Tonight at 8PM marks the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the New York Red Bulls take on the San Jose Earthquakes. If you’re familiar at all with the game of fútbol, you’ll know that scarves are a common accessory for fans to wear, swing around in the air, or to keep themselves warm. In promotion of the history-in-the-making game, the New York Red Bulls have dressed the Square Mile with some scarves! Lucky residents who find these scarves are rewarded with a two free tickets to this match!

Those lucky winners that post a picture with the scarf at the iconic location that it was spotted at the Red Bull Facebook Page have some extra surprises in store for them!

Yesterday, Leo Grimaldi was sitting in the Pier A park after hitting the gym. Two girls walked over toward him. “They tied something to the light pole next to me, took a picture, looked at me, and walked away,” he said. “I was going to shout to them and tell them they left something, but considering they kept looking back towards me and giggling, I figured I’d just investigate further and see what they left behind.”

Leo had no idea about the Red Bull New York Scarf Hunt until he found the scarf. “It was complete luck,” he said. So who is getting Leo’s extra ticket? His father! “It just so happens that my dad’s birthday is this weekend... perfect present.” Leo’s tickets are for section 230. Check out the seating chart here.

So is this Leo’s first game? Nope! He attended a MetroStars game in Giants’ Stadium. But this is his first time at the Red Bull Stadium. What sparked Leo’s interest in professional soccer? “I was a fan of the MetroStars since their inaugural season,” he said. “Being of Salvadorean background, there wasn’t much in the way of soccer entertainment in ’96.”

Does Leo consider himself to be a lucky fellow? “I’d say so,” he said with a laugh. And with two free tickets to the memorable game, I’d have to agree! This milestones game for the Red Bulls is sure to be a birthday present his father will remember for years to come!

What about all the other scarves around Hoboken? Was there only one? Of course not! On Tuesday, Joshua Delgado and girlfriend Eman Elshafey spotted a scarf tied around a bike rack at Pier A park, which landed them tickets in section 230 as well. Earlier in the day, Derek Straub also caught glimpse of a scarf, this time tied around the Tourch Bearer Statue on the Stevens Institute of Technology campus.

Although Derek isn’t a fan of the Red Bull drink, he’s definitely a fan of Major League Soccer. Before spotting the scarf, did Derek know about the Red Bull Scarf Hunt? “Yeah, my girlfriend was really excited about it and sent me a facebook invite to the event,” he said. “I read the info, but I didn’t respond to the invite, so she hassled me quite a bit,” Derek laughed.

“I was walking down Whittpen Walk on campus, from the Howe Center, and I saw something from afar wrapped around the Torch Bearer Statue,” he said. “As I got closer, I noticed that it was the Red Bull colors. So I decided to take an even closer look, and saw it was the scarf! Knowing my girl would be happy, I didn’t waste a second climbing up the statue and taking it off the guy’s neck,” he continued. Some other student on campus questioned Derek if he was stealing something. He simply replied with a smile, “Nope, just getting something for my girl.”

“Unfortunately, I cannot make the game, so I’m giving the tickets to me girl,” Derek said. The tickets are for section 102, which is a designated Red Bull supporters’ section; aka. the party section! Fan who sit here typically stand, sing, chant, dance, and enthusiastically and loudly support the Red Bulls throughout the game. It looks like this girl is in for a great treat!!

When asked if he has ever been to a game before, Derek replied “nope, at least not a MLS game. I’ve been to indoor soccer games for the Philadelphia KiXX when I was younger.” So where did Derek’s interest in soccer come from? He’s been playing since he was three years old, and even landed the position of captain for his high school team. And its no wonder that he’s been a fan ever since.

So is “lucky” a word Derek would use to describe himself? “I’m not usually lucky, but I do think it was very lucky that I found it, because I knew my girl wanted to go, and I want her to be happy.” Well, he’s definitely right; did I mention that this lucky-soccer-enthusiast-girl is me? :) “I just wish the game was a little bit earlier, so I would be able to go too,” he said.

So who says fútbol players and football players cannot get along? During an interview with New York Jets kicker Nick Folk on Wednesday afternoon, a soccer ball was noticed in his locker. This long time soccer advocate will definitely be watching the game tonight, but not from ESPN2 on his television set at home. Folk will be attending the game with teammate Trevor Pryce. “It’s a really great place to watch a soccer game,” Folk said.

The New York Red Bulls are leading the Semifinal series 1-0. Don't let the weather deter you from coming out for the game! The Red Bull team has you "covered" at Red Bull Arena for this playoff match. Umbrellas are also permitted inside of the building and at your seats; but please don’t open them once you are inside! So come out and join the Jets players, your fellow residents, and Red Bull fans in the cheering and dancing and scarf-waving, and watch history be made tonight with a victory!