Goalkeeper Evan Bush will not be playing in Wednesday's historic match between the Montreal Impact and Mexico's Club America in the CONCACAF semifinal.
Bush received a second yellow card in the 89th minute of last Wednesday's match, which resulted in his being expelled from the game and an automatic one-game suspension.
The team appealed the decision to CONCACAF, to no avail: the suspension will hold.
According to article 6.25 of the regulations of the CONCACAF Champions League, a referee's decision cannot be overturned as the result of a team protest.
"We believe that the yellow card was a mistake by the referee, but CONCACAF has made its decision based on its rules," said Adam Braz, technical director for the Impact.
"We are still studying all our options before Wednesday's game."
"He's been great for us and he's made fantastic saves," said Montreal midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. "But these things happen in football and there's nothing we can do about that. All we can do is just move forward and have faith and belief in whoever the management brings in.
"It's just a shame for Bushy to miss the final because he's played such a big part for us. All we can do as players is win this tournament and dedicate it to him."
Backup goalkeeper ineligible
Second-string goalkeeper Eric Kronberg is ineligible since he played in Sporting Kansas City's Champions League matches last year. Montreal could give the start to goalkeeper John Smits, who is on loan from NASL squad FC Edmonton, or Maxime Crepeau, a 20-year-old coming off a shoulder injury.
The Impact could also still acquire a goalkeeper on loan. However, Braz said the club was not interested in a short-term or one-game loan.
The second and final game in the final tournament takes place Wednesday at Montreal's Olympic Stadium.
In the first match the Impact tied Club America 1-1.
The Impact will need a win or a 0-0 tie in the second game to earn a spot at the FIFA Club World Cup.
With a file from The Canadian Press
