance Reddick (Lost, the Wire) and Robert Funaro (The Sopranos, American Gangster).