RSL’s Joao Plata gets fined for flopping
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata (10) collides with Montreal Impact midfielder Ken Krolicki (13), in MLS action between Real Salt Lake and Montreal Impact, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018.
Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata was fined “an undisclosed amount” by Major League Soccer after being found guilty of “simulation/embellishment” in the team’s most recent game, the league announced Friday.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee issued the fine.
Plata’s infraction occurred in the 79th minute of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Minnesota United. Video of the incident shows Plata falling to the ground on the left side of the goal as he attempts to dribble past a Minnesota defender. There appears to be minimal to no contact between Plata and the defender.
Team officials declined to comment on the fine.
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Alex is an expat from Los Angeles who started his journalism career in 2013 after attempting, and failing, to become the next great rock star. He most recently covered local sports in Chico.