By J Hutcherson -- Yes, an argument can be made in either direction. New England decides to foment Revolution in response to losing Steve Ralston to a broken leg, and the result is now Khano Smith gone for the opening round of the playoffs. That's MLS discipline, announcing two additional games to the initial one game for a red card as New England prepares to open the playoffs against Chicago.
New England is also without Gabriel Badilla through suspension and Taylor Twellman due to post-concussion issues. In other words, not quite the Revs as we've known them.
Major League Soccer and their disciplinary stance don't get a pass here. They've forced dueling apologies from Shalrie Joseph and the Revolution, fined coach Steve Nicols, and basically turned the short prep week into penance for not letting the situation around Steve Ralston's injury go.
That would be the match official and later the League doing nothing about the tackle that cost Ralston his season. Counting the aftermath, it could also cost the Revolution their first round series with Chicago. The Revs have a transitional midfield alignment, an unproven strike partnership, and are missing a proven defensive stop in Badilla.
Chicago has a 3-0 win streak over New England this season, doesn't give up a lot of goals, and will likely force New England keeper Matt Reis into being the difference too many times. Obvious advantage Chicago, even without Major League Soccer proving their disciplinary points.
As it stands, New England's disruption ranks ahead of what happened to Red Bull NY on impact, if not shock value. At least in the Revs' case, what the League has demonstrated is that if you feel you've been wronged in the course of 90 minutes, get over it. Otherwise, there will be discipline regardless of what it does to competition.
Comments, questions, solutions to problems that have yet to present themselves. Please, tell me all about it.
