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.

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 .

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.

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.

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 .

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).

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.

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?

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.