Ives Galarcep found a silver lining in the New York Red Bulls’ 0-0 season opener against Columbus in the performance of the team’s newcomers. Goalkeeper Ronald Watterreus, and midfielders Claudio Reyna and Dave Van Den Bergh impressed at Crew stadium, but the team’s inability to put the ball away only underscores its need for a top-flight striker.
On Saturday, NYRB’s starters up front were Jozy Altidore and John Wolyniec – “a 17-year-old and a journeyman,” said Galarcep. Neither impressed, he added, especially when you consider that Columbus had the worst defense in MLS last year. The Bulls couldn’t lure the likes of Paulo Wanchope, Agustin Delgado or Juan Pablo Angel to the Big Apple — although the club still has until Saturday to sign another striker — and if this remains the case, then Galarcep says it’s time to start Clint Mathis, a 61st minute sub against Columbus. Galarcep says Arena shouldn’t waste time trying to bring Mathis along slowly because he’s a confidence player. And there’s no better place to get that back than against FC Dallas – the team he once put five past as a MetroStar – on Sunday.