San Antonio right back Julius James will miss Cosmos match due to suspension

The San Antonio Scorpions suffered a tough opening night loss to Minnesota United, and have also lost one of their starting defenders for the next two matches. The Scorpions were already trailing 1-0 when James was sent off just 26 minutes into the season, and wound up losing the match 2-0.

New Minnesota center back Tiago Calvano and James came together near the edge of the San Antonio 18-yard box, and Thiago appeared to have his boot dangerously high when James attempted to head the ball away. The San Antonio defender took exception to the challenge, and while Tiago was picking himself up from the ground, James approached him and shoved him back down with both hands while having words with the United defender.

The referee didn't hesitate to show the San Antonio player red, and according to NASL rules, James will now miss his club's next two games. Those games include next weekend in Atlanta, as well as the Scorpions' trip to New York to face the Cosmos in two weeks.