-The latest edition of the SBNhanced MLS Power Rankings have been updated, and the voters sent the Red Bulls down a tier, falling into the "Teams Likely in the Playoffs" section. The Red Bulls received one first tier vote, and shockingly, it was not from me, as I ranked them in the second tier. Off to a scorching start, the Los Angeles Galaxy received unanimous first tier votes, and they are joined in the top tier by the Columbus Crew, Real Salt Lake, and the surprising Kansas City Wizards. Two Metro rivals, Toronto FC and DC United, were unanimously placed in the bottom tier, as both are off to disastrous starts in 2010.
-Brian Lewis of the New York Post is reporting that midfielder Carl Robinson returned to training yesterday:
“He trained first time yesterday with the ball and almost full session today,” Backe said. “He will be available, but he’s been away for three weeks after the Santos game so probably not fit enough, but available.”
Robinson's return would help the Red Bulls in the midfield this Saturday against FC Dallas. Seth Stammler played solid against Seattle, but was not very good this past week at Chivas USA. Depending on how Robinson recovers, we could see the two split time in the midfield on Saturday alongside Joel Lindpere.
-The Post and Big Apple Soccer are both reporting that the Red Bulls' latest target is Danish midfielder Brian Nielsen. The 23-year-old winger who plays for Vejle Boldklub in the Danish second division would actually be purchased by Red Bull Salzburg and then loaned to New York. On January 1st, he would then join Salzburg. The Post soccer blog has some nice video up of Nielsen, and he looks like he may be a good candidate to fill the left midfield spot that the Red Bulls are looking for, at least for this year.
Check back soon, as soon we'll be debuting a new feature here on Once A Metro. You'll hear a fan's perspective on the Red Bulls' brand new palace, Red Bull Arena.