BigAppleSoccer.com and New York Red Bulls fans everywhere are worried about the Bulls’ decidedly thin-looking forward line. Here’s what they’ve got: 17-year old Jozy Altidore, whose goal-scoring tear last year led the Bulls into the playoffs, 30-year old super-sub John Wolyniec, who scored 3 goals in 11 matches, 24-year old Jerrod Laventure, a Seton Hall product used very sparingly last year, first-round supplemental drat choice Randi Patterson, who had an impressive goal-scoring record at UNC-Greensboro but is untested in MLS, and the tried and tested Mike Magee, whose knee injury will likely keep him out of action until May.
As we know, it’s still preseason, and the trade deadline is open for another six weeks, so things could change between now and the beginning of the season. Bulls coach Bruce Arena on several occasions indicated the club’s interest in signing another forward. With the Agustin Delgado deal broken down, Arena and co. are now forced to look elsewhere.
The Red Bull board doesn’t sound too concerned, but another arrival is still possible. Unless it’s a big name, 17-year old Altidore could wind up as a starter. “He’s got a long way to go,” Arena said. “You’ve got to give him time to grow as a player…He hasn’t done a whole lot yet. We’ll see.”