[RedBullsSoccer]

MONTCLAIR, N.J. -- He waited until all the questions were asked and there was a pregnant pause in the interview. Only then did Bouna Coundoul offer up his famous catch phrase.
"It's Bouna time!"

It is indeed. The Senegalese-born Bronx resident met the media after the New York Red Bulls training session on Tuesday morning and spoke with the same excitement in his voice he had when he first arrived at Montclair State University for the first day of his trial.

"I'm so happy to be home," Coundoul said. "I would call it home since when I came to the U.S. I've been following them, going to high school and college. Coming back here and playing for the New York Red Bulls is a dream come true."

He lived in the Bronx, N.Y., and played for perennial powerhouse Martin Luther King H.S. and all the while he idolized Tim Howard, hoping to one day play for the same team.

"I said 'He did it, why not me?' I looked up to him and wanted one day to be in the same team as him," Coundoul said. "But by the time I entered the league he already had left. So in a way I'm in his footsteps, with the same goalkeeper coach Des (McAleenan). I believe he can get me where I want to be, and I'm ready to learn."

The Red Bulls reached contract terms with Coundoul on Monday and then New York was able to work out a deal with Colorado to obtain the 27-year-old's rights. Now Coundoul, who has a career 1.16 goals against average in 52 appearances with the Rapids will have to prove his worth.

"I was happy, very excited, but kind of worried because now I have a heavy burden I need to fulfill because not everybody would say yes, some might say no," Coundoul said. "I have a challenge I put on myself that I need to prove to everybody that I have what it takes to be in this team and also to play in this league and be one of the top goalies in MLS."

To make room for Coundoul, the Red Bulls waived Jon Conway, a decision Juan Carlos Osorio called difficult, personally thanking Conway for his service.

"We decided it was the time to bring Bouna in," Osorio said. "With his athleticism and his experience in this league, I think he'll be able to contribute and help the team move forward."

Coundoul is five years younger than Conway and more gifted athletically. Although Osorio said he was impressed with Coundoul's athleticism and shot-stopping ability, by no means will he be given the starting job.

"I think he will be aggressive coming for crosses," Osorio said. "Only time will tell. With our past experiences it seems players come to this club and it takes a little more if not much more to play here. But, hopefully Bouna can sustain what is needed to play for the Red Bulls and hopefully he will do well."

Osorio said there would be an open competition between Coundoul and Danny Cepero for the starting spot. And Coundoul, who suffered a sprained ankle on his second day last week, but was able to train on Tuesday without pain, is ready for the challenge.

"I've got a lot to learn, but I'm willing," Coundoul said. "If they tell me jump, I'll jump as high as possible. If they want me to catch, whatever it takes me to get better, I'll do it."


Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com.