Ahead of the 2014 SuperDraft, MLSsoccer.com is breaking down each team's needs and potential draft targets. Here's a look at where the New York Red Bulls need help:
Mike Petke's team has been shedding defenders up and down the depth chart since the final whistle of their playoff series with Houston. It's not the complete overhaul we've seen in years past from the Red Bulls, but the Shield holders have gaps.
New York Red Bulls SuperDraft Picks: #22 (2nd Rd), #34 (2nd Rd)
New York Red Bulls Depth Chart: 24 players
Goalkeepers (3): Luis Robles, Ryan Meara, Santiago Castano
Right Backs (1): Kosuke Kimura
Left Backs (2): Roy Miller, Connor Lade
Center Backs (3): Jamison Olave, Ibrahim Sekagya, Matt Miazga
Center Mids (3): Dax McCarty, Michael Bustamante, Ian Christianson
Left Mids (3): Jonny Steele, Bobby Convey, Markus Obekop
Right Mids (3): Eric Alexander, Loyd Sam, Ruben Bover
Attacking Mids (1): Peguy Luyindula
Forwards (5): Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Andre Akpan, Amando Moreno
International slots (2 of 9 remaining): Bover, Henry, Luyindula, Obekop, Wright-Phillips, Sekagya, Sam
New York's Primary Need: Central defense
Markus Holgersson wasn’t great, but he gave the Red Bulls a lot of competent minutes they’ll have to replace. Ibrahim Sekagya is a mistake-prone soon to be 34-year-old, while Jamison Olave is a rock – but an injury-prone one who turns 33 this year. The only other central defender is 18-year-old Matt Miazga. The Red Bulls reportedly love him, but there’s not a long history of successful 18-year-old center backs in MLS.
Targets:Grant Van de Casteele (Notre Dame), Kevin Cope (Michigan State), Nick Hagglund (Xavier), A.J. Cochran (Wisconsin - GA)
Secondary Need: Right back
Kosuke Kimura looks like the de facto starter at the moment, but he’s less than a 50/50 bet to be on the roster by opening day. New York’s likely to look overseas to fill this void, but even if they do they’ll need to find some depth in the draft – unless they’re really sold on Bustamante converting to that spot.
Targets:Marco Franco (UC Irvine), Joe Sofia (UCLA)
CATCH THE OTHER SUPERDRAFT TEAM PREVIEWS:
SAN JOSE: Can Quakes find a player at No. 9 who can start right away?
FC DALLAS: Will Oscar Pareja make a run at NCAA top scorer?
LA GALAXY: Bruce Arena merely putting finishing touches on 2014 squad
REAL SALT LAKE: Jeff Cassar's first big decisions come in SuperDraft
COLORADO: Five picks in Philly, but no head coach to make them
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS: Generation adidas players are 1st-round targets
PORTLAND TIMBERS: More players on their way from Akron?
CHIVAS USA: In search of another rebuild for the Goats
TORONTO FC: Are the Reds about to become a SuperClub?
MONTREAL: Finding depth up top is Klopas' first priority
CHICAGO: How does big trade impact Fire's draft strategy?
SPORTING KC: Champs have few needs entering SuperDraft
HOUSTON DYNAMO: Kinnear needs help in the back and up top
PHILADELPHIA UNION: Can Hackworth make the most of his 8 picks?
COLUMBUS CREW: Berhalter has a need for speed on the right
