Emanuel Reynoso cleared to play for Minnesota United after red card appeal
By Chris Smith
The MLS Independent Review Panel has unanimously rescinded the red card shown to Minnesota United's Emanuel Reynoso against FC Dallas.
The Argentine playmaker was sent off for alleged 'serious foul play' during the Loons' 0-0 draw at the weekend, sparking a furious reaction from the player.
After the match, goalkeeper Tyler Miller said: “I saw it from a distance so I don’t know exactly what happened, but guys were talking about it and from our standpoint, we think Rey [Emanuel Reynoso] took a touch and then just happened to step on the guy and maybe it’s a yellow card."
Head coach Adrian Heath added: "It seemed harsh. Nobody else appealed for it. Certainly, their bench didn’t. Their players didn’t."
Heath also confirmed he would appeal the decision if he felt it necessary upon further viewing.
That appeal has now been accepted and the decision overturned, meaning Reynoso - who has four goals and three assists in MLS so far this season - will be available for Minnesota's home clash with the Colorado Rapids on Sunday afternoon.
MLS clubs are entitled to two unsuccessful appeals per season, including during the playoffs. Minnesota's success here means they retain those two appeals heading into the final stretch.
Reynoso's availability is a huge boost to Heath, whose squad is already stretched thin due to the absences of key players such as Michael Boxall, Robin Lod, Jukka Raitala and Romain Metanire due to international duty. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair has also joined up with the Canadian Men's National Team, while Jan Gregus and Hasani Dotson are both sidelined with injury.
Minnesota head into the weekend in the seventh and final playoff spot, though a log-jammed Western Conference sees the Loons just a point behind Real Salt Lake in fifth, and one clear of the Vancouver Whitecaps in eighth.