The Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today (September 25) that it has "released" its head coach, Carl Robinson.

The firing came two days after Vancouver lost 2-1 to FC Dallas, a defeat that left the MLS franchise four points behind the Seattle Sounders in the last playoff spot of the Western Conference and with five games to play in the season. Dallas moved into the top spot in the conference with the win.

The club also fired goalkeeper coach Stewart Kerr and assistant coach Martyn Pert, "effective immediately". 

Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi said  in a release: “We have a lot of respect and appreciation for Carl and his team, and are thankful for the contributions they have made to this club. A lot of thought and consideration has gone into this decision, which was made with the best interests of the club moving forward."

The club announced that Whitecaps FC Academy technical director Craig Dalrymple will assume Robinson's position for the remainder of the season as the franchise conducts a search for a new head coach "immediately".

Robinson started with the club in December 2013. Prior to that, he served as assistant coach for two seasons. He leaves with a regular-season record of 64-59-42 and with a comprehensive record (all competitions, including playoffs and tournaments) of 78-71-50.

Before joining the Whitecaps, Robinson—a Welsh midfielder who started his soccer-playing career with the Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1996—played a total of 406 professional games with eight teams in England and two in North America (MLS), scoring 32 goals and earning 52 caps with the Wales national team.

As for the club's chances of catching Seattle (also with five matches left in the season) and passing the LA Galaxy (one point ahead of Vancouver with four games remaining) for the final playoff spot, Lenarduzzi said: "With five games left, we remain focused on our opportunity to make the playoffs. As we look to 2019 and beyond, we are committed to being a championship contender and a global search for a coach to lead this vision will start today."

Vancouver's five remaining matches are against the LA Galaxy and Toronto FC (on the road), Sporting Kansas City (home), Los Angeles Football Club (away), and finally Cascadia Cup rivals the Portland Timbers at home on October 28.