Whitecaps’ Rodriguez suspended 2 games by MLS

mls,-vancouver-whitecaps

Diego Rodriguez (Photo via @86forever/Twitter)

NEW YORK — The Vancouver Whitecaps have lost another player to suspension.

Defender Diego Rodriguez was suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount by MLS on Thursday for violent conduct toward Orlando City defender Aurelien Collin.

Rodriguez reached for Collin’s crotch as Orlando City set up for a set piece in Vancouver’s area in the Whitecaps’ 1-0 victory Saturday.

Collin dropped to the ground in obvious pain, drawing the attention of officials.

Rodriguez will sit out home games against Portland and Los Angeles.

Vancouver forward Kekuta Manneh was suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount on Wednesday for serious foul play in the same game.

Again, Collin was the target as he absorbed a two-footed challenge from Manneh.

Both fouls took place in a five-minute span, with Rodriguez striking Collin in the 62nd minute, and Manneh sliding into the Orlando City defender in the 65th minute.

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