Oops, sorry, red card result of good acting

As it turns out, Eddie Pope didn't deserve a red card after all.

Shortly after FC Dallas' win over Real Salt Lake Saturday, Dallas' Eddie Johnson admitted to a Dallas Morning News reporter that he essentially took a dive after being lightly touched by Pope in the 75th minute.

Following contact near the edge of the penalty area, Johnson fell backward writhing in pain like his leg was broken. The fairly inexperienced MLS referee slapped Pope with a red card, surprising everyone — particularly Pope.

"It's water under the bridge now, but obviously I didn't think it was a red card," said Pope, who didn't want to disclose details of his telephone conversation with Johnson, his teammate with the U.S. National Team, a few days later. "That's just between me and him."

Johnson, however, reportedly apologized during the conversation.

While many people around the league are surprised Johnson would talk candidly about the phantom foul to a reporter, Salt Lake coach John Ellinger is disappointed the 20-year-old would stoop so low.

"That definitely surprised me," said Ellinger, who was Johnson's coach with the under-17 U.S. National Team. "I wouldn't have thought Eddie would do something like that, especially to somebody like Eddie Pope. It's just a shame actually."

Despite Johnson's admission of guilt, the league isn't going to overturn the red card, meaning Pope's one-game suspension still stands. His $250 fine may be dismissed, however. The league may also punish Johnson with a fine.

Regardless, Pope will still miss Saturday's home game against San Jose.

"It's part of the game. Players make mistakes during the game, referees make mistakes," said Pope. "Unfortunately for me, it's a pretty big mistake, and I have to sit out because of it."

And as he said, he didn't even get in a good foul.

Despite the suspension, Pope will train with his teammates all week and will return for the May 7 game at Chivas USA in Carson, Calif.

BESAGNO'S ARRIVAL: Nikolas Besagno, the 16-year-old midfielder Real Salt Lake selected with the first pick in January's SuperDraft, made his inaugural appearance with RSL in Tuesday's training session.

The 6-foot midfielder is expected to play in tonight's exhibition game between Real's reserve team and BYU's men's soccer team. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at BYU's South Field.