Galaxy’s Nigel de Jong is suspended an additional game by MLS
Galaxy midfielder Nigel de Jong was suspended an additional game by Major League Soccer on Wednesday, a penalty that will sideline him for Friday’s game with the Houston Dynamo at the StubHub Center.
De Jong drew a red card for a tackle in the Galaxy’s win over Vancouver on July 4, forcing him to miss last week’s victory in Seattle. Then on Wednesday the league’s disciplinary committee doubled the suspension while adding a fine of an undisclosed amount.
Earlier this season De Jong was given a red card and a three-game suspension – believed to be a franchise record -- following a challenge on Portland midfielder Darlington Nagbe. That play knocked Nagbe out of that game and kept him out for two more weeks.
See the most-read stories in Sports this hour »
The two multi-game suspensions could prove costly for De Jong beyond just the lost playing time and the league-mandated fines. When the Galaxy signed the Dutch international to a one-year, $500,000 deal last winter, the contract included a multi-million-dollar extension that would trigger if De Jong appeared in 23 games this season. So far he’s played in just 12 of 18 games and after missing Friday’s match, he’ll have to appear in 11 of the club’s final 15 to reach his target.
With De Jong out, Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena will likely use Jeff Larentowicz and Baggio Husidic in holding midfield roles Friday, as he did last week in Seattle. The team is already short defensive players with left back Ashley Cole sidelined by a hamstring strain and right back Robbie Rogers out at least three more weeks following ankle surgery.
Through a spokesman, the Galaxy declined to comment on De Jong’s extended suspension and his status going forward.
kevin.baxter@latimes.com
MORE SPORTS NEWS
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s ‘Deflategate’ appeal rejected by federal court
Rams to inform fans they’ve sold out season tickets, will begin selling single-game tickets
Manny Pacquiao tells promoter Bob Arum he’s willing to un-retire for a fall bout
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
