Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood Copa America suspensions upheld

The United States will be without Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood for their Copa America semifinal against Argentina on Tuesday.

Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya will be suspended for the United States’ Copa America semifinal match against Argentina on Tuesday. U.S. Soccer appealed the suspensions of Jones and Wood, but their protests have been dismissed, per Ryan Rosenblatt of Fox Soccer.

Jones was sent off in the United States’ quarterfinal win over Ecuador for hitting Michael Arroyo in the face, while Wood and Bedoya picked up their second yellow cards of the tournament in the same match, triggering one-game suspensions.

Jurgen Klinsmann was unimpressed with the decisions, referring to Jones’ red card as a “disgrace.” Klinsmann’s anger may or may not be justified, but he must now focus on preparing his team to face arguably the best team in the tournament in Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

The first question is who will play in place of Jones, Wood and Bedoya. Kyle Beckerman is the most likely replacement for Jones, and would be a more or less like-for-like replacement in the heart of the United States’ midfield, while Graham Zusi could replace Bedoya.

Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe, meanwhile, is probably the favorite to take Woods’ spot. Nagbe has been one of the best players in MLS for the past few seasons, but this his first major tournament with the United States. He is not as dangerous as Wood off the dribble, but he offers a different kind of creativity with the ball at his feet.

The semifinal clash between the United States and Argentina takes place in Houston on Tuesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET.

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