London Woodberry Suspended For Desert Diamond Cup Match vs. SKC

New England Revolution defender London Woodberry will serve a one-game suspension in the preseason Desert Diamond Cup for his red card yesterday against Real Salt Lake.

It's preseason, but London Woodberry will be suspended for Saturday's game vs. Sporting KC after being red carded last night. #NERevs

— Jeff Lemieux (@jeff_lemieux) February 18, 2016

Woodberry, who started 18 games last season mostly at right back, received two yellow cards in quick succession late in the second half against Real Salt Lake. RSL defender Aaron Maund was shown a straight red in the 47th minute for a denying a goal scoring opportunity when he blocked Charlie Davies shot with his arm. The preseason contest finished with ten players on the field for each team.

Now, I understand it's preseason and while it seems silly to play games at less than full strength, the DDC is still a competition. There might be unlimited subs and other rules that can be stretched in preseason, including keeping both teams at 11-versus-11 (that didn't happen yesterday but I'd be fine if that was the rule, players who are red carded are just "subbed out"), but the referees also have a job to do as well. Getting a red card should still have consequences and this will serve as a valuable lesson for Woodberry.

London was cautioned six times last year, usually for silly tactical fouls. Missing a vital preseason game as he's trying to lock down the starting right back spot for the Revs, will hopefully remind him to be less reckless in the future. His first caution against RSL might've been for persistent infringement (stream was very choppy), but the second one was clear cut. He was late and hip checked an opponent, which is something you can't do on a yellow in a real game.

Without Woodberry on Saturday against Sporting Kansas City, the Revolution might give veteran Jeb Brovsky a look at right back. Brovsky started the first half against RSL at left back where he's featured mainly for the Revs in preseason. Jordan McCrary could also get extended minutes as the rookie is also in the race for the starting job along with utility defender Darrius Barnes. Donnie Smith and trialist David Addy could also see extended time at left back if Chris Tierney is held out again due to injury.