The New York Red Bulls wrapped up its last game in La Manga, Spain this afternoon, defeating Norwegian team Stromsgodset IF, 2-1. The team will be training in La Manga until Thursday, when it returns to the New Jerusalem to continue its preparation for the upcoming MLS season.

The Red Bulls had a successful time in Spain, going 2-0-1 in friendlies against Polish, Russian, and Norwegian opponents.

It is important not to get extremely carried away with results of friendlies, considering the most we can see are highlights and the other teams didn't always field strong squads. Still, the trip to Europe has been reassuring for a few reasons:

1. Defensive stability: It appears as though new coach Hans Backe has been focusing serious time on team shape and defensive pressuring and movement during training, and the team has done well defensively during its string of friendlies, letting in only two goals in three games. It sounds like chances and creativity have been lacking a bit, but at least the team seems on its way to fixing its horrendous backline.

2. New faces: Hans Backe and partner in crime, GM Erik Soler, have been busy bringing in trialists and (allegedly) working out deals for players while on the trip. Although none of those rumored to be headed to New York, or any of the trialists, are world class all stars, from what can be found about them are a few positives. Most of them are young (early 20s) or in their prime, which is always a plus. And since they are coming from the Scandanavian leagues Soler knows so well, most of them have played at a level fairly similar to MLS. There is still a ways to go before the roster will be fully formed, so I am sure plenty of new people will be in camp and it will be kind of hard to comment until we know exactly who the team plans on signing.

Now for a quick news roundup:

The Red Bulls traded away its #1 spot in the allocation list required to sign returning US National team members to Philadelphia for allocation money. Although the team could (and should) have gotten more for the position (the precedent is a first round draft pick, a player, and money) the team added $175k in allocation money to its war chest. Allocation money, the magical monopoly cash that allows MLS teams to spend on transfers and pay off roster salaries, is always useful. Meanwhile Philadelphia signed Michael Orozco from San Luis, who is a promising defender but probably cost them more than he is worth.

Robinho has been loaned to Santos of Brazil.  Although this doesn't really affect the team, it is extremely convenient.  New York's official opening of Red Bull Arena is a friendly against Santos on March 20th, which means that Brazilian star Robinho should be in attendance, making the game slightly more exciting to casual fans.

Dave Braneck is a blogger and an all around soccer fan who represents North Jersey to the fullest and contributes to Dailyharrison.com