To make the assertion that Juan Pablo Angel is the greatest New York Red Bull or Designated Player in league history, you could solely point out the Colombian's 57 goals while in New York. Still, the statistics neglect the striker's fire and the quality of his goals that have so strongly endeared him to the Metro faithful.From his juke inside of the six-yard box against the Chicago Fire during his first season in MLS to this year's stoppage-time free-kick goal against the Houston Dynamo, Angel has always been a cut above both his teammates and the rest of the league.Although Angel has scored 12 league goals this season, good for second in the league, the Red Bulls have an uncomfortable situation to deal with, as the star's contract concludes at the end of this season.As the recent blockbuster deals to Rafa Marquez and Thierry Henry suggest, the Red Bulls have a tremendous amount of money alotted for player acquisitions. The way the Designated Player rule is configured, a club can only pay three players outside of its salary cap. With the limited spots, Red Bulls appear likely to go in a different direction than the club's all-time leading goalscorer, who will be 35 at the start of next season."This is the first time in my career I've been in a situation where my contract expires at the end of the year and I don't know where I'm going; so we'll see what happens,'' Angel told the New York Post. "I'm hoping to get an answer soon, if I'm going to be part of this project or if I'm not. I hope that it'll be soon."Red Bull general manager Erik Soler is the man largely responsible on deciding the fate of Angel. Soler will be in the awkward position of determining whether to remain loyal to a club legend or look for a younger, perhaps more glamorous option."I would hope something will be decided soon, but right now we are concentrating on playing," said Soler. "I would say it's ongoing, but not really [decided] right now. It will be soon.''One option that many Red Bull fans have utilized while devising their dream lineup for 2011 is re-signing Angel for non-DP money. This scenario is unfeasible for a player who remains one of the best strikers in MLS.Angel is set to make nearly 2 million dollars this season; to subtract more than three-fourths from his contract is ludicris, no matter how strong the goodwill between both parties.The Colombian has shown this season, despite his constant injuries and growing age, that he is still a player who will score goals when he receives opportunities. Given an off-season to gel with Marquez and Henry, the striker's production would likely maintain its current goal output.An arguement for re-signing the Cherubic Assassin is consistency as the club reforms from one of the league's worst to its burgeoning giant. The league's top teams, the Columbus Crew or Real Salt Lake for instance, have crafted an atmosphere of winning built around continuity.Angel, the consummate professional, has persevered through some high points of the franchise and some of its most trying moments. There's no reason why he wouldn't be able to live up to a short-term contract over the next years as the Red Bulls push for the club's first true piece of silverware.Here's a breakdown of how the league's Designated Players performed over the last week:Started, played 90 minutes in 0-0 draw against Toronto FC.Started, played 86 minutes in 1-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union.The midweek match against Toronto was Castillo's best performance as a member of Fire. His sidefooted pass early in the second half that sprung Freddie Ljungberg through on goal should have resulted in Castillo's first MLS assist. The Mexican's afternoon was much less noteworthy in Philadelphia, but he did serve the perfect freekick that Brian McBride headed in before being called offside.Started, played 76 minutes in 0-0 draw against Toronto FC.Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Union, received a yellow card in the 36th minute for dissent.The aforementioned chance was one of the worst misses of the season, not because of its particular awfulness, but because of how necessary a goal was for the Fire. As Chicago has fought for a playoff spot, their games in hand have been their advantage over their competition. Most would expect a Designated Player to capitalize on the abundance space and time in such a crucial situation.Started, played 65 minutes with Montenegro in 1-0 win against Bulgaria.Substituted in at the 72nd minute for Pablo Hernandez in 1-0 victory against Toronto FC.Returning from international duty with Montenegro, Boskovic did not start for D.C. in Canada. He did figure in the outcome, though, as his whipped free-kick landed at the feet of Julius James, who powered the game-winner past Stefan Frei. Boskovic has also had success with his national team, which is now atop Group G with England after two matches.Substituted in at the 70th minute for Juninho in 3-1 victory against the Columbus Crew, received a yellow card in the 74th minute for a reckless tackle.After a long layoff due to his ruptured Achilles tendon from his time in Italy, the original Designated Player finally returned to the pitch for the Galaxy. The player who had been out for half a year was relieved to be playing again."Obviously, it felt great," said Beckham in wake of the Galaxy's victory over the Crew. "I've never been out of the game for such a long time, and to get back out in just under six months was a quick recovery. I'm happy with that."Started, played 90 minutes in 3-1 victory against the Columbus Crew, assisted on Dema Kovalenko's goal in the 35th minute.Overlooked by Beckham's return was the vital victory for the Galaxy, which only won once in the league during August. The opponent made the match all the more essential, as the Crew are one of the few sides which is challenging Los Angeles for the Supporters' Shield. After looking disinterested in MLS and waiting for a European transfer, Donovan now needs to refocus on leading the Galaxy to a successful postseason. The American star was part of the sequence that culminated in Kovalenko's goal, which could be an indication of him returning to pre-World Cup form.Started, played 89 minutes in 3-1 victory against the Colorado Rapids, assisted on Dane Richards' goal in the 58th minute.Last weekend against Real Salt Lake, Angel could barely find a touch besides for a few dangerous headers. On Saturday, the forward was constantly involved in the team's buildup and his feet were always an option for RBNY's midfield. His workrate even helped result in a goal, as his pressure of Colorado's backline led to Dane Richards finding a loose ball in the box and putting the match away.Started, played 90 minutes in 3-1 victory against the Colorado Rapids, scored in the 17th minute.Like his partner, Henry struggled in Utah against the resolute RSL defense. Against Colorado, the French striker made a fantastic goal look utterly simple when his combination with Joel Lindpere allowed him to skate into the penalty area. From there the finish was simple as he bent his shot past Matt Pickens for his second league goal as a Red Bull.Started, played 72 minutes in 3-1 victory against the Colorado Rapids, assisted on Tim Ream's goal in the 32nd minute.With the Mexican nation team captain in the lineup, the Red Bulls were a completely different side against the Rapids. He didn't have any outrageous passes, but his central midfield partner Tony Tchani is noticeably calmer when paired with Marquez. His service on New York's second goal was outrageous, as his high-arching ball was one-touched across the box by Ream, who doubled the Red Bull lead.Started, played 90 minutes in 0-0 draw against FC Dallas.Geo followed up a fabulous performance against the Houston Dynamo last weekend with another solid display against Dallas. An early freekick that whizzed just past the post was his best chance to break the deadlock, but his passing was how the Brazilian showcased his talents. His vision set up both Cornell Glen and Eduardo with opportunities to break Dallas' 14 match unbeaten stretch.Started, played 74 minutes in 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake.The Uruguayan struggled with the staunch defensive play of the visitors, unable to truly put his stamp on the match. He had some sporadic good touches before being substituted for the more speedy option in Sanna Nyassi. After the match, Fernandez was allowed to travel back home to Uruguay, where his wife recently gave birth.Did not play in 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake due to knee injury.The Swiss striker missed his second consecutive match as he battles with a right knee contusion. The injury should worry Seattle supporters whose club has struggled to generate chances without Nkufo. Seattle head coach Sigi Schmid spoke of this after the draw against RSL in which they created few shots."Our hold-up play wasn't as good," said Schmid. "I think that's one thing that (Blaise) Nkufo adds to our team - he's able to hold the ball up for us and that allows people to get into attacking positions."Started, played 90 minutes in 0-0 draw against the Chicago Fire.Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 defeat to D.C. United, received a yellow card in the 53rd minute for a reckless tackle.For a successive season, Toronto's playoff aspirations appear to be crumbling down the stretch. A tie at Chicago is an understandable result; a loss at home against D.C United is unforgivable. If the Reds don't qualify for the postseason this season, heads will roll, as a shakeup of the organization will be necessary. De Guzman is a quality player, but maybe not worth Designated Player money in the league's deepest position.Was not in roster for 0-0 draw against the Chicago Fire.Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 defeat to D.C. United.Another match, another scoreless outing for the Spanish striker, who is yet to register a goal in eight MLS appearances. Toronto FC has long searched for the striker to complete their squad and Mista doesn't appear to be that player. His mere three shots on target while with TFC illustrates his impotence.For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page