The Red Bulls have gone from dead last a season ago to in contention this season, and one of the sport’s biggest stars is likely to sign with the team. MSG analyst and former professional goaltender Shep Messing talked with The Post’s Justin Terranova about the Red Bulls resurgence and the affect it could have on soccer in America.
Q: What’s the reason for this season’s improvement?
A: They built a spectacular soccer stadium, they brought in good soccer people with GM Erik Soler and coach Hans Backe to run this franchise and it’s basically the same roster, but they are just doing everything right. This is a team on the way up and I don’t think the roster is going to stay the same for long.
Q: How important was it for them to get out of the Meadowlands and get into the Red Bull Arena?
A: By building a $200 million stadium for the team, it sets the bar very high. All of a sudden every player really wants to play with this team — around MLS and around the world. It used to be the L.A. Galaxy, but now it’s the Red Bulls.
Q: Speaking of big-time players, is the Thierry Henry deal as good as done?
A: Well, I don’t know that. But I do know him personally a little bit and there’s no question he wants to come to Major League Soccer and he would love for it to happen with the Red Bulls. And I am sure the Red Bulls are interested, too.
Q: If he does sign with the Red Bulls, would it be similar to the excitement that came to the league when David Beckham signed with the Galaxy?
A: Very much so. When you look around the world, there are only a few players that capture the public’s imagination when it comes to soccer: Beckham, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and for sure Henry. So, if and when he comes, it will be part of an explosion.
Q: What has to happen for the United States to avoid another disappointing World Cup?
A: To me, 2006 wasn’t as disappointing as it was to everybody else. The game against Italy was one of the greatest World Cup games the U.S. has ever played. This year’s team isn’t very deep, so they can’t afford injuries. And their big players, Landon Donovan in particular, have to be scintillating for them to do well, but I think they have a shot.
