Suspension is hot topic

The U.S. National Team's disappointing dismissal from the World Cup wasn't the only thing Real Salt Lake players and coaches were talking about during Thursday's training session at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

While most of the buzz was definitely about the iffy penalty kick and the questionable tactics by the U.S. coach, a good portion of the water-cooler gossip was about coach John Ellinger's one-game suspension.

"I think it's really ridiculous they suspended him for a game," said RSL midfielder Chris Klein. "I've been in this league a long time, and I really haven't seen a suspension like that for comments in the paper. I've seen coaches do much worse and just get a fine."

Everyone knew a fine was inevitable after Ellinger made some harsh statements about the referee following last weekend's loss at Houston, but no one saw a suspension coming.

Ironically enough, Ellinger doesn't seem too distraught, perhaps reiterating Klein's feelings that his coach's comments were perhaps calculated.

"I'm trying to look at the positives. I don't think I've ever watched my team from up high during the game, so I'll try and learn something from it," said Ellinger, who will be allowed to watch the game in the stadium.

Real midfielder Carey Talley joked that it was better Ellinger made the comments than one of the players.

"The guys were mad, we felt we deserved a win," said Talley. "If he hadn't said it, someone else might've."

Realistically, Ellinger's absence won't have too much bearing on the game. Unlike football or basketball, where coaches can call time-outs, soccer coaches have a much more hands-off approach. Aside from perhaps a tactical adjustment or two at halftime, determining the three substitutions and yelling at the refs, of course, soccer coaches are a bit more reserved.

Just how much Ellinger's comments impact the team and the officiating remains to be seen. First, striker Jason Kreis hopes Ellinger's suspension sparks the team and helps RSL shake its two-game rut. Second, he hopes it sends a message to the league.

"I think at some point somebody has to stand up and say 'this is wrong.' The refereeing is just not good enough, and somebody has to be held accountable," said Kreis. "For John to do that, he's the leader at the top, and it can be a good thing."

Assistant coach Peter Mellor will serve as the head coach against New England on Saturday.

WELCOME BACK: RSL's World Cup participants, Douglas Sequeira and Eddie Pope, should be returning to Salt Lake City today. Sequeira left Germany on Wednesday, the day after Costa Rica's final game, but stopped in his native Costa Rica to pick up his family. Pope was scheduled to leave Germany this morning and return to the states tonight. As for their availability, Ellinger said it's extremely doubtful Pope would play, whereas Sequeira might be available in a substitute capacity.

RSL on the air

New England at Real Salt Lake

Saturday, 7 p.m.

Rice-Eccles Stadium

TV: Direct Kick

Radio: 700 AM (English), 1600AM (Spanish)

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com