Real Salt Lake’s David Ochoa Fined Following Minnesota Post Game Incident
Apr 29, 2021, 3:01 PM
Photo courtesy: Real Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake goalkeeper David Ochoa has been fined an undisclosed amount following his decision to kick the ball into the stands at Allianz Field following the conclusion of the match.
Ochoa, 20, received his first road start when he started for RSL against Minnesota last week. Throughout the game, he made a number of saves and was instrumental in keeping his team organized as Minnesota threw everything they had at RSL across the final 20 mins.
What Happened?
However, late in the game, Ochoa cut off an attempted cross from Minnesota and was hit in the back by an opposing player trying to compete for the ball. He went down and required medical attention, much to the displeasure of the home crowd.
From that point on, Ochoa found himself being heckled by the nearby Minnesota fans, and to no surprise, relished in the role of being the villain.
The final whistle blew and Ochoa had the ball in his hands. He walked out of his box, turned to his right, and kicked the ball high up into the air and into the nearest grandstand.
Just in: #MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined #RSL goalkeeper David Ochoa an undisclosed amount for kicking ball into Allianz Field stands on Saturday. #MNUFC Hassani Dotson and Chase Gasper also fined undisclosed amount for "inciting and/or escalating the incident."
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) April 29, 2021
Scuffle At Allianz Field
Members of Minnesota’s bench saw the booted ball sail into the crowd and understandably did not approve of the kick. A scuffle ensued with both RSL and Minnesota pushing one and another for a few minutes.
Fortunately, despite tempers and emotions running hot, no punches were thrown and the scuffle settled.
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However, Major League Soccer has decided to fine Ochoa and two other Minnesota players an undisclosed amount for the incident.
Ochoa is available to play and is expected to start for RSL this weekend against Sporting Kansas City. It will mark his third consecutive start for RSL in goal and his second start at home.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon on Saturday, May 1st. The game can be streamed for free on the KSL 5 TV app or on sports.ksl.com.
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