The NWSL on Thursday extended Portland Thorns striker Sophia Wilson's ban for violent conduct by an additional game, meaning she will miss her team's next two matches. Wilson, who is currently away with the United States on international duty, was shown a red card for violent conduct on Saturday in the first half of the Thorns' loss to the Boston Legacy. The incident involved her pulling the hair of Laís Araújo.
The league said in a statement on Thursday: "Upon further review, the Disciplinary Committee determined that the incident rose to the level of a violation of Section 12.4.11, 'Major Game Misconduct,' of the League Operations Manual. As a result, Wilson has been issued an additional one-match suspension, increasing her total suspension to two matches." The punishment means Wilson will be sidelined for the Thorns' upcoming games against Bay FC on Oct. 18 and the North Carolina Courage on Oct. 23.
The Portland Thorns (12-8-7) are winless at home in their last four and sit seventh in the 16-team NWSL table for the stretch run. The top eight teams make the playoffs, meaning the club faces pressure to turn its form around quickly.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing