'Rested' Patterson ready to lead Battery

Charleston Battery striker Randi Patterson figures he needs to make up for lost time this season.

After sitting on the New York Red Bulls' bench all last summer, Patterson is looking to have a big impact this season with the Charleston Battery.

"In some ways it feels like I was sat out for an entire season last year," Patterson said. "I wasn't able to get on the field for New York, so I'm really looking forward to this season. As a striker you're paid to score goals and help the team win and that's what I'm looking to do this season with the Battery."

If Patterson's performance in the Carolina Challenge Cup in March is any indication, he should do just fine. Playing in the final game of the tournament for Charleston, Patterson scored two goals in the Battery's 2-0 win over Major League Soccer's Toronto FC.

"There's no doubt that Randi has a lot of potential," said Charleston Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser. "He was a prolific goal scorer in college and he has shown early on that he can score at the professional level. He has the potential to be a 10-goal scorer for us this season. He has that kind of ability."

After scoring 61 goals during his career at UNC Greensboro, Patterson thought he was on his way to stardom last summer when the

New York Red Bulls selected him in the MLS supplemental draft.

"I was so excited when I found out that New York had drafted me," Patterson said. "Playing in New York was a dream come true for me. I grew up in the area, so my family and friends could come watch me play anytime. I thought it was going to be a great summer."

What it turned into was one of the most frustrating summers of his life.

Relegated to New York's reserve division, Patterson couldn't crack the Red Bulls' starting lineup with established stars Juan Pablo Angel and Jozy Altidore already on the roster. Patterson never played a minute for the Red Bulls.

"New York has some great players up front," Patterson said. "Getting into the starting 11 was kind of tough. It was frustrating because I'm used to getting a lot of minutes and being on the field. I was happy to be in the MLS. It was a great experience and I learned a lot about what it takes to play at that level, but I wish I could have played a little more than I did."

Ironically, Anhaeuser tried to sign Patterson last spring, but understood his decision to play in the MLS.

"As a player you want to play at the highest level," Anhaeuser said. "He was basically playing in his hometown, so I understood his decision. It was unfortunate that he didn't have much success up in the MLS, but now he's with us and he can use this as a stepping stone to return to the MLS."

Patterson is hoping his two-goal performance against Toronto FC will put him back on the MLS radar.

"Every time I step onto the field I feel like I've got something to prove," Patterson said. "I don't think there was any more motivation for me against Toronto because they were an MLS team. I want to play my best every time I'm out there. I'm working every day to make myself a better player. Hopefully someone likes what they see and they give me the opportunity to try out in the MLS again. That's what keeps me hungry."

In March, Patterson was called up to the Trinidad and Tobago national team and saw action against Jamaica and El Salvador.

"That was a great experience for me," Patterson said. "I was a little nervous at first, but after about 10 minutes I settled down and got into my game. I'm just trying to play at the highest level I can and playing for the national team is only going to help me improve."

Reach Andrew Miller at apmiller@postandcourier.com.