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CONCACAF released the rest of the schedule for the Champions League. The Red Bulls host W Connection in the second leg of the preliminary round Wednesday at Giants Stadium (8 p.m., FSC, WADO 1280 AM). If they advance, here is how the group stage shakes out, home team first:
Aug 20: Liberia (Costa Rica)/Real Espana (Honduras) vs. Red Bulls 10 p.m.
Aug. 27: Red Bulls vs. Comunicaciones (Guatemala), 8 p.m.
Sept. 16: Red Bulls vs. Pumas UNAM (Mexico), 8 p.m.
Sept. 23: Comunicaciones vs. Red Bulls, 10 p.m.
Sept. 30: Pumas UNAM vs. Red Bulls, 8 p.m.
Oct. 21: Red Bulls vs. Liberia/Real Espana, 8 p.m. *** In other Red Bull news, Argentine defender Walter Garcia _ whom we told you about last Thursday _ won’t be coming to New York on a trial at all. The club is negotiating to sign him without a trial, but immigration paperwork delayed him from arriving today, so he’ll come this weekend or next week.
Also, they do have ex-Tecos centerback Randy Scott Santana on trial according to Big Apple Soccer. The 26-year-old Mexican was little-used, with just 31 career starts _ including only five last season and one this season. But hey, he’s out of contract and it never hurts to kick the tires on a player. They could be signed after Aug. 15 since they’re out of contract.
*** Speaking of players, one that apparently WON’T be coming is ex-Colorado winger Terry Cooke, waived by the Rapids.
Cooke had been at Manchester City while Juan Carlos Osorio was an assistant there, and you’ll remember that although I suggested the Red Bulls take a look at the former Manchester United product but I didn’t think they would. Turns out I was right. And I stand by my stance they’re making a mistake.
Granted, I don’t know where that money is earmarked, and Garcia is both far younger and was a much-sought after commodity back in his San Lorenzo days, D.C. United trying to get him but finding the price tag too high. Maybe it’s a simple choice between Cooke and Garcia, and the Red Bulls are getting the latter on the cheap. I just got the idea they weren’t feeling Cooke.
David Baldwin _ Cooke’s England-based agent _ told me a number of MLS clubs had asked about him, but that at this point he was looking to try his luck overseas. Considering the way the Rapids treated him _ first benching him, then waiving him AFTER practice by communicating with his agent _ I wouldn’t blame Cooke if he left with a bad taste in his mouth. But that’s me.
*** The Red Bull Under-20 academy team won the Super-20 League, and here’s reaction from coach Rob Elliott.
“It’s very rare that you get the chance to play for a National Championship. Our guys took advantage of the moment and played some very good soccer. Matt Uy, Steven Rose and Steven Amaya controlled the tempo of the game and did very well connecting with each other to play through a good Chivas USA team. I’m proud of our guys, and they deserve all the credit for taking hold of the final and putting the game on our terms.”
