Portland Timbers star forward Brian Fernandez will miss out on the big showdown against the San Jose Earthquakes on Decision Day presented by AT&T (4 pm ET on ESPN), with The Oregonian's Jamie Goldberg reporting that the club has rescinded its appeal of the suspension he received as a result of a red card in Kansas City.
After Sunday's match, a 2-2 draw that kept the Timbers in the Western Conference playoff zone, Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese told media the club would be appealing the Fernandez suspension for the red card he was shown in the aftermath of a dust-up involving SKC's Felipe Gutierrez (watch the video of the incident below). But Goldberg indicated that "new information" led to the change of plans.
Fernandez has 11 goals in 19 matches for the Timbers since arriving on a transfer from Mexican club Necaxa in May. After kicking off his MLS career on a tear, Fernandez has scored just one goal in his last seven appearances.
Jeremy Ebobisse, who has a career-high 11 goals in 33 league appearances, is expected to take up the center forward role against the Quakes.
The winner of the Decision Day match is guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. A draw would also get the Timbers into the postseason.
Instant Replay broke down the Fernandez red card incident below:
