The addition of an extra playoff match also added one more layer of yellow card jeopardy; players were thusly afforded one extra opportunity to collect that dreaded, second post-season yellow card earlier in the process.
As for the contest in Houston today, this might be the one and only area where we make the call for “advantage D.C. United.” Here are the players who have been cautioned once already, who will miss the second leg if they are booked at BBVA Compass today:
- Houston Dyanmo: Corey Ashe, Calen Carr, Brad Davis, Boniek Garcia, Tally Hall, Kofi Sarkodie
- D.C. United: Andy Najar, Lionard Pajoy
Clearly, United has done well in avoiding the cards, a real achievement considering the white-knuckle nature of the series triumph over New York.
Houston had that extra match (the elimination contest up in Chicago) in which to collect a booking. Davis (pictured), for instance, picked up a silly and unnecessary card for grabbing a shoulder in a situation that really wasn’t so threatening, as his club held a 2-0 lead in the 67th minute. So Houston’s dead ball expert, who is also so critical in helping the men in orange keep possession, must be extra careful today in Houston.
Not having Andy Najar to deal with will assist Davis is this regard.
(MORE: Thinking through the Najar suspsension)
Hall, Houston’s starting goalkeeper, collected a wholly unnecessary caution for stalling against Chicago – and he was. Stalling that is. So he’s got to get on with the goal kicks today, no question about it.
Important to remember: The players are more or less in the clear after today’s match. Bookings are wiped out after the conference finals. If any of the names listed above are cautioned in the second leg, they’ll not sit out the final.
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U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round draw: What it means for your MLS team
May 22, 2013, 9:20 PM EDT
The U.S. Open Cup draws sometimes need a decoder ring to decipher. Here’s a quick-and-dirty look at the MLS teams’ futures.
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With PSG willing to match Wayne Rooney’s wages, Manchester United has somebody to bail them out
May 22, 2013, 8:17 PM EDT
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If PSG’s willing to take Rooney’s wages of their hands, Manchester United can justify moving on.
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Crimes and misdemeanors: Congratulations, Bobby Boswell – you’re this week’s winner
May 22, 2013, 7:32 PM EDT
Houston’s defensive leader sees his banned doubled by the Disciplinary Committee.
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Sauerbrunn, Quon, and why its still too early to see NWSL’s influence on Sermanni’s choices
May 22, 2013, 6:47 PM EDT
Tom Sermanni has brought new talent into the national team, but it’s too early to know the extent to which the U.S.’s roster will see new faces.
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José Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo pick up meaningless two-match bans
May 22, 2013, 6:02 PM EDT
Cristiano Ronaldo will serve a two-match ban. José Mourinho will skirt it.
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Michele Beadle and friends take a look at what NYCFC means to the New York sports scene.
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We tend to beat up the Chivas organization for its off-the-wall strategic approaches and front-office instability, but what exactly is wrong with the team on the field?
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Looking at the United States’ roster ahead of their Canada rematch
May 22, 2013, 4:03 PM EDT
Yesterday’s announcement included few surprises ahead of the U.S.’s June 2 match at BMO Field.
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Well, what took them so long to get into the party?
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How Tony Pulis removal at Stoke City may affect U.S. internationals Cameron, Shea and Edu
May 22, 2013, 2:40 PM EDT
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Looks like a mixed bag for the American trio:
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As the towering English forward weighs up his options, should he return to Liverpool, sign for West Ham or go elsewhere?
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Mario Götze to miss Champions League final against future club Bayern
May 22, 2013, 1:40 PM EDT
Reuters
With Dortmund’s main attacker threat out injured, can Dortmund still lift the Champions League trophy?
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AP
Can the Yankees provide a viable option for New York City FC to play in? Of course they can. Maybe.
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They have owners and an employee, but now comes the hardest part for MLS expansion club NYCFC. The challenges ahead are daunting:
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The one accolade no EPL player wants on their soccer resume…
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Claudio Reyna announced as New York City FC Director of Football
May 22, 2013, 11:05 AM EDT
New York City FC announces Reyna as first employee, a good first move, right?
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Reuters
Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Red Bull Arena… which venue could work best as a temporary home for New York City FC?
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The magic of the Cup lives on, as four PDL sides now face trips to MLS teams in the third-round. Is this the stuff dreams are made of?
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Pulis joins long list of EPL managers departing… is English soccer becoming more ruthless?
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Wait a minute … didn’t MLS commissioner Don Garber say there “is no Plan B …” beyond the Queens location?
