Messing on Red Bull/ Dynamo rally and post your thoughts on anything soccer from the youth game to the pro game!!

So today is the opening of what is another step up in stadiums according to those that I have been talking to. Red Bull Arena may just be the new standard bearer when it comes to ‘real’ soccer stadiums in the United States. Saturday’s match-up is against Santos of Brazil and the new look Red Bulls (5:30 FSC) are drawing a bit of attention. Having grown up going to New York Cosmos games at Giants Stadium, New Jersey is a rich soccer state. Yet the sport has always struggled in MLS whether as the Metrostars or the recent edition of the Red Bulls at Giants Stadium.
Former Cosmos goalkeeper Shep Messing will be calling the game on Madison Square Garden Network tomorrow night. Here is a quick Q&A that I conducted with him via phone:

GDavis: Is the stadium going to be the platform that finally brings takes professional soccer to another level in the tri-state area?

Shep Messing: I don’t think their is any question for soccer fans in the tri-state area that this is the most significant event in the last 30 years. I have questioned in the past the Metrostars and when the Red Bull took over. I have no question that this Red Bull ownership group plus a 200 million dollar stadium has them on the right path.
This ownership group have hired soccer people, built a soccer stadium for soccer fans. Historically for this franchise, this is the first time we have seen that.

GDavis: I get the stadium as a platform but many times this is believed to be the answer to alot of problems for clubs, is the product on the field going to be better?

Shep Messing: I think absolutely it will be better based on the last several months on what sporting director Eric Soler and manager Hans Backe have done. I am shocked how well these guys have done so far as they have adjusted. They look organized, disciplined. They want technical players. The guys on the team are tickled.

GDavis: Where do we see some of these changes?

Shep Messing: They have done a great job upgrading players. Role players have been brought in. They have always said they are going after a marquee player after the World Cup. They are building and look like they have a plan.

NOTE: Messing went on to say that Thierry Henry of France or Raul of Spain could be targets which have been rumored before. This makes sense with Henry potentially looking for a U.S. move. For that matter maybe Henry should consider Houston so he can be near his friend Tony Parker who plays for the San Antonio Spurs.

LOCAL NOTES:
*Dynamo in action today in Santa Barbara CA against Chivas USA whom are now headed up by Martin Vazquez. Doesn’t seem to be any coverage except maybe at Chivas website via twitter………
*Soccer and Dynamo supporters will rally today at the downtown stadium location East of Minute Maid Park at 1pm…….
* The Texian Army supporters group will be busing up to the Dynamo opening game at Pizza Hut Park next Saturday..to secure a place on the bus go to Texianarmy.org
Be a part of the traveling supporters group Texian Army style!

MY PICKS OF THE WEEKEND…..

Saturday: NEW YORK RED BULLS VS SANTOS (FSC 5:30 PM) Tune in to this if just to get a glimpse of the new Red Bull Arena. Then continue to dream of a stadium in Houston where one day you will convene to watch the Dynamo.

Sunday: MANCHESTER UNITED VS LIVERPOOL (8:30 AM) Need I say more?

RIVER PLATE VS BOCA JRS (FSC 5:30) The two Argentine giants have fallen on hard times in Argentina but this will still be an out and out war in one of the world’s most
passionate rivalries…..

Post your soccer thoughts on any subject from the youth game up to the professional game….What does your soccer weekend include?