Oklahoma City Energy FC: Energy captain Michael Thomas suspended for excessive yellow cards
By Chris Brannick, The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Thomas picked up his fifth yellow card of the season Thursday in the first half of a 2-1 loss to Arizona United.
According to
Energy FC general manager
"It gives a chance to review the league reports," Hawkins said. "So to insure cards were assigned to the proper player. It's just an opportunity to review and make sure everything is right and there should be a suspension."
The loss of Thomas carries a heavy weight. In an April match with Arizona, in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Thomas received a red card in the first half, which is an automatic ejection, and Energy FC eventually lost. Saturday night in
However, Energy FC coach
"I say don't worry about it, don't think about it," Nielsen said ahead of Saturday's match with
Energy FC defender and vice-captain
"We do have depth, and that's been one of the good things with this team here," Nielsen said. "One guy goes out, and you're not worried about the guy you throw in there. The guys, when their name is called, they're 100 percent ready."
Nielsen said he feels like five yellow cards is a sufficient number to warrant a suspension.
"I think it's fair enough," Nielsen said. "It's the first suspension we got this year. I think that tells a lot about the team, we're playing hard not dirty and we got a good discipline as well."
If healthy, Thomas will be available to play again Sunday when Charleston visits
"It's tough with Michael's mentality to accept he's not playing, so I had to make the decision for him," Nielsen said. "He would play no matter what, but you know you have to be smart. He could be out for a long time if something bad happened. Now he has the opportunity to get some good rest and hopefully be full fit and be ready for the last three games in the regular season."
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