Talk about great timing. Late Friday night, less than 48 hours before the United States faces off against Panama in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, the Disciplinary Committee announced that U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been suspended for Sunday's match at Soldier Field.
If you recall, with the United States winning 3-1 in Wednesday's semi-finals match against Honduras, Klinsmann threw the ball in a "violent manner," which may have been a knee-jerk reaction to a challenge on his own player, DaMarcus Beasley. Referee Wálter Quesada ejected Klinsmann shortly thereafter and as a result, there was a possibility that he could receive a suspension for his actions.
While the USMNT have breezed through the tournament, outscoring their opponents 19-4, you can't help but wonder if Klinsmann's absence will have any effect on the team's performance and/or psyche. Well, we will find out soon enough.
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[via The Big Lead]
