Colorado Rapids defender James Riley has been suspended one match and fined for a studs-up karate kick in the back of Philadelphia Union forward Andrew Wenger in the 81st minute of the season opener.
Riley did not receive a card for his actions, only a stern talking-to from , but the MLS Disciplinary Committee reviewed the play and levied the suspension and fine.
In addition, central defender Bobby Burling was automatically suspended one match for his 68th minute red card in the same match. The Disciplinary Committee announced he was also fined an undisclosed amount for not leaving the field in a timely manner.
The Disciplinary Committee also gave the Rapids an “official warning” for a mass confrontation in the 97th minute.
The scoreless draw was a bit chippy, and the , more than in any match last season.
With Riley suspended, the Rapids could turn to second-year pro Marlon Hairston, who . Another option is having either Michael Harrington or Marc Burch flip sides from left back to right back.
The center back pairing is with Burling unavailable.
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