D.C. United forward Jose Ortiz suspended for costly dive in Vancouver

TORONTO — It will be of small comfort to the Vancouver Whitecaps but MLS has fined and suspended D.C. United forward Jose Ortiz one game for simulation/embellishment.

The simulation, which saw Ortiz tumble without contact in the penalty box after going past defender Kendall Waston, earned D.C. United a penalty which Lamar Neagle hammered home for a 1-0 win Saturday.

“Awful,” Vancouver coach Carl Robinson said after the game. “It’s an awful call and it’s had a major impact in the game. Usually I don’t say or criticize things that officials do as they have a hard enough job, but this official seems to cost us a lot.”

Referee Sorin Stoica awarded Vancouver a penalty kick in stoppage time but Cristian Techera could not convert.