MLS Soccer Playoff Ejections: Mark Geiger (3)

FIFA & MLS Referee Mark Geiger ejected Seattle Sounders M Osvaldo Alonso for dissent in the 95th minute of the second leg of the LA Galaxy-Seattle Sounders FC match. After time had expired in the contest, with the Galaxy knocking the Sounders out of the MLS playoffs on an aggregate 4-2 victory, Alonso was ruled to have verbally abused the officiating crew, resulting in a yellow card for dissent and, because this was his second yellow, an automatic red and send-off penalty. In the 73rd minute, Alonso received his first yellow card after fouling Galaxy midfielder Vitor Gomes Pereira "Juninho" Junior. Replays indicate Alonso appeared to pull down Juninho, grabbing Juninho's jersey and impeding his attempt to skirt around Alonso's position, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the contest was over. The Sounders won Leg 2, 2-1, though the Galaxy advanced to the MLS Cup with a 4-2 aggregate win.

Wrap: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders FC (Western Conference Championship Leg 2), 11/18/12
Video: After final whistle, Alonso has choice words for Geiger and is formally dismissed
Video: Alonso received his first yellow card for an earlier foul in minute No. 73

MLS Soccer Playoff Ejections: Mark Geiger (1, 2)

FIFA/MLS Referee Mark Geiger ejected DC United goalkeeper Bill Hamid for a deliberate foul (preventing a clear opportunity to score; red card) and New York Red Bulls midfielder Rafael Marquez for an off the ball foul (second yellow card) in the second half of the Red Bulls-United 2nd Leg. In the 69th minute, Hamid slid and made contact with opponent Kenny Cooper, who drew a foul in the penalty area. DC United's Lionard Pajoy was shown a yellow card for dissent after arguing on Hamid's behalf. After substitute Joe Willis replaced Hamid as DC keeper, Cooper's penalty shot attempt entered the goal as Geiger waved off the try because of offensive encroachment by New York's Thierry Henry & Tim Cahill, who had run into the penalty area prior to Cooper kicking the ball, an infraction by rule as described by play-by-play broadcaster Arlo White: "Oh, what drama at Red Bull Arena! He is a stickler for the rules, Mark Geiger, when it comes to encroachment at the edge of the penalty area." Cooper's second penalty shot attempt was saved and blocked by Willis.

Six minutes later, Marquez slid into and tackled opponent Chris Pontius, who had released the ball on a pass several seconds earlier. After receiving a yellow card for a foul away from the ball, Marquez was sent off on the second booking, a converted red. At the time of both ejections, the contest was tied, 0-0 (Aggregate 1-1). DC United ultimately won the contest, 1-0 (Aggregate 2-1).

Wrap: DC United vs. New York Red Bulls, Leg 2, MLS Playoffs, 11/8/12
Video: Match summary of Leg 2

MLS Playoffs Ejection: Jair Marrufo

Referee Jair Marrufo ejected D.C. United right back Andy Najar for throwing a ball at an official following his receipt of a yellow card for a bookable foul (dissent; yellow-red/sent off). In the 71st minute, Najar was issued a yellow card after being whistled and cautioned for his push foul of Red Bulls midfielder Joel Lindpere; During the issuance of the yellow, Najar threw the soccer ball at Marrufo, resulting in a double-yellow => red for dissent and obligatory send off. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 1-1. The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.

Wrap: DC United vs. New York Red Bulls, MLS Playoffs, 11/3/12
Video: Unhappy with booking after pushing/tripping opponent in open, Najar throws ball at ref & is sent off