on the field, on the roster and in the coaching ranks.
There's been tremendous turnover the last two seasons in New York, and once again the team is looking for a new head coach a month before the MLS SuperDraft.
"Overall, we need to be more consistent throughout the season," Red Bulls technical director Jeff Agoos said. "Obviously, the more successful teams tend to gain momentum toward the end of the year."
WHAT WAS THE TEAM'S BEST MOMENT IN '07?
There was none if you ask Red Bulls managing director Marc de Grandpre, since the ultimate goal is to win the MLS Cup. But the most thrilling moment certainly was the 5-4 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Giants Stadium.
With a crowd of 66,237 fans, many of whom were non-soccer fans just to catch a glimpse of David Beckham, the two teams put on a tremendous show of attacking soccer. Jozy Altidore showed his potential, scoring a brace, and Juan Pablo Angel proved he was still a quality striker, netting two goals of his own, including the late game-winner.
WHO MADE THE MOST IMPROVEMENT OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON?
Joe Vide might be limited in what he can do on the field, but he had a standout second season with the Red Bulls, starting 13 of the 16 games he appeared in, often replacing an injured Claudio Reyna in the center of the park. And Dane Richards, who wasn't expected to start when training camp opened, started 27 of the 28 games he appeared in and had two goals and six assists as a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year.
Vide's contributions were also noticed by San Jose Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop, taking the one-time University of Virginia standout in the expansion draft.
"There were several players who made improvements over the course of the season," Agoos said. "Joe Vide, Randi Patterson, Dane Richards and Jon Conway made significant progress throughout the year. Also, Dave van den Bergh showed versatility, as we asked him to play a different position late in the year."
WHAT RESERVES ARE THE MOST READY TO MOVE INTO THE TEAM?
It's difficult to say, since there isn't a coach in place just yet. And a combination of injuries and inconsistent play meant nearly a different starting lineup every game of the year. Sinisa Ubiparipovic is a holding midfielder, which could make him next year's Joe Vide given the team's lack of depth in midfield. And perhaps it says something that Jerrod Laventure was second in the reserve division with four goals and one assist.
"We've used so many different lineups," Agoos said. "I don't think there's been a starting XI that's truly been consistent."
WHAT AREA OF THE TEAM NEEDS THE MOST IMPROVEMENT?
With Vide off to San Jose, Clint Mathis off to Los Angeles via a trade and Claudio Reyna's status up in the air, the Red Bulls will need some help in the midfield. A decision on a starting goalkeeper is necessary as well, a big, strong center back would be nice and overall depth would be great.
"I believe we could improve in all areas, but I think the biggest payoff would be for this team to really become a strong, tight unit that is willing to fight for each other from player 1 to player 28," Agoos said. "The ability to roll up your sleeves and fight for the guy next to you is an underappreciated quality in this league. The teams that do well not only have depth, but have a desire that you can't put a dollar sign on. The more we can do that, the better this team can be."
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
