I've just recently started watching MLS games again (first time in a couple of years) and have found out that what I've been reading is true ... the quality really has improved a lot. So I think I need to pick a favorite team. Choosing hasn't been easy because there is no team that really makes geographical sense to a Nashvillian.
But I've decided to root for the New York Red Bulls. And no, it's not because of Thierry Henry, or Rafael Marquez, or even Juan Pablo Angel. It's because of Macoumba (Mac) Kandji.
Kandji, you see, was born in Senegal and moved to the US as a teen. He played soccer in Georgia before joining the Red Bulls. Now 25, and in his third year in New York, he is developing into a world class midfielder.
And there's a Nashville connection, because he and his family own the Kilimandjaro restaurant on Bell Road in SouthEast Nashville. I have not been there yet, so I can't give you a review, but hope to be able to check it out soon.
So a little more about Kandji:
- he had a goal and an assist in NYRB's recent win over Manchester City
- According to the MatchFitUSA blog, Kandji has "expressed aspirations of playing for the USMNT" and "is in the process of becoming an American citizen".
- That's backed up by a recent article in the New York Post that lists four English Premier League teams and several other European clubs that are interested in him.
- Red Bulls GM Erik Stoler was quoted today, however, by BigAppleSoccer.com as saying that Kandji would be staying with the Red Bulls.
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