Red Bulls Anticipation

Once again, all of the thoughts associated with being a fan are bombarding me. There is the idea of blind hope. Seven short days ago, I really thought that this might be the year of the Red Bulls. Titi was fresh from a rejuvenating loan deal with Arsenal. A couple of new foreign players that seemed to be authentic. There was also a position battle in the goal. After one discouraging week, I am not ready to give up, but I am scared. It seems the Red Bulls need some big talent.

The sense of panic should be obvious to anyone who watched the game. The Red Bulls came out and looked lethargic. Hans Backe blew many fans minds with his sudden faith in Juan Agudelo. Their Larry Bird look alike goalie made some big saves, FC Dallas seemed to severely punish every Red Bull mistake. Holgerson, Miller and Dax were disappointing, to say the very least. The attack looked unimaginative. Not until Kenny Cooper was introduced to the game were there any real threats on the goal (will I really have a season hoping Kenny Cooper gets it done???)

So hear we are, heading into week two and facing one of the main contenders for the Supporters Sheild, Real Salt Lake. There is not much of a sense of optimism. What scares me the most is that I feel like the talent is on the field (or will soon be).

Here it is, and I can not believe what i am about to type, but I have a strong feeling that Rafa may be the missing piece. The same Rafa that jogged around the field last season, the same Rafe that enraged the Red Bull faithful. He has much to play for. He has to disprove the doubters, earn his money, and repay Backe's faith. He can sit back and fill the role that Titi was forced to play at the end of the Dallas game or he can shore up the central defense.

So there you go... I said it. I am depending of Rafa, and I think he will deliver.