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VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Whitecaps will be without their top central defender Saturday when they host the New England Revolution. Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie said Tuesday he does not expect Andy OBrien to play. OBrien suffered a hamstring injury in a weekend loss at Seattle, and remains out indefinitely. His absence leaves the Whitecaps with a shortage at central defender due to injuries. Captain Jay DeMerit (ruptured Achilles) is out indefinitely while Brad Rusin (calf) is at least two weeks away from returning, and Carlyle Mitchell, recalled from lower-tier Edmonton, is recuperating from an ankle injury. "Its just the timing," Rennie of the impact of the injuries. "Its unfortunate that theyre all hurt at the same time. Ive never really seen that. In recent times, there was one or two players in similar positions. "But to lose four is tough. Its hard to deal with." OBriens injury resulted two days after the Whitecaps traded versatile veteran Alain Rochat, who has experience playing central defender, to D.C. United for a pair of draft picks. Rennie said an MRI showed that OBriens injury "doesnt seem too major," but there is no timeline for his return. Mitchell, who described himself as 75- to 80-per-cent fit, is the most likely candidate to replace OBrien. "His ankle seems to be getting stronger, so thats an encouraging thing for us," said Rennie. "Obviously, weve got a lot of players out at that particular position. So there could be an opportunity for him. Hopefully, hell come through this week well, and hell be ready to go." Mitchell, a 25-year-old Trinidad and Tobago native who has represented his country internationally, played at total of five games for Vancouver in 2011 and 2012, but was loaned to Edmonton at the start of the season in order to get more playing time. He expressed a willingness to play hurt, if necessary. The Whitecaps (4-5-4) sit seventh in the Western Conference while the Revolution, 5-4-5 before Wednesdays home game against New York, are also below the playoff bar in the East. "Its a big challenge stepping in this weekend," Mitchell said. "But its all about three points (for a win), and Ill do anything to get three points, so the injury doesnt matter now." But the Whitecaps will be hard-pressed to replace OBriens experience, leadership and calm, steady play. He has quarterbacked the back line, barking out instructions to teammates to get in the proper position while playing every game this season and starting all but one. Mitchell is expected to play alongside an unfamiliar partner in fellow central defender Johnny Leveron, a Honduran international who has recently established a place in the lineup as a result of Rusins injuries. Rusin suffered a concussion before hurting his calf. Rennie said Mitchell, whom Edmonton coach Colin Miller has described as his best player, can also be vocal if called upon. But, Rennie added, it will be necessary for players in all positions to communicate effectively without OBrien directing the play. The Whitecaps were leading the Sounders 2-1 in the second half before more than 53,000 fans at CenturyLink Field when OBriens injury turned the tables in favour of the home side. His replacement, Greg Klazura, committed a foul as a result of sloppy tackling in the Vancouver box, enabling Seattle to tie the game 2-2 on a penalty-kick. And another defensive breakdown by Leveron and Klazura led to Seattles winning goal from short range. Vancouver striker Kenny Miller said OBriens injury spells a "huge loss," because he has been a "real presence" thanks to his experience and defensive qualities. Somebody will have to step up to fill the void, and Mitchell has a chance to claim a permanent position. "Its about somebody coming in with a charge," said Miller. Packers Super Bowl Jerseys . 1 position. The Mustangs (6-0), who beat Queens 50-31 last weekend, earned 17 first-place votes and 287 points in voting by the Football Reporters of Canada. Western was last ranked first in the country in October 2011. JK Scott Super Bowl Jersey . After slipping from the summit during the week, the Gunners overcame struggling Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlains second-half brace. http://www.shoptheofficialpackers.com/Elite-Elgton-Jenkins-Packers-Jersey/ . The No. 1-ranked Nadal tweaked his back warming up for the Australian Open final, which he lost almost four weeks ago in a major upset against Stanislas Wawrinka. His first stop after the layoff is the clay in Rio as he tests the back and tries to stay healthy for the French Open in three months. Aaron Jones Super Bowl Jersey . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer. ZaDarius Smith Super Bowl Jersey . Halifax beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 7-5 on the strength of two goals apiece from Nikolaj Ehlers, Matt Murphy and Brent Andrews. Jonathan Drouin also scored and had three assists while Zachary Fucale made 17 saves for the Mooseheads (16-8-0), who led 6-1 after two periods. Coach Ricky Stuart has declared a new era of NRL success in the nations capital with Canberra securing a top-two finish with a final-round thumping of Wests Tigers.The Raiders ended the Tigers finals hopes with a 52-10 defeat of the joint venture at Leichhardt Oval before 18,634 fans on Sunday, with hooker Josh Hodgson starring.Canberras regular season points tally, which rested at 688 by games end, eclipses the club record of 677 set by the premiership-winning 1994 side, considered one of the best teams of all time.It underlined the strength of the Raiders performance this year over the premiership rounds as they set up a qualifying final with Cronulla at GIO Stadium on Saturday.I am really happy for the players, they deserve to be there, Stuart said.They have been very consistent this year. It was a professional performance today but another competition starts now.Stuart was at halfback under skipper Mal Meninga in the Raiders star-studded 1994 side, the clubs last title winning outfit.At the start of the year we spoke about creating our own piece of history, Stuart said.It will be good for Canberra and the community. I know what it (success) can do.There will be a really good vibe and it is a great opportunity for these boys to see what is on offer.Hopefully it will build a bigger and stronger supporter base.The Raiders win was built on a 30-4 first half lead in which Hodgson set upp two tries and scored one himself.ddddddddddddordan Rapana and Josh Papalii both scored twice for Canberra. Rapanas first try set up with a incredible swivel-flick pass from Joey Leilua.Jack Wighton was put on report for a second half shoulder charge on Joel Edwards but Stuart said he wasnt concerned his star fullback would miss week one of the finals.After dropping club legend Robbie Farah to reserve grade in July, Tigers coach Jason Taylor had hoped to create his own piece of history at the club this season.But they again failed to return to the finals for the first time since 2011.It is very disappointing, Taylor said.We beat ourselves that is the thing. We just made too many errors.We havent had a game like that for the last couple of seasons.It was unforced error after unforced error. The harder we tried the worse it got.The Tigers would have knocked Gold Coast out of eighth spot if theyd won.You could say the situation got to us but we have been playing under that sort of pressure for several weeks now, Taylor said.Stuart said he wasnt concerned about the Raiders lack of finals experience.Beating the Sharks twice in a month will be a tough ask, he said.Being at home is an advantage and I hope youth and enthusiasm can overcome that lack of experience. ' ' '