LAFC bolsters defense, acquires Murillo from Colombia
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles FC has acquired Colombian defender Jesús David Murillo on loan from Deportivo Independiente Medellín in a bid to shore up its leaky defense.
LAFC announced the move Wednesday before its match against Vancouver. Murillo will occupy an international roster spot, and the deal includes an option for a permanent transfer.
The 26-year-old Murillo has appeared in 18 matches this season for Independiente Medellín, and he scored two goals in Copa Libertadores competition. Murillo is already in Los Angeles, and he attended LAFC’s match against Seattle last weekend.
LAFC made the move with just seven games left in the regular season in hopes of restoring strength to a revamped defense that has been the club’s weakest link this season. Coach Bob Bradley’s club has allowed 31 goals in its first 24 matches.
LAFC won the Supporters’ Shield in 2019 while allowing an MLS-low 37 goals in 34 matches. But after trading central defender Walker Zimmerman to Nashville, sending goalkeeper Tyler Miller to Minnesota and not re-signing Steven Beitashour in the offseason, LAFC’s defense largely has been in shambles.
LAFC also has been without MLS MVP Carlos Vela for nine matches after he injured
his knee in August. LAFC still sits in fourth place in the Western Conference at 7-6-3 heading into its game at Vancouver on Wednesday night.
Minnesota game vs. Chicago postponed due to suspected virus
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The match between the Chicago Fire and Minnesota United scheduled for Wednesday night has been postponed due to a suspected case of COVID-19 among the United club.
The match was postponed for further testing. No reschedule date has been determined.
United is scheduled to host the Houston Dynamo on Sunday. United’s scheduled match against FC Dallas last Sunday was also postponed after the team confirmed positive COVID-19 tests from two players.
Chicago is slated to host Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.
Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III cited for DUI
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III wasn’t at practice Wednesday after being cited for driving under the influence and speeding by Denver police the night before.
“We are aware of the situation involving Melvin Gordon. Our organization has been in communication with him and is in the process of gathering more details,” the team said in a statement Wednesday.
Gordon was cited for traveling between 25 and 39 mph faster than the posted speed limit when he was pulled over Tuesday in downtown Denver, according to police records.
Gordon could face discipline from the NFL, including a suspension. Last year, Broncos safety Kareem Jackson was suspended for the final two games after a DUI arrest in September in downtown Denver.
NFL cancels Pro Bowl in Las Vegas due to COVID-19 pandemic
NEW YORK — The NFL has canceled next January’s Pro Bowl scheduled for Las Vegas.
During an owners meeting held virtually on Wednesday, the league opted to call off the all-star game, hoping to replace it with a variety of virtual activities. The NFL needs flexibility in January in case it needs to move regular-season games to that month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The league will work closely with the NFLPA and other partners, to create a variety of engaging activities to replace the Pro Bowl game this season,” the NFL said in a statement.
The Pro Bowl, set for Jan. 31, a week before the Super Bowl, has lost much of its attractiveness in recent years. Many of the chosen players decided not to participate, and, naturally, players from the two Super Bowl teams don’t go.
Panthers lose Short to shoulder injury; McCaffrey still out
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers have lost twotime Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short to a shoulder injury for the second straight season, and 2019 All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is not quite ready to return to action either.