Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Guzan among 4 players fined for misconduct by the MLS

Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan is among a list of four players who have been handed out fines for misconduct during Matchday 16 of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

The league’s disciplinary committee issued its verdict on Tuesday, May 28, with players being given a few days to respond in defence.

Four Players Fined For Misconduct by MLS

Brad Guzan

Guzan started in Atlanta United’s match against LAFC on May 25 and was shown a straight red card at the hour-mark. He came charging out of his box and brought down an opponent, but was initially shown a yellow card. Upon VAR review, the card was changed to red but Guzan was unhappy with this and argued with the referee. The custodian failed to leave the field in a timely manner, resulting in an undisclosed amount being slapped on him as a fine.

Eduard Atuesta

In the same game between Atlanta and LAFC, Eduard Atuesta was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence in the 81^st minute, having already been booked for an argument early in the first half. The 26-year-old refused to leave the pitch in a timely fashion and continued protesting the decision against him. As a result, the MLS has slapped an undisclosed amount as a fine on the Columbian.

Monsef Bakrar

The MLS Disciplinary Committee has increased Bakrar’s punishment after the New York City FC forward simulated a dive to gain an advantage. He was booked on-field, but a violation of the league’s Simulation-Embellishment policy has resulted in Bakrar being fined.

Joao Klauss

The Disciplinary Committee has also flagged Klauss’ violation of the MLS’ Simulation-Embellishment policy. The forward did so in the 50^th minute of his team St. Louis City SC’s match against Seattle Sounders FC. As a result, he has been slapped with a fine.

How did things stand in the MLS?

Halfway into the 2024 MLS season, things are already beginning to shape up nicely in both conferences.

In the East, Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami have marched their way into the top spot after 16 games. They have amassed 34 points and have already registered 10 wins, which is one more than what they managed in the whole of 2023. FC Cincinnati are a close second as they sit on 33 points, but they do have a game in hand.

New England Revolution are rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference with just seven points from 13 games so far. Having finished fifth in the East last year, they will look to revive their form with urgency.

In the West, Real Salt Lake are the frontrunner with 29 points on the board after 15 games, averaging a cool two goals scored per game. Behind them are Minnesota United and LA Galaxy, both on 25 points. However, Minnesota have played just 13 games and could leapfrog Salt Lake into the top spot should they win both.

At the bottom, San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City occupy 13^th and 14^th spots with 11 points apiece. However, San Jose has played 15 games while Sporting KC have played 14.

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