March 10, 2012: Earthquakes 2, Red Bulls 1

Goonies never say die?

More like, "Roy Miller handed the San Jose Earthquakes three points on a silver platter."

After taking the lead in the 17th minute thanks to Eric Alexander, the Red Bulls were sitting pretty. Until Miller gets caught ball watching on a Sam Cronin cross and Adam Jahn nets his first career goal in the XX minute. Then, Miller goes to clear away a corner with both hands up and gets whistled for the handball before getting bailed out for a Luis Robles penalty save Miller just happened to be five feet into the box for.

Chris Wondolowski isn't the type of player to miss to penalty kicks in a row and he finished, giving the Quakes all three points.

Positives

• This really should be the last time we see Miller for a while.
• Alexander got the call and answered with a goal. This year's roster might not scream depth the way last year's did, but it's still there.

Negatives

• Roy. Miller.
• Mike Petke really needs to get the guys to practice not encroaching on penalty kicks.
• I'm not so sure I'm thrilled with making a tactical adjustment this early in the season. You have to imagine they're still working out the 4-3-3's kinks. Why go to a 4-4-2 in the second game of the year?

Notable Quotes

Petke:

"We seem to like to sit back when we have the lead. I don't know if it's a natural thing or if it's something this team needs to work on. I may have to watch more closely during other MLS games this season. We've taken the lead two times on the road, and have given up goals late. Last season it was giving up goals early, now it's late."

...

"For some reason we didn't have guys who wanted to possess the ball tonight. We didn't learn from our penalty kick mishap either. Credit to San Jose as well. They have many injuries and Frank Yallop continues to put together a squad that does great."

...

"No, I don't think (fatigue) an issue at all. We have to really go over the game tape again. We have players that should make possession their game. If we refuse to be a possession team, then I'm going to bring on guys who will hammer the ball down field."

Relevant Stats