VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps added a striker Wednesday and then lost one, at least for one game.
The MLS team signed veteran Welsh forward Robert Earnshaw, who had been in camp on trial during the pre-season.
Later in the day, the MLS disciplinary committee announced that Whitecaps striker Kekuta Manneh had been suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount for serious foul play that endangered the safety of an opponent.
The incident, a two-footed challenge on Orlando defender Aurelien Collin, occurred in the 65th minute of Vancouver’s 1-0 win over Orlando City SC on Saturday. Manneh was yellow-carded on the play.
Manneh will miss Saturday’s game against the visiting Portland Timbers (0-0-3).
The 33-year-old Earnshaw previously played in MLS for Toronto FC and the Chicago Fire.
The Zimbabwe-born Earnshaw has also played for Cardiff City, West Bromwich Albion, Norwich City, Derby County, Nottingham Forest, Blackpool and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Earnshaw used the occasion of his signing to announce that he has retired from international football, with 16 goals in 59 games.
"I had the privilege of representing Wales together with Earnie and he always gives his all in everything he does," said Vancouver coach Carl Robinson. "Not only is he a natural goalscorer, he will also bring great character and leadership to our locker room, while passing along his experience to our young group of forwards."
Earnshaw was a fan favourite in Toronto with his somersault goal celebrations. Each one usually came with a twist such as a matador sweep of the arms.
He has had plenty of chances to hone those skills.
Earnshaw has 216 career goals in more than 500 club matches at the club level in England, Scotland, Israel, Canada, and the U.S.
Uruguayan forward Octavio Rivero, a young designated player, has accounted for all three of Vancouver goals this season. The Whitecaps are 2-1-0.
