Jermaine Jones had a vital assist in the US national team's quarterfinal clash against Ecuador on Thursday, but his night ended prematurely.
Jones was sent off with a straight red card in the 52nd minute, for an apparent swipe to the face of an Ecuador player, after Antonio Valencia fouled Alejandro Bedoya along the sideline to receive his second yellow card of the night, putting the sides down to 10 vs. 10 for the rest of the match.
On the FS1 broadcast, former referee Dr. Joe Machnik explained the straight red card was in line with recent changes to the Laws of the Game that took effect with this Copa America: A player going after another player's face when not challenging for the ball is now considered a red card offense.
US manager Jurgen Klinsmann was none too happy with the referee's call and made it clear in his postgame news conference:
