The Red Bulls _ who come into Thursday’s Eastern Conference showdown with Columbus on a two-game losing streak _ just saw their tilt with the Crew get that much easier when MLS suspended Guillermo Barros Schelotto for one game.

The disciplinary committee fined the Crew forward $250 for his off the ball actions against Chivas USA defender Michael Umaña on May 15. The incident _ which happened in the 79th minute of the game _ wasn’t seen by the officiating crew and he wasn’t called for a foul. After reviewing the play, the MLS Disciplinary Committee decided that the action constituted a red card offense.

The Red Bulls come in 5-3 with 15 points, atop the Eastern Conference. Columbus is a point behind, but has two games in hand. The Red Bulls opened the year 5-1, but have suffered back-to-back shutouts, and are putting the fewest shots on frame (3.1) in MLS, having scored eight goals in eight games.