JP Dellacamera
Red Bulls making more good moves in the Coaching Department
Jul 31, 2006
The official hiring of John Harkes as an assistant coach to Bruce Arena is another positive step for this Red Bulls organization. Even though I have known John for almost 20 years, I really got to know him well when he and I worked together calling World Cup games this past June and July. When you spend about 35 straight days with someone, you get to know a lot about that person.  | | Two-time MLS Cup Champion John Harkes is now the Red Bulls' assistant coach (AP) | While John was a very good analyst, it became very clear that broadcasting was something he loved, but his passion was coaching. I knew during the World Cup that the next time we saw Harkes, it would most likely be on the sidelines, rather than in the press box. So, I won’t get to work with John in the booth any more, but will enjoy being around him in his new position. I wish him well. This is a good move for the team, and for John. Now for some observations: Transfer of John Philippe Peguero
While you hate to see your top goal scorer go, the team did make a good move. Having Peguero and Edson Buddle playing together up top didn’t work and probably never would have worked. They are in essence the same player. One had to sit or go, and it figured to be Peguero. With the dollars involved in this deal, plus what they still have under the cap, expect Bruce Arena to acquire one, if not two international players before the international transfer window closes on August 15th. Goalkeepers
Jon Conway has proven what we had thought all along. The team now has two good goalkeepers. When Tony Meola was healthy, he was the team MVP. With him sitting out with the bacterial infection, Conway has gotten on a good run, unbeaten this season, but lately 3-0-1. This team should now be confident, with whoever is in goal. Amado as Captain
Guess who is undefeated since Amado Guevara has worn the captain’s armband? The Red Bulls have played better and have a winning record to show for it since Guevara has become the player of old. Is it a coincidence that Amado’s play has picked up since Youri Djorkaeff left? I’m not implying there is any problem between the two, but it’s clear that those two have not played their best when they are together. Amado has always played better when he knows that he is "The Man.” In this current setup, he is the go to guy. I don’t know what will happen if and when Youri comes back. By the way, has anyone seen or heard from Youri? Things were looking pretty bleak for this team only a short while ago. They were 2-6-8 on July 8th, in last place in the Eastern Conference. Since then, they are unbeaten in four, and have hired Bruce Arena as their Head Coach. Currently they are only two points behind New England, who are in second place. With Arena coming in and officially taking over, and at least one new player expected, those who thought that this might be a lost season, might be wrong. Let’s see what the final few months brings.
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