Sophia Smith playing against the Seattle Reign on June 8. (Photo credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports)
The NWSL handed down a punishment on Tuesday in response to the Portland Thorns’ appeal of red card issued to forward Sophia Smith.
Smith missed the Thorns’ 0-0 draw against Seattle after receiving a red card late in the team’s June 8 matchup against the North Carolina Courage. Already on the bench with a yellow card, Smith was assessed a second yellow card and an automatic red card after she appeared to hide the ball under the bench.
Referee Danielle Chesky determined that Smith was attempting to waste time and assessed the Golden Boot leader the foul. It was Smith’s second yellow card for time-wasting after she was booked for a different moment in the 89th minute.
As Smith served her one-game suspension, the Thorns appealed the red card. On Tuesday, the NWSL announced the results of the appeal, which, under league policy, allows teams to make their case to an independent review panel.
Per the league, that…
