D.C. United’s Steve Birnbaum Sidelined With Third Concussion Of The Year
Steve Birnbaum, left, pursues Aurelien Collin during a match at Red Bull Arena. (Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports)
During the 4-0 loss against The Portland at Providence Park he was injured when he misplayed a ball in his team’s end. Jeremy Ebobisse pressured Birnbaum while forcing the ball back to teammate Sebastian Blanco, Ebobisse pressured Birnbaum and his momentum caused Birnbaum to fall and the right side of the Birnbaum’s head struck the artificial turf.
As Birnbaum laid motionless on the field, referee Mark Geiger ran passed him and let play continue as Portland scored yet another goal instead of stopping play due to a head injury which is therefore violating officiating rules when it comes to a possible head injury.
After the play was over Birnbaum was able to get onto his feet but could not keep balance. DC United’s medical team rushed onto the field and he was evaluated and taken out of the game. By then DC had already made 3 substitutions, so therefore had to play the final few minutes of the game with 10 men.
Birnbaum was then taken back to the team hotel and placed under concussion protocol after the match and he is expected to miss the final match at RFK Stadium vs. The New York Red Bulls.
