Salou got a taste of the American game at Red Bull Arena against Santos in the home opener, enjoying a strong game alongside fellow forward Macoumba Kandji. And though they seemed to enjoy their partnership on that day, the relationship may get a bit thornier as the season progresses.

In light of this recent action, Kandji did himself a major favor this weekend against Seattle. Had it not been for his game winning goal, a murmuring and impatient fan base would have clamored for the insertion of Salou over the younger Kandji for this weekends Chivas USA in a heartbeat. Hey, they still may be. Remember, Kandji was brought in with a high price tag and an equally high ceiling of expectation. And up to this point, though he has shown flashes, his tenure in New York has not lived up to that lofty expecation. Has he been a failure? Absolutely not. But he hasn’t been a superstar either. The signing of Salou may change all that. It will create a competition for the starting forward position that push both men to earn their position, and it will be one to watch all season.

Salou was impressive in his home debut against Santos. In that one game, he exhibited how he could use his massive size and equally massive stride to break his way through defenders, drawing attention, and freeing up space in the process for attack partners to exploit. He is a more seasoned commodity, who has at times in his career been a focal offensive point to dangerous and successful sides. Clearly, Hans Backe would not have made the signing had he not seen a necessity. Salou will see pitch time. And just how much may depend on the play of Macoumba Kandji.

And what of the roster space? The Bulls currently have Juan Pablo Angel, Kandji, Salou, Chinn, Agudelo and Wolyniec on the roster. That is a lot of forwards for a 4-4-2. And with roster constraints being what they are, one of these guys may be left without a job. If they do decide to cut from the forward position, it would look to be a hometown favorite; The “Staten Island Ronaldinho” John Wolyniec. That is, unless there are other places in the roster where Soler and company see a glut, but I don’t see that being the case.

In the overall scheme of things, this was a much needed change for the team to make. Think to yourself, when was the last time this team had a healthy and talented competition for playing time at the forward position? Angel has been a main stay for three years here, taking up one out of an available two forward slots (if that), leaving the likes of Oscar Echeverry, Mike Magee and, John Wolyniec to contend for the final spot. Hardly an inspirational bunch (well, excluding Woly of course). With Salous addition, and the emergence of Chinn and Agudelo, the Bulls are looking at one of the most competitive and talented forward pools to man the uniform ever. This year, there will be no complacency in the attack. And that being the case, many a player will be effected by the new atmosphere, for better or worse.

Share your thoughts on the matter below. Who will stay? Who will go? Does Salou deserve a start over Kandji, or does Big Mac retain his spot?

How long was the loan deal? Try one day.

TheOffside has learned Matt Mbuta’s game with the Richmond Kickers, a full 90 minute affair, was a one time deal. “Since I wasn’t on the A team last week, the coach decided to get me some time on the pitch,” explained Mbuta. “It was just for the weekend.”

Matt hopes that his efforts on the practice pitch and with the Kickers can translate to a larger role with the Bulls. “I am just waiting for the Coach to give me a chance, but I will come in here and continue to do what I have to do.”

So I guess Mbuta is still a right sided option for the Red Bulls. Share your thoughts on this below.