About JP

Youth is served in the Meadowlands

Remember the night, Saturday, September 16th, since it might be the reason why the New York Red Bulls make the playoffs. Trailing fourth place Kansas City by four points with six games left and two games in hand, the Red Bulls could not afford to lose to the lowly Columbus Crew.

Never mind lose, the team could not afford a draw either, heading into the stretch drive.

After 80 plus minutes, a 0-0 draw was looming until a 16-year-old sub took matters into his own hands. A long distance strike by Jozy Altidore went past Crew goalkeeper Bill Gaudette in the 83rd minute, giving the Red Bulls an ugly 1-0 victory, but a big three points in the standings.

Jozy Altidore steals the ball from Crew midfielder Eric Vasquez. (AP)

Well done, Jozy. We hope this is the first of many goals you score in a Red Bulls uniform. However, if the Red Bulls have to rely on a 16-year-old player to carry them to the playoffs, they will fall short of that goal.

If Altidore could carry the Red Bulls in their remaining five games, that would be the story of the year in MLS. No one is expecting to read about that story.

Five games to go now, four versus teams in the Eastern Conference. If you run the table, you’ll make the playoffs, but that’s much easier said than done.

Time for others to step up and do what Altidore did on Saturday. Amado Guevara must finish the year strong along with Djorkaeff. John Wolyniec and Buddle must be able to get into scoring position and finish.

Can newcomer Markus Schopp help out this year in the midfield? If he is fit, Head Coach Bruce Arena will certainly give him that chance.

If the veterans come through on offense, and the goalkeeping stays as strong as it has been lately, then the Red Bulls can make the playoffs.

If they do, they can all thank a 16-year-old for putting them in a position to succeed.