UPPER MONTCLAIR, N.J. – If Wilman Conde is to miss any more games after this weekend’s match against the Montreal Impact, it will not be because of a suspension from the New York Red Bulls.
The Red Bulls have spoken to Conde about last weekend’s incident that resulted in his arrest for allegedly assaulting a police offcer, and they have determined that the discipline will be limited to a fine.
“We sat down and heard his version and we decided in most instances in life, sometimes you need a second go,” general manager Erik Soler told reporters following Wednesday morning’s training session. “We just decided from a club perspective, we’ll have a fine and a second chance to prove himself.”
Whether a suspension will be handed down from the league is still unknown. Soler said he has not spoken to the league since their initial talks this past weekend, but he plans to do so soon.
“I’ll speak to them and I don’t suspect they’ll do anything more than we do,” Soler said. “But I’ll have a chat with them and see what they have to say.”
Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe added that while the oft-injured Conde will get another chance to redeem himself, it is one he cannot ruin.
“Of course we don’t accept a second mess-up, but we will give him a new chance,” Backe said.
Conde, who has been limited to playing in just two games this season because of various injuries, is not expected to play in this weekend’s road match versus the Montreal Impact due to a combination of the turf at Olympic Stadium and not having enough reps in training.
“He’s just done his first session today with the team,” Backe said. “Being away that long time, it’s not enough just doing three sessions before a game, so he will not be in for the Saturday game.”
Franco Panizo covers the New York Red Bulls for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at Franco8813@gmail.com.
