Erik Soler replaced as GM of New York Red Bulls

The New York Red Bulls announced today the appointment of Jérôme de Bontin as the team's new General Manager. De Bontin, who will oversee the club's business operations, is taking over for General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler.

Thierry Henry: New York Red Bulls' Star Is MLS Player Of The Week

The New York Red Bulls have gotten a nice season thus far fromforward Thierry Henry. On Monday, Henry was named the MLS Player of the Week for Week 28 following a two-goal effort in a 3-1 win over the Columbus Crew.

Henry became the first player in league history to earn three-straight MLS Player of the Week awards, scored his 12th goal of the season to tie the game at one in the ninth minute. In the second half, Henry assisted midfielder Dax McCarty for the eventual game-winner in the 79th minute with a corner kick. Henry capped off hisperformance with an "Olimpico goal", launching a corner kick directly off the far post and into the back of the net.

Henry has racked up 13 goals, nine assists and four multi-goal matches this season in 20 games played. Since signing with New York in July 2010, the World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League winner has notched 29 goals and 16 assists in 57 appearances.

For more on Henry and the Red Bulls, be sure to check out Once A Metro.

2012 MLS Standings: Red Bulls Sit In Second After DC Draw

With a few weeks off while the MLS takes a break for international play, the Red Bulls sit firmly in second place in the Eastern Conference, with a shot at the top slot still in play.

New York is four points behind Sporting Kansas City, who extended their lead this week after a 2-1 win over Toronto FC and who now have 50 points on the year. Behind New York is the Chicago Fire, with 44 points having played one less game than the Red Bulls.

The fight for the final few spots as the season winds down should be an interesting one, as the four teams in fourth through seventh place are only separated by three points: Houston and Columbus are tied with 42 for the final two playoff spots in the conference, while DC (41) and Montreal (39) are on the outside looking in for now.

New York should be safe with regards to making the postseason, but the team should have its eyes on the top spot in the conference: they'll match up against Kansas City in two of their final seven matchups, which provides more than enough of an opportunity for the Red Bulls to pull into first place in the East.

For more on the Red Bulls, head over to Once A Metro.

Red Bulls News: Four Called To International Duty

The New York Red Bulls announced that four players, including midfielders Tim Cahill and Joel Lindpere, goalkeeper Bill Gaudette, and defender Roy Miller were called up by their national teams for upcoming FIFA matches between Sept. 7 and Sept. 11. Cahill was called away to play for the Australian national team, Lindpere the Estonian team, Miller for Costa Rica, and Gaudette for Puerto Rico.

All four are expected to return to New York around Sept. 12 and should be ready for the Red Bulls match against the Columbus Crew on the 15th. Cahill just joined the club at the end of July, and scored his first goal in a Red Bull uniform on August 19. Gaudette helped Puerto Rico in a 2-1 loss against powerhouse Spain as he stifled La Roja earlier this month. All four players are international veterans, and the call-ups certainly didn't come as a surprise for New York.

For more Red Bulls coverage, head over to Once A Metro. You can also head over to SB Nation's Soccer Hub for more on the wide world of soccer.

Red Bulls Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez To Miss Sporting Kansas City Match

Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez will miss the New York Red Bulls' match against Sporting KC on Sunday night.

Ryan Meara Injury: Hip Surgery Sidelines Red Bulls Goalkeeper For 2012 Season

Juan Agudelo Trade: Agudelo Wanted Out, New Acquisition Heath Pearce Surprised, Excited At Opportunity

Former New York Red Bulls striker Juan Agudelo wanted out of the organization since last year. On May 17, he got his wish when he was traded to Chivas USA for Heath Pearce, allocation money and future considerations.

Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe said about Agudelo

"Juan has asking for a move for quite a while," Backe said. "It makes no sense to keep an unhappy player. But it has been going on for a while." (via Big Apple Soccer)

Sporting director Erik Soler felt the move was the right one to make for Agudelo and the team. Agudelo will get playing time for Chivas USA and the Red Bulls will get a cut of the transfer fee should Agudelo move on to Europe in the future.

For new Red Bull defender Heath Pearce the move from Los Angeles to New York caught him offguard.

"If it was sudden from your perspective, it was more sudden from mine," Pearce told reporters after his first practice with New York. "I had no idea. It was kind of out of left field, but I am excited for the opportunity. To be traded to a team like New York Red Bulls that has so much tradition here and so much demand for results and pressure to get results - I like that environment. It's a big-market team that is doing well, and I am excited to be here." (via Soccer By Ives)

Pearce is in his fourth MLS season. He has appeared in 74 matches (71 starts) during his career and has 10 assists. Agudelo only played in 33 games (13 starts) since graduating from the Red Bulls Academy and turning pro in 2010. He scored six goals and had two assists in those matches.

For more on the Red Bulls 2012 season, stay tuned to our StoryStream. See SB Nation's Once A Metro for more discussion of the Red Bulls.

Juan Agudelo Trade: GM Erik Soler Says 'It Was A Deal We Could Not Turn Down'

New York Red Bulls general manager Erik Soler said Thursday that the team’s trade of young forward Juan Agudelo to Chivas USA for defender Heath Pearce, allocation money and future consideration “was a deal we could not turn down.”

More from Soler:

“Heath is a very talented and versatile defender who will bring immediate experience to our defense. We have been long-time fans of his game and think that he will be an important player in our squad. In addition, we obtained a significant amount of financial flexibility moving forward with this trade. It was a deal we could not turn down,” Soler said.

“To obtain someone of Heath’s pedigree and gain substantial financial considerations, we had to trade Juan – an exciting player with potential."

Despite winning four consecutive games the Red Bulls have remained concerned about their defense, where veteran Wilman Conde is injured and the team has been playing an inexperienced group in front of rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara.

Pearce, 27, a veteran of the U.S. National Team, should help there. Pearce, in his fourth season in the MLS, played for FC Dallas prior to being traded to Chivas.

Juan Agudelo Traded From New York Red Bulls For Heath Pearce, Other Considerations

The New York Red Bulls have traded forward Juan Agudelo to Chivas USA for defender Heath Pearce, allocation money and other considerations, as first reported by Fox Sports.

Agudelo is viewed as a rising young star with a big future, but he didn't score a point in four appearances with the Red Bulls this season. Most of the soccer world still reacted with disbelief that the Red Bulls would ship him away, but NBC's Pro Soccer Talk explains that Pearce -- a solid defender -- might be exactly what the Red Bulls need:

1) Agudelo is a good prospect and a highly skilled player, but he's not there yet. Hans Backe has an attacking force that functions fine without the teenager. NYRB won't have trouble scoring. Besides, if the forward has a good season, he's on the move to Europe soon anyway. So why not get something for him while you can?

2) Pearce will thrive on the field in New York. He's versatile, skilled, and smart. He fills roles. He's a charismatic leader. He's exactly what the Red Bulls need.

For more on the Red Bulls 2012 season, stay tuned to our StoryStream. See SB Nation's Once A Metro for more discussion of the Red Bulls.