Reader comments
A flippin' pain: Real Salt Lake's Espindola out a few weeks as flip ends in ankle injury

Runnerboy3118 | 7:13 a.m. Sept. 10, 2008

I think coach got it right on with this:
"I would never reprimand a player for doing that," Kreis added. "I think that is important. I think that is why the fans come to the game. They pay good money to see the passion and excitement of a goal. Fabian is a passionate player, and he likes to show it."

I wish it never happened, but I think we will still make it to the playoffs, and he should be back for that. Get better soon Fabian!!

Also, was anyone else really annoyed with the announcers of the game on sat? I was thinking L.A. had good commentators last year.

Lame.... | 9:47 a.m. Sept. 10, 2008

...Act like you've scored before. Backflips? Please, I think you just cost your team the playoffs.

Re Lame.... | 12:03 p.m. Sept. 10, 2008

Espindola did not cost this team the playoffs. If we really want to point fingers (IF we dont make the playoffs, really big IF) then the blame goes to the whole team on a couple of occasions. To list a few: the draw with LA at home, Chicago at home, San Jose at home, and Kansas City at home are all prime examples of why this team wouldnt make the playoffs IF they dont.
A guy doing a backflip cuz he scored has a freak injury is not. Espy is the only reason we are still in it in my opinion, every game he has been there he does not fail

Comments continue below

David O | 12:53 p.m. Sept. 10, 2008

What a complete and total idiot. This is why soccer will never be big in the US except to kids and high schoolers.

Roger | 1:16 p.m. Sept. 10, 2008

This story is a metaphor for the whole RSL organization. From the top down, they are all a bunch of clowns.

EPL... | 1:57 p.m. Sept. 10, 2008

...how come we don't see flips in the EPL? Oh...probably becuase their coaches would rip their heads off if they pulled dumb stunt like that.

Well...there goes our goal scorer, stick a fork in us, we're done.

Pot, Kettle, Black | 5:30 p.m. Sept. 10, 2008

Hey David O -- did you say the same thing about Gramatica when he tore up his knee celebrating a field goal? No? Then shaddupalready.

Good point David O | 12:07 a.m. Sept. 11, 2008

This probably is why soccer will never be big in America. We can't have our athletes getting excited and celebrate after a goal if we want to keep pace with the rest of the world's professionals. That leads to crappier leagues, crappier players, etc. I like your thinking. You'll never progress past high school level if you get excited about the game and celebrate after scoring goals.

I love... | 10:25 a.m. Sept. 11, 2008

The morons that get on and post about how soccer will never be big in the US. Your reason is because of this guys goal celebration? I don't see the connection for two reasons.
1. Have you seen end zone celebrations in the NFL?
2. Professionals all around the world celebrate like crazy after a goal. Yes in the Premier League too. It is not only common, nearly every one does it.

Also, if he wants to celebrate when he's back on the field, then let him.

Double | 8:44 p.m. Sept. 12, 2008

I hope he attempts a double flip next time.

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Douglas C. Pizac, Associated Press

Real Salt Lake forward Fabian Espindola celebrates his goal against the Colorado Rapids with a flip. He injured himself doing the same thing last week against the Galaxy on a goal that was later disallowed.