The already short-handed Vancouver Whitecaps will be a little more so after learning that Designated Player Barry Robson was suspended for Saturday's game against the Seattle Sounders. The MLS Disciplinary Committee announced the punishment for "aggravated dissent against an assistant referee" on Saturday morning, just hours before the scheduled kickoff time.

The incident in question occurred late in stoppage time of Wednesday's 2-0 loss FC Dallas. Robson apparently kicked the ball at the referee.

The Whitecaps were already without Omar Salgado (injury) and Martin Bonjour (suspended) and likely missing Jay DeMerit, who is recovering from a concussion.

There are several options at Martin Rennie's disposal to replace Robson. For the most part, Robson had been starting along with Gershon Koffie and Jun Marques Davidson in the center midfield. John Thorrington could slot into Robson's spot without much tactical change, and he actually started the Whitecaps' last game. The other possibility is for the Whitecaps to take a more defensive posture and use someone like Matt Watson.