2012 MLS Playoffs: Andy Najar suspended for both legs of Eastern Conference final, according to report

Steven Goff of The Washington Post is reporting that Major League Soccer has suspended Andy Najar for an additional two matches for throwing the ball at a match official last Saturday during the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the New York Red Bulls.

If confirmed, the suspension means that Najar would miss both legs of the Eastern Conference final against the Houston Dynamo. Leg 1 is set for Sunday at BBVA Compass Stadium at 4 p.m., with the return leg a week from Sunday at RFK Stadium.

Najar was sent off in the 71st minute of the first leg after throwing the ball at referee Jair Marrufo after Najar was whistled for a foul on New York's Joel Lindpere. In MLS, red cards carry an automatic one-match suspension, which Najar served Thursday night as United defeated New York 1-0 in the second leg to advance to play Houston.

Robbie Russell is expected to take Najar's place in Ben Olsen's lineup. United will also be without first-choice goalkeeper Ben Hamid for at least the first leg of the Eastern final. Hamid was sent off for bringing down New York striker Kenny Cooper in the second half of Thursday's dramatic second leg.