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Sandy • Major League Soccer has suspended forward Alavaro Saborio for Saturday's game against the Columbus Crew and fined him $1000 for taking a dive in last week's match against San Jose.

The punishment marks the first time the league has ever issued a suspension for embellishment. With Saborio, it seems the league has taken a significant step to try to cut diving, which has become commonplace in some parts of the world, out of the game in the United States and Canada.

From the league's official statement about the suspension:

"As previously stated, all instances of obvious simulation and/or embellishment that directly impact the game will be subject to severe discipline, including fine, suspension or both," MLS Executive Vice President Nelson Rodríguez said. "We will continue to impose sanctions, and even increase their level, if necessary, in an attempt to eliminate this type of behavior."

The MLS told RSL officials that a suspension would be possible earlier in the week, but the team had hopes their starting striker would still be available Saturday. The decision was finally handed down early Friday afternoon to general manager Garth Lagerwey, who informed the team.

Coach Jason Kreis said he had mixed feelings about the ruling: He had called for the league to take greater action after DC United forward Charlie Davies took a dive that essentially cost RSL a home victory. But Kreis said he also feel the play was not as "clear-cut" as other dives have been.

"On the one hand, I think that aspect of the game should be eradicated from our league, and it seems that they're trying to do that," he said. "I do feel that maybe in this case, Saborio is being made into a bit of an example. If they start handing down this punishment as the minimum for every case, I'll be fine with that. But the first time after this the league doesn't suspend someone, you'll be hearing from a very angry Jason Kreis."

After DC United claimed a 1-1 draw with Davies' PK on June 18, Davies was fined $1000 for embellishment.

Saborio's late disciplinary decision puts RSL in a slightly more uncomfortable position, but the team has had seasoning playing without him when he was playing for the Costa Rican National Team. Fabian Espindola, who leads the team with 6 goals, will be starting as usual, and reserves Luis Gil or Jean Alexandre could see time in Saborio's spot.

"It's certainly not ideal to lose one of your guys the day before a game, but I also think the guys we do have available could fill in capably," Kreis said. "Because we've played without Sabo at times this season, we're not really inexperienced in this position."

It is a tough time to lose Saborio, however, given his recent hot streak. Since scoring his first MLS goals this season on June 25, he has notched five scores in the past month. Against the Earthquakes, Saborio scored on the controversial penalty kick and another goal a few minutes later.

San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch was also fined $500 from the game for gesturing with his middle finger.

Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon