A GRAND OPENING NIGHT Red Bulls inaugurate Red Bull Arena with a 3-1 win over Santos
Mike Petke scored the Red Bulls second goal Saturday night.
Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
When push comes to shove, in the long run, it really didn't matter who won Saturday night's encounter between the Red Bulls and Santos FC at Red Bull Arena. What really mattered was that a soccer game was played at the crown jewel of MLS stadiums -- the Grand Opening of the soccer-specific stadium. "It's a fantastic soccer stadium," said former German and Cosmos great Franz Beckenbauer. For the record, the Red Bulls registered a rousing 3-1 victory over Santos of Brazil. The win completed the Red Bulls' pre-season record at undefeated 7-0-3. Complete story
RED BULL INJURY REPORT Richards, Robinson are hurt
Through most of pre-season, the Red Bulls have been quite fortunate that none of their players received a serious injury. Of course, that might have changed during their 3-1 victory over Santos FC in the Grand Opening of Red Bull Arena on Saturday night. Complete story
RED BULL BADGE OF COURAGE An emotional opening night for Petke
For someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, it was an appropriate gesture for Mike Petke to kiss the Red Bulls badge. After connecting for the second goal in the Red Bulls' 3-1 victory over Santos FC of Brazil in the Grand Opening of Red Bull Arena Saturday night, Petke celebrated by grabbing his white jersey, kissing the club badge and then pumping his right fist into the air in front of the cheering supporters. Complete story
THE MOST SPECTACULAR TEAM Beckenbauer recalls Cosmos days
When it comes to soccer, Franz Beckenbauer has done it all. Captain of the West German national team when they won the World Cup in 1974, coach of the team when they lifted the trophy again in 1990, three time European Cup winner with Bayern Munich, 107 international appearances and head of the German World Cup bidding and organizing committee for the 2006 World Cup. But its his days in New York he remembers best. Complete story
DER KAISER APPROVES Beckenbauer likes Red Bull Arena
HARRISON, NJ---Having Franz Beckenbauer at the opening of Red Bull Arena was a lot like bringing in the Pope to bless the opening of a new church.
“It’s a real home,” Beckenbauer said of the stadium less than an hour before the Red Bulls and Santos kicked off the grand opening of the $200 million facility. “It’s a fantastic soccer stadium, and the capacity is perfect.” Complete story
