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RED BULLS HIRE BACKE

Another MLS coaching slot has been filled this time with a foreigner. The New York Red Bulls hired Hans Backe a 57 year old Swede who has three decades of coaching experience in Europe. Backe will retain Richie Williams who was the coach of record for the Red Bulls after Juan Carlos Osorio was fired. Many thought that Williams might have a chance to retain the head coaching position but the choice was essentially made by Red Bulls Sporting director Erik Soler.
“Hans brings a vast amount of experience from a variety of different clubs in Europe and he has been a fantastic mentor for many young and established players. We are confident that he will be able to help our club accomplish our goal of competing for a MLS Cup,” said Soler.
Backe has coached FC Copenhagen in Denmark to 4 titles. His most recent job was at Notts County but the New York Red Bulls press release did not mention in what capacity.
He was an assistant coach with Manchester City under Sven Goran-Eriksson and was a part of Eriksson’s staff with the Mexican National team.

MY TAKE: Lets give Backe a chance as it seems his credentials are worthy before the cries for ‘will he understand the MLS set-up’ start ringing out. Clearly Jeff Agoos who is on staff plus Richie Williams will have to take the lead on helping him adapt to all the issues that come with MLS. Backe will need to embrace this part of it but many are going to go straight to a European Sporting Director in Erik Soler and a European coach in Backe and wonder if they are adaptable and a quick study to MLS.

Monterrey and Tigres drew 1-1 in a spirited Interliga match last night at Robertson Stadium.
Jose Gonzalez put Tigres ahead 1-0 in the 53rd minute but a late equalizer from Jose Maria Basanta in stoppage time earned a draw for the current Mexican League Champions.
The crowd looked in the neighborhood of around 12,000 fans but some had figured that this “derby” attendance would have landed in the 15,000 range.
Games have been shown interesting moments in the Interliga but it is clear teams are not hitting all cyclinders and should not be expected to at this stage. Unforced errors and poor decisions abound in these games so has this been a factor in less than impressive attendance for a tournament that yields two valuable places for the Copa Libertadores?
So where were the passionate Mexican League soccer fans?

ON ANOTHER note I can’t wait for the day when the Houston Dynamo or any other MLS team for that matter is in the Copa Libertadores playing Flamengo in Brazil or Boca Jrs. in Argentina with the return league at a new stadium in downtown Houston. Before this happens MLS needs to equip teams to truly have a chance at winning the Concacaf Champions League or give teams a reason to truly desire to win it. Increased financial incentive, scheduling advantages quality travel accomodations etc. have to be implemented. The league also has to make it clear to teams involved that they are carrying the flag and anything less than winning the tournament and going to the World Club Championships is a dissapointment.

RETURN OF THE LITTLE FISH

One had to notice Carlos Ruiz playing for Puebla against Jaguares in the opener which they won 1-0. Gone was the normal diving from Ruiz who lashed in a driven cross that was met for the game’s lone goal by Nicolas Oliviera. Puebla has advanced in the Interliga.

CASTILLO

Tigres left back Edgar Castillo has made it clear that he wants to represent the United States at the international level. He clearly must feel his shot at getting to the World Cup is maximized by representing the United States. Last night it was clear what Castillo brings to the table….he is a left back that loves to get forward and one has to question some of the timing of those runs but one also saw that he was dangerous.
The question is when will Castillo really get a chance to play for Bob Bradley and the United States as they continue to seek out stability in the left back position. Jonathan Bornstein is the incumbent in the position now and has played some solid games for the U.S. in that position lately.
Heath Pearce of FC Dallas in the past also has gotten a run of games in that position as has Carlos Bocanegra who played there in the Confederations Cup.