Even with two weeks to process New York's decision to part ways with the club's head coach, the firing continues to leave people throughout MLS puzzled.

Why in the world did they fire Mike Petke?

It was a question not only being uttered by furious Red Bulls fans, but by players, coaches and owners throughout the league. The consensus reaction showed just how shocking the news was, and how unfathomable the decision appeared to even the most seasoned veterans of the league.

So why exactly did the Red Bulls dump Petke? It wasnt about a new leader stepping in and choosing to hire his own person. As much as new Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis wants to convince people it was his decision, the reality is Curtis was hired and given orders to handle the dirty work of disposing the most popular coach in the history of the club.

And why exactly? Ultimately, Red Bull upper management never took a shine to Petke. Were talking upper-level management based in Austria, home of the energy drink company. Tucked away in Europe, the braintrust of Red Bull global never saw Petke as some untouchable coach or outstanding leader. He never could shake the label of caretaker coach to a leadership that was oblivious to the things he had done with the club over the past two seasons.

Red Bull has spent a decade waiting for an MLS Cup, coming closest in 2008, so after two years of handing Petke a high-priced squad led by a superstar in Thierry Henry, Red Bull decided he hadnt impressed enough to be worth keeping around as the Red Bulls transition to life after Henry.

It mattered little that the Red Bulls compiled a 30-19-19 record under Petke, or that he led them to the 2013 Supporters Shield, the clubs first legitimate piece of silverware. Or that he helped deliver the clubs first home playoff win, and first playoff series victory against archrival D.C. United. All these things that made him a beloved figure among Red Bulls fans went largely unnoticed by an upper management that had essentially put an MLS Cup or bust expiration date on his tenure.

Red Bulls leadership has tried very hard to explain the decision without coming right out and bashing Petke, but it isnt tough to read between the lines. Based on comments made by Curtis, you can surmise that there was a belief Petke wasnt tactically astute, organized, forward-thinking, or all that well-equipped to lead the team through a transition period without Henry (and without Jamison Olave and most likely Tim Cahill).

That chance didnt come because, ultimately, foreign-based leadership oblivious to his accomplishments made a judgment call without have a good sense for how well Petke had established himself in the league, and to fans who admired his commitment and emotional attachment to the club he once played for.

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The MLS Wrap: Petke's Red Bulls dismissal still a heads-cratcher