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MLS Hands Down Suspensions to Farfan and Bowen

August 16, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


Chivas USA midfielder Gabriel Farfan and forward Tristan Bowen were each suspended for one additional game for their actions in Sunday's home match against the Colorado Rapids, Major League Soccer announced Friday.

Farfan was sent off with a straight red card in the 33rd minute for his foul on Rapids midfielder Shane O'Neill near the team benches, and the MLS Disciplinary Committee unanimously determined that his actions endangered the safety of his opponent. Therefore, Farfan will be suspended for a total of two games - one for having received a red card in Sunday's game and one imposed by the Committee.

Farfan was acquired from the Philadelphia Union via trade in May and has made 10 starts in 12 appearances for the Red-and-White. The fourth-year midfielder will miss the remaining two matches of Chivas' three-game homestand against FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls. He will be eligible for the Sept. 1 road match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

READ: Chivas USA seek to take disciplinary action against ejected players

Bowen was ejected in the 63rd minute after being issued a straight red card for spitting. The Committee unanimously determined that he committed an intolerable act of disrespect. Bowen will also be suspended for a total of two games - one for being issued a red card in Sunday's game, and one imposed by the Committee. Like Farfan, he will regain his eligibility for the Sept. 1 game against Vancouver. Bowen has tallied two goals and assists in 18 games (15 starts) this season and leads the club's forwards in minutes played.

The Rojiblancos return to League action on Wednesday, Aug. 21, when they host Western Conference foe FCD in the season series finale, where the Goats will be looking to take the series. Chivas USA took the first meeting at home in March, 3-1, and the sides played to a scoreless draw at FC Dallas Stadium on July 4.

Melia takes the patient road back to full strength

Heading into the 2013 campaign, Chivas USA goalkeeper Tim Melia looked to continue building on the work he had completed in his first season with the Red-and-White. Melia established himself as a solid backup keeper behind captain Dan Kennedy, as the New York native made his first career starts at the season's end and was part of Chivas' run to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals.

But those plans were abruptly derailed as Melia suffered a back injury that would require surgery. The procedure kept the 27-year-old out of activity since May, but the fourth-year MLS net minder has recently returned to the pitch to begin working with the goalkeepers and his position coach.

"The progress is going well at the moment," said Melia. "I just started hitting the ground on Monday very slow. [Goalkeeper Coach Claine Plummer] has been hitting balls at me. Everything is just very slow right now, to progress into me hitting the ground a little harder. But I'm definitely going in the right direction and I think everything is going to work out."

READ: McLain continues to collect experience

Melia became such an effective backup last season that he logged the majority of the minutes during Reserve League play and in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and when Kennedy was held out for the final two games of the season, Melia stepped in helped the Goats come away with a 2-2 result at FC Dallas in the season finale. The experience in Major League Soccer play only further developed his play and confidence in goal for the Red-and-White

With Kennedy fully entrenched as the club's No. 1 keeper, Melia was expected to continue working as his backup heading into this season. But with the turn of events, Melia must now focus his work toward gaining confidence physically. Prior to his return to the pitch, much of Melia's recovery included core strengthening and flexibility.

"I can run, I can do foot-work stuff, I can kick - it's just more the impact of me hitting the ground and getting my body used to that impact again," Melia added. "I've never had an injury before or any type of surgery so I think it's just me guarding myself a little bit trying to protect myself.

"I just need to be careful to not over extend on a dive and just let some balls go by me for another few weeks until I'm completely comfortable to take that impact. I knew going into the procedure it was the kind where the more time elapses the better it is and that it could reoccur. Obviously it's hard because I want to pound myself back into shape, but that's just not professional at this point."

Training Report: Bye weekend ahead

Coming back to training on Friday morning, Chivas USA hit the StubHub Center's Field 6 for their third training session of the week. Despite having a bye weekend, the Goats will continue training this upcoming Saturday.

As usual, right before kicking off training, the team met up at midfield to discuss what the day's session would consist of. After the brief chat, Strength and Conditioning Coach Armando Camacho led the team to a walk, followed by a light jog around Field 6, while all four goalkeepers (including a trialist) began their own training session separately. The team then continued onto working on fitness and conditioning in a four-station exercise course.

After 30 minutes in the strength and conditioning work, Head Coach Jose Luis Real began the tactical work, focusing on defensive and attacking tactics. Around 11:15 a.m., Coach Real concluded training and the team then held their final stretching exercises at midfield, while forwards Erick "Cubo" Torres and Tristan Bowen continued practicing shooting at goal alongside Assistant Coach Othoniel Gonzalez.

Chivas USA will have a bye weekend, but will return to training on Saturday morning at the StubHub Center. The Red-and-White will continue preparing for their second consecutive home match hosting FC Dallas next Wednesday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. (PT). For all the latest news and updates on Chivas USA, follow us on Twitter: @cdchivasusa .

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