Medunjanin suspended for two more games

Philadelphia Union midfielder Haris Medunjanin will be suspended for two additional games for his outburst in the Atlanta United game earlier this month, head coach Jim Curtin announced on Wednesday.

“I don’t agree with it but we have to live with it,” Curtin said at his weekly press conference on Wednesday. “It’s his first red card in his career, which says a lot about who is he is as a player.”

Curtin said the additional two-game suspension was appealed by the player’s union but upheld by the league.

Medunjanin was sent off in the 18th minute of the Atlanta United game on June 2 for arguing Alejandro Bedoya’s second yellow card. Bedoya was sent off for dissent following a penalty call on Auston Trusty. Referee Sorin Stoica handed Medunjanin two quick yellow cards in response to his outburst, which ended with him kicking the ball from the penalty spot into the stands. The Union lost the match 3-1.

Haris has played a pair of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games since while sitting out the 2-0 loss to Toronto FC on June 8. Bedoya will return to the lineup against Vancouver Whitecaps. Curtin said he’ll pair with Warren Creavalle in the midfield. Derrick Jones could also factor in if needed to close out the game, Curtin said.

“Warren Creavalle’s done a good job for us,” Curtin said.

Medunjanin should be the only regular starter unavailable for selection this weekend. CJ Sapong has returned to full training after battling an illness and reserve defender Josh Yaro is still in concussion protocol.

The Union travel to Los Angeles to play Los Angeles FC on June 30.

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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