[MLS] When Red Bulls coach Hans Backe said at the MLS SuperDraft he was going to take a big squad to Spain for its friendlies in La Manga, he meant it. The club lists 27 players on its roster and is using its three La Manga matches to test guest players as well.

In Spain, Backe fielded 17 players, including trialist Fredrik Jonsson, in a 1-1 tie with Russian club CSKA Moscow Monday; its second match, against Lech Poznan of Poland, was postponed from Wednesday to Thursday because of heavy rains that have disrupted the teams' schedules.

Former Crew and Puerto Rico Islanders keeper Bill Gaudette is also with the team, and replaced Danny Cepero at halftime against CSKA. Gaudette is providing cover for Bouna Counduol, who is recovering from offseason surgery. Argentine defender Walter Garcia, signed late in the 2009 season, played the second half. Jonsson started the match at right back.

Former German international Alexander Zickler, whose contract with Red Bull Salzburg expires this summmer, has been mentioned as a possible acquisition by the MLS team. He turns 36 in February; might he get a run before NYRB heads back to the United States?

The Red Bulls three-game set in Spain concludes Monday with a friendly against Norwegian club Stromsgodset.

The Red Bulls current roster:

Goalkeepers -- Danny Cepero, Bouna Coundoul. Defenders -- Chris Albright, Andrew Boyens, Walter Garcia, Kevin Goldthwaite, Carlos Johnson, Carlos Mendes, Roy Miller, Mike Petke, Tim Ream.

Midfielders - Danleigh Borman, Austin da Luz, Irving Garcia, Jeremy Hall, Matthew Mbuta, Ernst Oebster, Dane Richards, Luke Sassano, Seth Stammler, Tony Tchani, Sinisa Ubiparipovic.

Forwards - Juan Pablo Angel, Conor Chinn, Giorgi Chirgadze, Macoumba Kandji, John Wolyniec.