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Thorns defender Meghan Kilngenberg has been suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount by the NWSL Disciplinary Committee for her brief altercation with Allie Long in the 13th minute of last Saturday’s game away at the Seattle Reign. The incident in question involved Allie Long backing up on Klingenberg to protect the ball and putting her arms up near Klingenberg’s face. Klingenberg, frustrated, kicks out at Long’s leg. The referee, Christina Unkel, doesn’t appear to see any of the incident, and issues Klingenberg a caution only after Long shows her injury.
Klingenberg was quick to issue her apology on twitter:
I regret what happened at our game last weekend against the Reign. That’s not the type of player or person I am. I’ve personally apologized to Allie Long. I am disappointed in myself because I have let my team down. I will be better. Thanks
— Meghan Klingenberg (@meghankling) July 5, 2018
MK
The suspension leaves the Thorns light on defense once again going into this Friday’s game against the Utah Royals, with Katherine Reynolds also out with an excused absence.