In for a show at new Bull ring
The Revolution are in the ''designated opponent" position for the first two weeks of the MLS season. But they did not play the part Saturday against Los Angeles, their 1-0 victory spoiling the Galaxy's MLS Cup ring ceremony and tribute to late general manager Doug Hamilton.
This Saturday, the Revolution are expected to enter an even more charged atmosphere when they meet the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium.
Gone are the MetroStars, and with them the days of apathy and paltry crowds. Red Bull Company Ltd. intends to make its $100 million investment in MLS pay off and is throwing money at the team, specifically the marketing department.
Former New York Cosmos Pele and Franz Beckenbauer will participate in the ceremonial opening kickoff on the all-grass field (a $200,000-per-game investment). The outlay for the national anthem performance and halftime entertainment (Rihanna, Shakira, Wyclef Jean) will exceed the annual salaries of most MLS players.
The Red Bulls' goal is a sold-out stadium. They are even sending buses for Revolution fans; more than 500 had signed up for the trip as of last week.
Unfortunately for the Red Bulls, though, none of the money or promotion is going toward players. But the presence of Pele and Beckenbauer will not only recall the days of the Cosmos playing to packed houses at Giants Stadium, it also signals their future involvement in the team at the management level.
Beckenbauer is expected to take a hands-on role after the World Cup; he is head of the Germany 2006 World Cup Organizing Committee. Pele would likely be a figurehead, for the purpose of attracting players and sponsors.
But this week will not be all about smoke, mirrors, music, hoopla, and hype. There is some very real pressure on the team and coach Mo Johnston.
The Red Bulls opened the season with a 2-2 tie at D.C. United Sunday, but they will be expected to defeat the Revolution. Now that the team has the attention of fans and media, mediocrity won't be tolerated.
There is a question about who will call the shots, though. General manager Alexi Lalas is expected to move to Los Angeles to replace Hamilton, who died of heart failure early last month. Nick Sakiewicz, who was the MetroStars GM before being shuttled over to Red Bull Park stadium affairs, could return to his former position.
But there are other scenarios.
Giorgio Chinaglia, another former Cosmo, is also expected to attend the game, along with former MetroStar Roberto Donadoni.
Should the Bulls falter, Donadoni could emerge as a candidate for the coaching position. Donadoni appeared to be developing into one of Italy's better coaches, but was fired by Livorno despite guiding the team to the verge of a UEFA Cup berth. Donadoni's dismissal caused an outcry in Italy, not only because he was regarded among the classiest of players as a member of the national team and AC Milan, but also because he was proving that a small, provincial club could compete with the traditional powers.
Donadoni will certainly receive a solid offer from an Italian club before next season; meanwhile, he is available.
And the Red Bulls could be just getting started.
They considered signing Brazilian star Romario, but decided against it at the last minute. So Romario, 40, went to Miami FC, which will play in 7,000-seat Tropicana Field, in pursuit of his 1,000th career goal.
But the Red Bulls will doubtless be going for younger Romario types, even though they will cost more than the $500,000 Romario requested.
This type of ambition and willingness to spend money is shaking up MLS, but the Red Bulls will have to present a stronger team for others to play the keeping-up-with game.
Johnson, who grew up in Boston, attended high school in Melrose, and played for South Shore United, trained with the Revolution in January. But the Revolution passed on Johnson in the MLS draft.
''I went to an open tryout with the Revolution and I expected to go to them, and they had three chances to take me," Johnson said. ''But [Real Salt Lake] wanted a left-side player."
Johnson's career could be taking off; he has been called in to play for Jamaica against the US in Cary, N.C., April 11.
''I was born there and I love Jamaica," Johnson said. ''I am not going to play for a country I wasn't born in. Plus, the US is a hard [player] pool to make.
''Jamaica didn't qualify for the World Cup, so they are going to go with young players and groom them over the next four years. In 2010, I will be 25."
Against Chivas USA, Johnson replaced Mehdi Ballouchy in the 73d minute, Real Salt Lake facing a three-goal deficit. He attacked on the left wing before the team reverted to a 3-5-2 formation, Johnson dropping into a defensive role, displaying a good touch, plus athleticism and speed.
''I am learning to play a lot better defense," Johnson said. ''But this was a tough one, starting with a loss."
