Already set to be missing a few starters because of various injuries, New York City FC now face the challenge of being without their No. 1 goalkeeper this weekend.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee announced Thursday afternoon that NYCFC goalkeeper Josh Saunders has been suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount for a foul that endangered the safety of an opponent. The play came in the 69th minute of New York City's 1-0 home loss to the Portland Timbers on Sunday. Saunders came out to challenge for a ball in his penalty area, but did so with a high foot on Ishmael Yartey (video above).
With Saunders now suspended for Friday's road game against the Chicago Fire (8 pm ET, UDN), head coach Jason Kreis will likely turn to on-loan netminder Ryan Meara as NYCFC attempt to snap a five-game winless run. Meara has some big shoes to fill, however, as Saunders has been one of the more stellar goalkeepers in MLS so far this season.
NYCFC was already missing a number of key players for the Week 8 fixture even before Saunders was suspended. Jason Hernandez has been ruled out because of a knock, and Davild Villa is also unlikely to suit up for the expansion club. Additionally, Josh Williams is a question mark because of an adductor strain.
2015 MLS DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE DECISIONS:
Week 7:Marshall, Sarvas suspended, Davies warned | Saunders suspended
Week 6: Revs, Crew SC warned for mass confrontation
Week 5: Emeghara suspended, Quakes warned
Week 4: Fred, Moore suspended and fined
Week 3: Pfeffer, Manneh suspended | Rodriguez suspended, fined
Week 2: Bekker fined, Sporting KC assistant suspended, fined
Week 1: Riley, Tchani, two staffers suspended; three others fined
