VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The Vancouver Whitecaps have fired coach Carl Robinson and his assistants with five games remaining in the season.

Team president Bob Lenarduzzi said Tuesday the decision to dismiss Robinson, assistant coaches Martyn Pert and Gordon Forest and goalkeeper coach Stewart Kerr gives the team time to prepare for next season.

The Whitecaps are in eighth place in the Western Conference with 40 points and a record of 11-11-7. They are four points behind the Seattle Sounders, who hold the sixth and final playoff spot.

Craig Dalrymple, technical director for the Whitecaps FC Academy, will serve as acting coach for the rest of the season.

Robinson, who is Welsh and played in the Premier League with Portsmouth and Sunderland, was named coach in December 2013. He had an MLS record of 64-59-42 and guided the Whitecaps to three playoff appearances, including two Western Conference semifinals.

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