Torres out of Seattle's opener vs. Red Bulls due to violent conduct ban

Roman Torres was retrospectively hit with a one-match ban and an undisclosed fine by Major League Soccer's Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday for kicking out at the Montreal Impact's Ambroise Oyongo last Saturday.

The Seattle Sounders defender will now miss the defending MLS Cup champions' widely anticipated home opener against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.

Torres, one of the league's most bullish and uncompromising centre-halves, will probably be deputised by Tony Alfaro, with fellow defender Chad Marshall likely to remain immovable in Brian Schmetzer's XI.