By BOB MACKIN
The Vancouver Whitecaps' two Chucks are gone for two games each.
The United Soccer Leagues banned assistant captain Wesley Charles and star striker Charles Gbeke from Saturday's road game in Montreal. The teammates were red-carded after a fight during last Friday's 3-2 home win over Miami FC.
The Whitecaps levied an additional one-game suspension, so they will also miss the June 23 visit with the expansion Cleveland City Stars.
"Regardless of whether there were punches thrown, it was totally inappropriate behaviour," said Whitecaps' president Bob Lenarduzzi. "I felt it needed to be punished further."
Charles and Gbeke were fined an undisclosed amount by the club and are eligible to return July 9 against the Minnesota Thunder. Lenarduzzi said a similar incident would not be tolerated.
"There's no questions asked," he said. "At that point, they're gone."
Head coach Teitur Thordarson said forwards Dever Orgill and Randy Edwini-Bonsu have been called up from the Premier Development League Whitecaps to fill Gbeke's spot. Luca Bellisomo will join the back line.
"I count on these younger guys to perform for us," Thordarson said. "They have always done that."
