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Leo Krupnik’s ITC card has come through, and the 29-year-old centerback will be able to play in the Red Bulls’ game against David Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy tonight at Giants Stadium.
He came on a free transfer from Maccabi Haifa, who actually played their Champions League opener last night. But after leading them to the Israeli Premier League championship last season, he wanted to come back to New York, who initially drafted him in 2002.
“He’s looking good. There’s a bite to him. (He’s) strong. I think I need to see him more in the air, but I think he’s a good defender. I think he has shown that he can play and is a good defender,” said coach Juan Carlos Osorio. “We have been tracking Leo’s progress for some time and we think he will immediately add depth and experience to our defense,” said sporting director Jeff Agoos, whose older brother actually coached Krupnik at Cal.
Austrian winger Ernst Obster is signed, but does NOT have his P-1 visa. He’s scheduled to go for his appointment in Viena on Thursday, July 23 which makes him at best a longshot for Saturday July 25 at Colorado if he gets his visa and arrives that Friday. The Red Bulls are trying to get it pushed up, but the 25-year-old WON’T be playing tonight.
Anyway, back to Krupnik. At 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, he is is a fairly physical defender with a simple game. Think he’ll play tonight against Becks, Landon Donovan & Co? Share your thoughts….