The New York Red Bulls squandered a 1-0 lead on the road this past Sunday thanks to the memorable performance of one Roy Miller.
Miller waited until the 83rd minute to add to his ever-growing list of mistakes and gaffes, conceding a long run from San Jose's rookie substitute Adam Jahn to bring the teams level. He waited until extra time to truly showcase his quality by conceding a corner with a failed attempt to juggle the ball along the back line. The ensuing corner was headed into Miller's left hand, forcing the referee to award a penalty for Chris Wondolowski, the reigning MLS top scorer.
While the Red Bulls keeper did well to save the effort, the whistle sounded immediately for encroachment, as Miller was running practically step for step with the kick-taker.
(apologies for the crass jewish meme in this pic)
The second penalty was converted, of course, and Miller had single-handedly cost his team a full three points. There was a natural outcry for an investigation into match fixing, but this was dismissed largely because his mistakes were just far too unsubtle to be anything but genuine ineptitude. Cosmopolitan, multiculturalist fans of all colors and international allegiances called for his head (or starting spot at least). But that was not the final chapter of this fiasco:
Roy Miller has had a history of blunders and mental lapses during his time with the Red Bulls but his latest one might take the cake.
After being whistled for a hand ball in the penalty area late in last Sunday’s match vs. the San Jose Earthquakes, Miller negated goalkeeper Luis Robles’ save on Chris Wondolowski’s penalty kick attempt by encroaching. Wondolowski scored on the retake and New York lost, 2-1.
Why, however, would Miller step into the box only moments after surrendering the penalty kick? Miller says because he meant to.
“I did it on purpose with the thought that Wondolowski would miss [on the retake],†said Miller. “Simply, I wasn’t in agreement with the situation that was going on and the penalty kick being given, because for me the handball didn’t have to be called but some refs call it and some don’t.
“I did it so that if [Wondolowski] made it, he would have to do it again and then he missed. I had the unfortunate luck that Luis saved the initial attempt.â€
Obviously, this boob does not understand the simple rule that encroachment only negates a goal if it is called
on your own team. This was not some risky gambit like an intentional handball to save a goal. There is absolutely zero upside to jumping in purposefully, except of course to advertise your indignation to the world.
Here is a "highlight reel" for this special guy:
[video=youtube;xJF3zAklFcM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJF3zAklFcM[/video]
(I think the editor accidentally included an actual assist)
The Red Bulls have been starting only six whites in their first two games, down from last year's seven or eight. Hopefully, that ratio reverts immediately with the benching of this buffoon and the return to fitness of goalie Ryan Meara. On the downside, useless "French" benchwarmer Peguy Luyindola (scored his last goal in March 2011) is finally on the verge of signing, which will round out the roster with five non-white forwards. Jettisoning Roy Miller's plush salary in the offseason could have provided cap space for the departed Kenny Cooper and his 18 goals.
