Nate Jaqua's heart sank when he saw Paulo Nagamura's reaction. In the 88th minute of Seattle Sounders FC's 1-0 loss to Chivas USA and Seattle chasing an equalizer, Jaqua challenged the Chivas captain near the center circle. When Nagamura pulled up like he had been shot, Jaqua, who already had one yellow card to his name, sensed the inevitable.
"I was just trying to get close. I already knew I had the (first) yellow so I wasn't trying to get stuck in by any means," Jaqua said. "I got a little too close and basically stepped on his foot. I don't know if I got him where it hurt and he went up in pain or if he was diving, I have no idea."
To Jaqua's frustration, referee Kevin Stott ruled the infraction worthy of a second yellow card, sending Jaqua to the showers. And while Jaqua didn't believe his foul warranted the fateful yellow, the striker nevertheless earned the ignominious honor of Seattle's fifth red card in the past nine games.
According to designated player Freddie Ljungberg, the consistent dismissals have hamstrung the team.
"When you have red cards, it's hard to win the game," Ljungberg said. "We have been good in my opinion, that we haven't lost those games. People say we have five draws and one loss (in the last six games). Yes, but in those games we have a lot of red cards and that makes it really tough to play."
Seattle leads Major League Soccer with five red cards. With the exception of Tyrone Marshall's red card for striking Columbus' Steven Lenhart, Sounders FC coaches or players have publicly protested the severity of the punishment in each case.
Earlier this week, Seattle coach Sigi Schmid voiced his frustration with his team's disciplinary record.
"Certainly we can't be taking red cards all the time," Schmid said. "So I guess we've got to put on our angel wings, or put on our clear white clothing, and let them think that we're pure and angelic in our play. ... I've never had a team take so many red cards, and it's something that has to change.
"The last few cards didn't necessarily put us in a lot of jeopardy in the particular game we were playing in because it came so late. But it still puts us in jeopardy for the following game and means we continually have to adjust. It's something that we definitely have to eliminate."
As Schmid alludes to, the constant suspensions have caused Schmid to constantly juggle his lineup. This coming week, it looks like Sebastien Le Toux will be the beneficiary of Jaqua's absence. Patrick Ianni, who covered for Marshall against Chivas USA, could be called on once again as Jhon Kennedy Hurtado misses one game for collecting five yellow cards.
The constant shuffling has affected team chemistry, according to midfielder Pete Vagenas. However, the veteran tries to find a silver lining to the team's disciplinary issues.
"The last thing you want is a bunch of people who are complacent and not caring what goes on and not challenging things on the field," Vagenas said. "That is absolutely the worst thing we want, but we definitely need to find a way to keep 11 guys on the field and not risk suspensions.
"It's something that's already been addressed by the coach so we need to keep our cool. Hopefully, the older guys and the guys who have a better relationship with those (referees) can deal with them."
Andrew Winner is a contributor to MLSnet.com
