By Ridge Mahoney, Senior Editor
Soccer America Magazine
Inconsistent refereeing has been a constant complaint from players and coaches this season, but the Revs canÆt moan about Daniel HernandezÆs sending-off against the Quakes on Saturday.
As he controlled a ball near the midfield line, Hernandez cocked his elbow and jerked it upward into the jaw of Alejandro Moreno, who was closing him down û legally û from behind. The only question will be if Hernandez gets more than a one-game suspension. This looks like a two-gamer, which will bar Hernandez for the rest of the regular season but allow him to return for the playoffs.
As is the case for many referees in many games, referee Ricardo Salazar could have been firmer and more consistent in calling fouls and pulling out yellow cards. But this was a red, no question.
Galaxy coach Steve Sampson questioned the allotment of six minutes stoppage time in the second half of LAÆs 2-1 victory over the Wizards Sept. 25. Well, letÆs do the math.
A collision between the heads of Joseph Ngwenya and Jose Burciaga Jr. needed 90 seconds to sort out. Bo Oshonyi needed a minute to recover after being low-bridged by teammate Sasha Victorine and landing on his head. Ugo Ihemelu was down in his own penalty area for about 30 seconds and Cobi Jones stayed on the turf for more than a minute before being substituted very late in the match. ThatÆs at least 3 and a half minutes of time lost to injuries.
Referees are empowered — not obligated — to add 30 seconds for each substitution. Five subs — one of which was Jones — adds up to 2 and a half minutes, plus 3 and a half for injuries, which equals six minutes, more or less.
Referees can also add time if a team takes too much time celebrating a goal and the Gals carried on quite a bit following Marcelo SaragosaÆs spectacular headed goal that proved to be the winner.
One can nitpick over a few seconds, but in this case referee Abby Okulaja probably got it right.
However, on a ball Josh Wolff cut back for Chris Klein to blast wide from close range, offside should have been called, as Wolff was just a shade beyond the last defender when he received it.