I'm wearing my black MetroStars jersey today as a sign of mourning.
It all happened so quickly. If you would have told me a week ago that the MetroStars would no longer exist next week, I would have told you that you were insane.
The news first broke last Friday and it was a long week filled with tons of rumors and speculation. When the deal was finally announced today, it wasn't as bad as I originally though it would be.
What's different? New name (New York Red Bulls) and new ownership (Red Bull). Coach Mo and GM Alexi aren't going anywhere (for now), which I'm glad to see. The Metros history won't be erased, which is good.
I'm told Red Bull spent $600M on marketing last year. That's an insane amount of money. I expect to see them invest heavily in their new soccer team. A few million will go a very long way. With our previous owner, AEG, we were just one of 5 times they owned. Having an owner with deep pockets and heavy committment like Red Bull is going to make a huge difference.
I've thought about it a lot and as much as I hate to see a corporate name and the death of the MetroStars name, this is a great move for the team, the market and MLS. The new stadium will be a lot better and Red Bull will invest tons of money in helping make soccer the big sport it deserves to be.
A must read is a Q&A with MLS Commissioner.
I'm looking forward to the start of the new season. Go Reds!