Chris Birchall Suspended Two Matches, Fined

Chris Birchall received a yellow card toward the end of the Los Angeles Galaxy's match against the Chicago Fire last Saturday for a late and harsh tackle. The tackle put a hurt on Fire midfielder Dominic Nyarko, and upset Josip Mikulic so much he started handbagging and got thrown out of the match despite not being in the match.

It's been announced this afternoon by MLS that Chris Birchall has been fined $500 as a result of his reckless tackle. He will also be suspended for two MLS matches, beginning with the Galaxy's match next Wednesday against the Columbus Crew at the Home Depot Center.

The League rulled that Birchall's tackle on Nyarko showed utter disregard for his opponent's safety. He will also miss the July 30th match at Vancouver Whitecaps.

Chicago didn't come out of this unscathed. Diego Chaves was fined $250 and suspended for one match. for his tackle in the 91+' on Landon Donovan. Chaves was said to have endangered the safety of his opponent.

Frank Yallop was also fined for conduct unbecoming of a professional. He was only fined, but this fine is added to the fine and suspension he received as a result of being dismissed from the sideline by an official.

Feel free to use this thread to discuss the Galaxy's US Open Cup match, as well as the New England Revolution v. Manchester United friendly.

Update:  Lineups for LA Galaxy v Sounders Open Cup match.

Game Time: 7:00 pm

TV: none

MLS Gameday