July 27, 2010 NOW THIS IS A DROUGHT Angel tries for rare goal vs. ManU and beat them for 1st time in MLS all-star game
Juan Pablo Angel has never played on a winning team against Manchester United. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
By Ian Thomson
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor
HOUSTON -- Juan Pablo Angel has found the net regularly throughout a 17-year career that has taken the Colombian striker from Atletico National, his hometown club in Medellin, to River Plate in Argentina, Aston Villa in England, and finally to MLS in 2007.
But one defense has historically proven to be especially tough for Angel to breach - that of Manchester United.
Angel failed to score against the Red Devils in 11 Premier League matches during his six years in Birmingham, and he was also shut out in three F.A. Cup ties. Wednesday’s all-star game at Reliant Stadium gives him a chance to improve his record.
“I think I scored against them in the Carling Cup,” said Angel after Tuesday morning’s training session at a sweltering Robertson Stadium. “We always got done by them. I think I lost every game that I played against them.”
It wasn’t quite that bad, but Angel is an unimpressive 0-12-2 against Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men may still be in pre-season training mode, but the Red Bulls’ all-time leading goal scorer does not expect his task to be any easier.
“There’s no such a thing as a friendly game any more,” Angel said. “We all have a reputation that we have to look after and when you step out on the field you want to win. I’m sure the Manchester United players are thinking the same.”
United will be without a clutch of star players, but that only provides an opportunity for the next generation to shine.
“The majority of the young guys need to show Alex Ferguson that they deserve to be in that squad,” Angel said. “So if you think that it’s going to be an easy game, you’re going to be in for a shock. It’s going to be a real competitive match.”
Angel’s nine goals this season have helped the Red Bulls to second place in the Eastern Conference, but despite the team’s improved form Angel was the only Red Bull named in coach Bruce Arena’s squad. The lack of recognition has surprised Red Bulls’ fans and Angel.
“I would have expected to have at least one other teammate here, but I don’t know how it works and how players are selected,” Angel said. “But I’m honored to be here representing the team. I’ve enjoyed every [All-Star Game] that I’ve played before and I’m sure I’m going to enjoy this one too.“
It’s not just in Harrison, N.J., that progress is being made. For Angel, the growth of American soccer is reflected in tomorrow’s opponents.
“The fact that we’re playing Manchester United shows how much the league has progressed in the last few years,” he said. “We have to keep showing that we’re going in the right direction, so the game is going to be very important.”
