The Nutmeg News prints opinion pieces from local contributors, at select times. Today's opinion comes from Thomas Zubaj of New York City, NY. The viewpoints and opinions of Mr. Zubaj do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints and opinions of The Nutmeg News.

We must talk, Mr. Vermes. You are wrong. If we can all agree on anything it is that MLS referees the league over have kept their incredibly low standard of execution as the regular season moved into the playoffs.

Why would they apologize for something they consistently do on a game by game basis nearly every single week during the regular season?

While correctly disallowing an offside Matt Besler goal and incorrectly letting in an offside Nelson Valdez headed goal, PRO again showed that they are dedicated to keeping the same level of commitment shown during the regular season where they wandered around on the field with the manic intensity of a titmouse.

All fans the league over can commend PRO for continuing to miss calls with the same level of execution that they do during the regular season.

If anything, PRO and MLS should be praised for finally finding the level of consistent inconsistency with the referees that adjudicate their games. Everyone now knows that the referee and linesmen in any game are going to be complete shit in nearly every game, so much so that it surprises each and every one of us when the referees are good!

I can tell you that you are wrong, Mr. Vermes, because PRO is a model of inefficiency and inconsistency. They owe you no apology, because if they started apologizing for every time they screwed up we would never get the next playoff game started and I can't wait to watch my beloved Red Bulls fall victim to their horrible game management and inequitable calls.

Sincerely and affectionately yours,

Thomas Zubaj

New York