Emeghara Gets One Match Ban

San Jose Earthquakes Designated Player Innocent Emeghara faces a one-game suspension for a challenge that left a visible knot on Luke Mulholland’s head on Sunday.

Emeghara was shown a yellow card for the challenge in the 41st minute of the 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake, in which he appears to lead with his elbow before clattering into the Real Salt Lake midfielder.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee determined that the challenge endangered the safety of an opponent, and it also fined Emeghara an undisclosed amount.

The Earthquakes were also cited by the Disciplinary Committee for players’ actions in the wake of the foul. Players surrounded referee Armando Villarreal in protest, and this violated MLS’s mass confrontation policy.

The foul by Emeghara set up the eventual game-winning goal by Javier Morales when he sent the rebound of the subsequent free kick into the net.