Perhaps the most compelling news to come out of last night’s U.S.-Colombia soccer match happened in the studio.
Juan Pablo Angel “Probably Won’t” Play For Red Bulls In ‘11
Juan Pablo Angel visited with Alexi Lalas and the gang and was amazingly frank when asked if he'd be playing for the Red Bulls.
“Probably not,” was his to the point response.
Speculation has been rampant for about a month now that Angel -- and specifically his DP contract -- did not really fit the current Red Bulls roster needs. He essentially plays the same position in the same manner as new teammate Thierry Henry. They've looked very good together at times, but they do like to occupy the same space and Angel doesn't seem particularly keen on changing roles -- and taking a significant pay cut -- in order to accomodate his much more famous and much more highly paid teammate.
Angel has not exactly struggled since Henry was brought on board, but he hasn't scored on anything other than a penalty since July 31. The players who have really thrived are newly acquired Mehdi Ballouchy and right winger Dane Richards, who have combined for five goals in their past six matches. The last piece to the Red Bulls puzzle appears to be an true attacking midfielder, perhaps someone to play between Joel Lindpere and Richards and in front of the Red Bulls' other DP, Rafael Marquez.
Many have speculated that this all points to Angel being on his way out, a rumor he so graciously fueled with his comments.
The only question now is whether the Red Bulls will try to trade him -- and the trade market for DPs is not exactly well established -- or simply leave him unprotected in the upcoming Expansion Draft.
Angel seems to want to stay in MLS, as he's now been in the United States for four seasons and at 35 is unlikely to find better offers overseas. Could the Portland Timbers or Vancouver Whitecaps decide he's the kind of player to build around? Might a deep-pocketed team like the Chicago Fire consider him a worthy replacement of the retiring Brian McBride? Would Toronto FC be willing to take the plunge on another DP? There seems to be plenty of options, but one of them does not appear to be New York.
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