Red Bulls to Overhaul Management After Season Ends

• The Record, Wednesday, August 19, 2009 4 PM

The New York Red Bulls need change. The team hasn't won in more than three months (14 straight games) going into Sunday's match against FC Dallas. The average attendance has dropped to all-time low of 12,487 as the team threatens to post the worst record in MLS history. Some fans wore paper bags over their heads during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Chivas USA.

But sources say that significant changes won't occur until after the season. "They know it's important to make this move, but they know the problem isn't just about one or two people," said the source, one of "several outside soccer experts" advising managing director Erik Stover during the transition. "With the new stadium opening, the team is approaching one of the most critical points in its history," the source said.

Citing what he called "systemic problems with the club," the source said the Red Bulls have resisted the urge for a quick fix and are conducting an expansive search for cohesive management. The club has compiled a list of potential replacements for coach Juan Carlos Osorio and sporting director Jeff Agoos. "The team needs a clearly defined chain of command, and it takes time to find the right connection," he said. "This season I'd say the chain of command was unclear. Or not clear enough."

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