Union's Alberg takes penalty-kick situation into his own hands
NEW YORK - Union coach Jim Curtin has an interesting way of choosing who takes penalty kicks - he doesn't make the choice at all.
NEW YORK - Union coach Jim Curtin has an interesting way of choosing who takes penalty kicks - he doesn't make the choice at all.
It could be interesting if two players want to take the kick, but Curtin says it all sorts itself out.
During Saturday's 3-2 loss to New York City FC at Yankee Stadium, Roland Alberg took penalty-kick matters into his own hands, or, rather, feet.
After Fabian Herbers was taken down in the box, Alberg immediately grabbed the ball and set it down, leaving no doubt who would take it. There was no debate with anybody.
And there was no argument after he connected in the 55th minute to cut the deficit to 3-1.
"I didn't have any conversation with anybody," Alberg said. "But it's true, I grabbed the ball and wanted to take the penalty."
Curtin explained afterward why he doesn't pick who will take the penalty kicks.
"I believe it is a feel thing, and let them sort it out," he said.
He then went further into his reasoning.
"The guy you designate could be the guy who was wacked and is injured," he said.
Sebastien Le Toux usually takes penalty kicks, but this time he deferred.
"We don't decide it, I usually take them, but Roland ran over very fast to the ball and got it," Le Toux said. "He was very confident, and I did not try to fight it. He took it and he scored, so that is the most important."
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