MLS Hands One Match Suspension to Jose Martinez Due to Violent Conduct
On Thursday, July 17, Philadelphia Union midfielder Jose “El Brujo” Martinez was suspended for the team’s final group stage match on Tuesday and was then issued an undisclosed fine for violent conduct in the 40′ of Tuesday night’s game.
In the 27′ of that game, Martinez received a yellow card for dissent and has now received three yellow cards in three games that started with Philadelphia.
The full statement and a clip of the dangerous kick out can be seen below.
Although Martinez’s style of play is catered to his aggressiveness and willingness to make physical challenges, he will need to keep his head in the game more often and play tactically smarter. Another example of him losing his cool was in the game against NYCFC when he irrationally took out the legs of midfielder Maxi Moralez and received a yellow card for his careless action. It is in moments like these that Martinez will have to stay composed and remember that the team needs him in big moments of matches.
Keeping in mind that Martinez could not put weight on his leg and was stretchered off the field in Tuesday’s game, this suspension will give him some much-needed rest. However, moving forward Martinez must be aware of the consequences that can arise if he were to recklessly slide in for a challenge. The Boys in Blue may very well miss his presence in their final group stage game, and hopefully, he has learned from his mistakes and will be much more cautious throughout the remainder of the tournament.
On Friday, July 17, the Union announced that they signed defender Nathan Harriel to a Homegrown Player contract, effective on January 1, 2021. Philadelphia acquired the MLS Homegrown Player rights for Harriel from Orlando City SC in exchange for a 2021 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick.
Harriel will play with Philadelphia Union II on a USL Championship contract for the remainder of the 2020 season before joining the first team next season.
?In 2021, @nateharriel is joining us as a homegrown signing?
He will be on @PhilaUnionII this season before making the move to @MLS!
⚡Welcome to the family!⚡
??http://t.co/YoJGWjfmIW pic.twitter.com/ARf0NZd6wJ
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) July 17, 2020
I think it’s safe to say that the Union will need Martinez to stay composed intense moments of matches so that his team can rely on him to deliver in close games. Looking ahead to the next match, the Union have positioned themselves well and can afford to rest some of the regular staters since they have already clinched a spot in the knockout round.
It will be interesting to see who manager Jim Curtin opts to start in the midfield, but look for either Matej Oravec or Warren Creavalle to replace Martinez in that center defensive mid role.
Featured Image: Philadelphia Union
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