The Red Bulls thought they had a bounce-back performance from last weekend’s season-opening loss, and a much-needed win in their home opener.
They thought wrong, doomed to a galling 1-1 tie against Colorado by a replacement referee and his dubious second-half penalty call.
Thierry Henry had given the Red Bulls a lead in the 57th-minute, and the defense — so shaky in a 4-1 opening loss at Vancouver — had held firm. That is, until replacement ref Alan Kelly called a questionable penalty on Jamison Olave in the 72nd. Vicente Sanchez converted a minute later, and despite a late surge that included a Henry extra-time shot, the Red Bulls settled for a draw in front of 20,542 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.
“I’m not going to say anything about the call, that’s the game. What am I going to say about the penalty kick?” coach Mike Petke asked rhetorically. “Perhaps if the guy was Olave’s size, maybe he wouldn’t have went down like that. Olave looked to step up, stand his ground, keep it in front of him, and the referee made a decision, It’s unfortunate for us, fortunate for Colorado.’’
The midfield lacked ideas or spark, and the younger Rapids’ work rate gave the Red Bulls trouble. But they went ahead when Lloyd Sam lofted a cross and Henry dove for his 42nd goal — second-most in club history — but just his fourth header.
“I think it was a fair result. They played well, we didn’t do enough to win the game. We have to go back and work harder,’’ said Henry, who declined comment on the penalty. Colorado had equalized when Marvin Chavez backed into Olave, went down in a heap in the box and drew a PK that Sanchez converted.
“I saw a challenge from behind from the defender on the attacker,’’ Kelly said. “And the second question you had in terms of did [Olave] initiate contact? Yes, he did. That’s pretty much it. I don’t want to be blunt, but in terms of the questions, that’s the straightforward answers I can give.’’
Goalie Luis Robles made five saves to at least ensure the point, but felt they deserved more.
“I feel like the defender has the right to stand his ground, but I’m guessing my angle isn’t the best angle since I see the back of Olave. [Just] my personal opinion,’’ said Robles, anxious for the regular refs to return. “There’s been some chatter, but it’s just part of the game we have to face now. For the most part they’re doing a good job.’’
The Red Bulls fell to 0-1-1 and next play March 23 in Chicago, before returning home versus Chivas March 30.