New RBNY Signee Jorge Rojas

Jorge Rojas must be Bruce Arena's son. I mean... just look at him!
(pictured on the left)

Separated and Birth?

I guess I just can't help myself...

Maybe it's only because they both look stoned... but anyway:

Former Red Bull and current San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Joe Vide and Real Salt Lake defender Matias Mantilla:

Separated at Birth?

Colorado Rapids right midfielder and former England U-21 player Terry Cook and that weird bulging-eyed kid from last season's American Idol:

Separated at Birth?

Real Salt Lake's Scottish forward Kenny Deuchar and Vivian Wright from Dream Team (actor Philip Brodie):

Pre-game: Red Bulls vs. Earthquakes

Too many times, Claudio Reyna has been tabbed the "key to the game" by Shep Messing and ESPN commentators. But not once has he been the most influential player on the field for the Red Bulls. I've been willing to wipe the slate of last season clean. But after three games this season, only during one half of one game has he controlled the pace of the game and performed at a high level. He has a good chance to make his presence known against a San Jose central midfield pairing of Ramiro Corrales and Ned Grabavoy.

San Jose comes to Giant Stadium felling pretty confident following their impressive 2-0 win in Colorado. But that's just it: it was the Crapids. Jean Philippe Peguero has officially signed for the Earthquakes, but he is not expected to play a part in the game on Sunday. Gavin Glinton and Kei Kamara possess great pace, but offer little in the air. This could lead to Juan Carlos Osorio to star Chris Leitch at right back.

But what worries me most is our left hand side. Can Dave van den Bergh contain a rejuvenated Ronnie O'Brien? I have my doubts. Maybe speedy rookie winger Danleigh Borman will start on the left wing, sliding van den Bergh inside next to Stammler. This would force Ubiparipovic to the bench, unless he has impressed enough this week in training to figure in at right midfield.

Having said all this, as long as the starting 11 is a winning team, I'll be satisfied.

TV: Telefutura, MSG.
My prediction: 2-0 Red Bulls.

Viva Metro!

Pumped-up Jozy

A member of the U.S. Under-20 team that advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2007 Under-20 World Cup in Canada last summer ... has 20 caps and has scored one goal with the U20s … made two substitute appearances at the U20 World Cup … had five appearances for the U20s in 2006, scoring one goal ... joined U.S. Soccer's Residency Program at the IMG Soccer Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) in Sept. 2004 ... made 15 appearances - 11 starts - at left back for the U-17s in 2005, scoring five goals and adding two assists ... scored his first international goal against Canada on April 24, 2005.

That's Amaechi Igwe, the Revolution defender who was thrust by Jozy Altidore in the second half of Saturday's 1-1 tie against New England. The reason why I bring up his international resumé is because he was a longtime US U-20 and U-17 teammate with Jozy Altidore. But despite this, Jozy's desire for his team to triumph overpowered his kindhearted nature and inclination to befriend.

Earlier in the game, the young superstar started a scuffle with 6' 3" Shalrie Joseph after standing up for his teammate.

Isn't it great to see a rejuvenated Jozy Altidore willing to do whatever necessary to win? Hopefully it will continue. At Halftime, he cleared things up with Joseph (not a bad idea at all), and after the final whistle blew, gave Igwe a brotherly embrace. Let me close this post with a remarkably mature quote from Jozy following the match:

"I am not a guy for excuses, I just thought I could have been more effective and added more to the game to get a victory. I recognize that now and it's too late, so I need to recognize that through the game."

Pre-game: Red Bulls vs. Revolution

Unfortunately, I don't have much for you this week. We'll most likely see an Angel-Altidore forward tandem for the first time this season. That alone could spell the difference in the game's resulting score.

... And my prediction for that score is:

2-1 Red Bulls.

Viva la Metro!

Most Entertaining Team

Here's my World's Most Entertaining Eleven:

---------------------------------Torres---------------------------------
Messi-----------Ronaldinho----------Kaka-----------C. Ronaldo
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----------------------------------Pirlo-----------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. Carlos-----------Lucio--------------Puyol-------------S. Ramos
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------Buffon--------------------------------

Honorable mentions: Samuel Eto'o, Robinho, Sergio Aguero, Diego, Tim Howard (yes, I mean it), Iker Casillas, and... Chris Leitch (OK, I'm kidding this time).

Remember, I'm talking "most entertaining," so this isn't necessarily the best 11. Not all four defenders would fall under that category, but they make this list because of their attacking qualities out of the back.