United's Erpen To Get Longer Suspension

Major League Soccer plans to announce today that D.C. United defender Facundo Erpen has been suspended an additional game and fined an extra $500 after receiving a red card in last weekend's match against the New York Red Bulls at RFK Stadium, sources said yesterday.

The league reviewed the incident early this week and was finalizing its disciplinary report yesterday. A red card carries an automatic one-game suspension and $250 fine, but depending on the severity of the foul, MLS can add to both those categories.

Erpen will miss tomorrow night's game at Houston as well as the Oct. 7 home match with New England, meaning he will not play again until the regular season finale Oct. 15 against Chicago. The club has received 27 yellow cards and five red cards in the past 10 games overall, leaving it short-handed in several matches.

The latest incident occurred 16 minutes into the second half last Saturday when, following a midfield confrontation, Erpen retaliated against John Wolyniec by stomping on his calf or foot. He also appeared to push referee Kevin Stott slightly, although that contact will apparently not be cited by MLS in its report.

Erpen will be penalized an additional $250 for the nature of the incident and another $250 for failing to leave the field in a timely manner. . . .

University of Maryland officials say they are expecting more than 5,000 fans for tonight's showdown between the No. 3 Terrapins (9-1, 2-1 ACC) and No. 7 Duke (7-1-1, 2-0-1) at Ludwig Field.

Defending national champion Maryland -- 7-0 at home this year and 55-3-3 the last four seasons -- has yielded just one goal during its five-game winning streak. Its attack has been led by sophomore forward Graham Zusi (six goals), junior midfielder Stephen King (four goals, six assists) and a pair of freshmen, forward Jason Herrick (five goals) and midfielder Jeremy Hall (four goals).

-- Steven Goff