After tying the dubious MLS record for penalty kicks allowed last year, the Red Bulls likely consoled themselves with thinking the problem couldn’t possibly get any worse.
They were wrong.
It’s gone from an irritant to an epidemic. Their five penalty kicks allowed are already halfway to the league record with three quarters of the season left, and Red Bulls coach Mike Petke isn’t happy about it, vexed by the brain lapses that are giving away valuable points.
“It’s frustrating, to be honest with you,” Petke said. “And Luis (Robles, keeper) must be extremely frustrated.”
As well he should be. Robles was one of MLS’ best keepers last year, ranked 13th among all players in the season-ending ratings, but too often the Red Bulls’ defense has left him exposed.
They coughed up an MLS record-tying 10 penalty kicks in 2013, matching the 1996 Tampa Bay Mutiny, 2000 MetroStars and 2003 Dallas Burn, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. And after having to overcome yet another in last Saturday’s 1-1 come-from-behind tie at Columbus, they are on pace for a mind-bending 19 in 2014.
“I think that it’s just a little bit of falling asleep at times,” said Petke, a former defender. “It’s the second penalty we’ve given up this year in that exact same way: a player coming around one of our defenders, blindsiding him, and our defender having to react too quick, instead of perhaps being in a better position.’’
On Saturday in Columbus, right back Kosuke Kimura was whistled for running over Justin Meram in the penalty area in the 39th minute. Crew striker Jairo Arrieta banged home the PK off the crossbar and into the net.
Though Petke steadfastly contends some of the penalties were the result of bad calls (Jamison Olave’s) or bad luck (Ibrahim Sekagya’s), he’s worried about a lack of concentration giving away penalties … and much-needed points.
“The ones that concern me are the brain lapses that we have had a couple of times, allowing players to get in front of us, and then reacting too late,” Petke said.