Photo from Red Bulls
The Red Bulls’ played their third preseason scrimmage today at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, and came away with a scoreless tie against CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinalist Puerto Rico Islanders.
And while I’m sure he would’ve rather won 4-0, one glance at the lineups Juan Carlos Osorio has used should show he’s just trying to get a good look at all his trialists and doesn’t care much about results. But he said after they’ve all had three 45-minute chances to show their stuff, he pretty much has his mind made up about each of them.
Midfielder Jorge Rojas has left after being called up for Venezuela’s friendly on Wednesday, but winger Dane Richards did not get his visa, so he won’t be flying to London for Jamaica’s game. The Red Bulls face Toronto at 3 p.m. on Friday; let’s see if the lineup for that one is any more telling. They return to New York the next day.
There’s running commentary on Red Bulls Reader, and here’s video of Osorio afterwards.
As far as the Islanders, ex-Metro Kevin Mesa is on the team, as is keeper Bill Gaudette, who trained with the club. But Red Bull trialist Lionel St. Preux, a 23-year-old Haitian National Team striker, actually had a cup of coffee with the Islanders last year, but they didn’t have a spot in their midfield for him. BTW, those that know his game say he plays better as an attacking midfielder.
This is the Red Bulls’ first-half lineup:
—————–St. Preux—————–
Kandji——————————–Mbuta
————–Roth——-Zimmerman———
—————–Gutierrez——————
Saintil——–Palguta—–Mendes——-Parratt
——————Cepero——————-
And this is the second half lineup:
——————-Wolyniec———————
Perez Bernal——————————Colaluca
————-Hall———Mashriqi—————
———————Leigh———————
Borman——Kljestan———Mirsky———Leitch
———————Cepero———————-
Yes, that’s Borman at left back. Considering Perez Bernal is 5-foot-1, that’s like a pair of Oompa-Loompas scampering around on the left flank. Granted, you won’t likely see either of them starting over there. I’m curious to see who this left-back that Osorio is pursuing turns out to be. As far as right backs, I’m curious to see if they offer Costa Rican Carlos Johnson a deal, or how young Scot Tom Parratt is working out.
(Our friends over at The Offside point out that the ex-Inverness man was better known in UK circles for his fine female. After taking a look, I can see why).