Caps Sign Three Up-and-Coming Players
Published on April 16, 2003 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER (Wednesday, April 16, 2003) - The Whitecaps F.C. Men's Team has signed a trio of promising young players in midfielder Gordon Chin of Burnaby, defender-midfielder Nico Craveiro of Victoria, and goalkeeper Simon Postma of Coquitlam.
Midfielder Gordon Chin, age 20, was selected by the Whitecaps in the Second Round, 29th overall, of the 2003 A-League Draft. A co-captain of Canada's highly successful U-20 Team, he has also been called up to the National U-23 squad. Chin has four caps with the U-20s, who will compete at the recently-rescheduled FIFA World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates starting November 27. Chin spent several seasons in England playing for the youth team of First Division side Portsmouth, before returning to Canada last year.
A small but quick player, Chin is noted for his skill and bustling style. He played this past winter for Burnaby Canadians of the Vancouver Metro Soccer League, as well the Vancouver Explorers of the Pacific Coast Soccer League in the summer. He was born March 26, 1983 in Burnaby, and attended Burnaby North Secondary.
24-year-old Nico Craveiro played 22 games for Vancouver last season as an A-League rookie, after signing on April 8, 2002. Normally a midfielder, the versatile Craveiro has also been used to good effect on defence. He was Vancouver's Second Round selection in the 2002 A-League Draft, chosen 41st overall. A former team captain at the University of Victoria, Craveiro was named a 2001 Canada West All-Star and a 2000 CIAU All Canadian, and this past winter, served as an assistant coach with the Vikes.
Nico Craveiro (6' 175 lb; 183cm 80kg) was born April 14, 1978 in Victoria, B.C. He is the cousin of Whitecaps forward Chris Craveiro.
Nico Craveiro's Vancouver Playing Statistics (includes playoffs)
Year GP GS Min G A Pts GWG C E
2002 22 13 1194 0 0 0 0 1 0
20-year-old Simon Postma signed with the Whitecaps last season following an impressive performance in a 1-0 preseason loss to Portland on April 27, in which he came on at half-time. A former Vancouver youth and reserve team player, Postma dressed for several games in 2002, but has yet to see league action. Simon Postma (6'1" 175lb; 185cm 80kg) was born April 7, 1983 in Prince George, B.C., and was raised in Coquitlam. He is a product of Metro Ford youth soccer, and attended Pinetree Secondary.
Coincidentally, all three players celebrated their birthday in the past three weeks.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from April 16, 2003
- Timbers and Tennyson Come to Terms - Portland Timbers
- Caps Sign Three Up-and-Coming Players - Vancouver Whitecaps
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