The Independent Panel has rescinded Román Torres’ red-card suspension he received against the LA Galaxy last weekend. The 31-year-old center back was sent off in the 89th minute when referee Drew Fischer ruled that Torres denied a goalscoring opportunity on LA Galaxy midfielder Jermaine Jones. The Sounders appealed that decision earlier this week, and it was unanimously overturned.
The Independent Panel consists of one representative from the United States Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Federation and one representative from the Professional Referee Organization. Each MLS club is entitled to two unsuccessful appeals per season, including the playoffs. Since Seattle’s appeal was successful, its two unsuccessful appeals per season remain intact.
"[We] put together a pretty strong presentation to the disciplinary committee," Head Coach Brian Schmetzer told media on Wednesday. "We are appealing the red card because we don't think it's justified.
“It was, in our opinion, that the player was trying to get the ball over to the left side. Chad Marshall was in a position to make a play in case [Jermaine Jones] tried to cut it back."
The Sounders will kick off at 5 p.m. PT from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas (JOEtv, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM).
