Freddie Ljungberg maintains possession.
Aaron Weinberg / NSS
The penalty kick should have been an automatic goal for the former English Premier League star. But, instead of scoring the equalizer in the first half, midfielder Freddie Ljungberg curled it left of the net to the delight of the celebrating Columbus Crew.
Ljungberg has been recovering from a migraine for about two weeks, missing two MLS games and earlier this week told Seattle Times report Jose Romero that his ailment affects his coordination.
"It's almost like rebooting your brain," Ljungberg said. "...after a migraine you react to small things that you don't normally do. Same thing with the ball. When it comes flying at you, the coordination goes a little bit."
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Head coach Sigi Schmid said Ljungberg might've not been full strength, but his overall contribution was a positive one.
"Obviously, Ljungberg having been out for that period of time takes away a bit of sharpness from you," Schmid said.
Ljungberg prepares to take his penalty kick.
Aaron Weinberg / NSS
Ljungberg's penalty kick came when he was tackled in the box while controlling the ball during the 32nd minute. On the field, it appeared as if Ljungberg and Peter Vagenas were mulling a decision over who should take the shot.
Schmid said he doesn't make the decision on who shoots free or penalty kicks.
"Freddie grabbed the ball," Schmid said. "We have confidence in him."
After the game, Ljungberg conceded he may have hit the ball too hard, causing it to over-curl to the left. But, he promise a better result next time he receives a penalty kick.
"Next time it'll go in," he said.
In nine years with Arsenal, Ljungberg scored 46 Premier League goals on his way to winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
