By BRIAN LEWIS

It’s almost impossible to predict the Red Bulls’ fortunes this season, because the team that takes the field on the April 5 opener is going to look a lot different _ and the one that plays down the stretch will have even more new faces.

Ok, so the Red Bulls played three games in the Carolina Challenge Cup, going winless and getting outscored 5-2. And both of those goals were by reserves, playing in the second half after liberal subs. Not so good.

But the good news? You worried fans can expect to see some reinforcements, in the way of Jozy Altidore coming back from Olympic qualifying duty and also in the way of transfers before the window closes April 15. Just don’t expect it to be Ronald Vargas, a rising star at Venezuela’s Caracas FC.

Sure, Osorio was there in the stands in South America watching one of his tilts recently, and he’s an admirer of the 22-year-old attacking midfielder. But the fact is, he’s simply beyond their means.

“No, he’s a very good player, but he’s out of our range. He’s not someone we can afford. I’d like to say yes but it’s impossible. It’s difficult for us to compete with those European teams that are trying to get him and even some Argentinean teams,’’ said Osorio, who admits to watching him but said he was there scouting another player.

OK, so who’s coming? Osorio is about as tight-lipped as a good poker player on that one. But, as we’d written two weeks ago, he has three foreign targets in mind: A left-footed central defender, a defensive midfielder and a left-winger. He’s hopeful of getting all three in by the window, and confident of getting one or two.

“It’s difficult for me to stand here and promise our fans what we’ll do, but I’ve been assured that one of those three players will be definitely be with us in the next two weeks or in the middle of the season, and the other two we’re working very hard at the moment,’’ Osorio said. “The conversations that we’ve had with those players have been very positive. I think we still have enough time to deliver those and hopefully, we will.’’

At least one of them is in-season in Europe now, and Osorio knows it’ll be tough to get him before the window closes. He said he’ll wait for him in the summer window if need be _ as long as he has assurances he’ll come.

“It’ll be difficult to get him (before the window closes),’’ Osorio said. “But we have to have another conversation this week; and if that’s the case then I’ll be willing to wait until the middle of the year.’’

Just for the conspiracy theorists that assume it’s out-of-favor Colombian winger Elkin Soto from Mainz, the answer is no. Why not? You guessed it: To expensive. That being said, the Red Bulls should have over $600,000 to spend, which would be enough to bring in some decent players.

MLS is still negotiating with Lider Marmol, with Chicago holding first crack at the 22-year-old Paraguayan midfielder/defender should he sign. But the Fire would have to say either yeah or nay to the deal the league cuts; in short, no offering him developmental money, no blocking the Red Bulls, etc.

Either they want him and take him, or rest assured Osorio will. That is, if Marmol signs at all. I have no clue how much coin he wants, other than the fact I’ve been told the discovery maximum is $280,000.

And FYI, Red Bull Salzburg reserve Ernst Obster might still be a possibility after their season closes in mid-May, and Red Bull New York youth academy star Matt Kassel IS training with the team for the next two weeks.

But at this point, it’s less about determining whether to offer him developmental money or a Generation Adidas deal and more about trying to figure out if he’ll be better suited getting a year or two at Maryland.

“We still want to see whether Matt is a guy that would fit into our team this year or would best be served to go to college. We’re still going through that process. It’s still a little early to talk about contracts and what type of contract he’d fit into,’’ said sporting director Jeff Agoos. “We’re going to look at him over the course of the next two weeks. It’s evaluating where Matt is right now, understand what level he’d be.’’

That’s all for now. I’ve got an interview with Jozy Altidore, but I’ve got some NBA duties that call. I’ll try to keep you all posted as best I can.

Anybody has any questions, just send ‘em in.