Chris Craveiro and Rob Hall signed
Published on May 2, 2002 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER (Thursday, May 2, 2002) - In preparation for their Friday home-opener against the Minnesota Thunder, the Vancouver Whitecaps today announced the signing of two players: 25-year-old forward Chris Craveiro of Victoria, BC, and 25-year-old defender-midfielder Rob Hall of Richmond, BC.
Chris Craveiro dramatically rose to prominence last season as he helped kick-start a Whitecaps winning streak to turn the team's fortunes around. Craveiro scored two consecutive game-winners over San Diego and Toronto last July, and then set up a third in Montreal, netting a total of four goals and two assists in those three wins. However he suffered a bad hamstring injury in the game in Montreal, a 1-0 win July 8, and never fully recovered, seeing only spot duty till the end of the season. He finished the season fourth in team scoring and was named the Whitecaps' Top Rookie of 2001.
Craveiro had earlier enjoyed a sensational year at the University of Victoria, being named Canada West MVP and a CIAU 1st Team All Canadian in 2000. Craveiro first signed with Vancouver in August of 2000, but didn't see playing time until the following year. His cousin Nico Craveiro also plays for the Whitecaps and is in his rookie season.
Craveiro is a former Canadian U-17 international, and starred for several years in the Pacific Coast Soccer League, both with Victoria United and New Westminster Khalsa. He was also the leading scorer for Malaspina College in 1999. Chris Craveiro (5' 10" 175 lb.; 178 cm 80 kg) was born in Victoria, BC on January 17, 1977.
Rob Hall returns to the Vancouver line-up in 2002 after previously playing for the club in 1999 and 2000. Hall is a current member of the UBC Thunderbirds where he was named a Canada West All-Star in 2001 (as was Nico Craveiro). Hall originally joined Vancouver from Vancouver Metro League powerhouse Westside and played 30 games for the then Vancouver 86ers over two seasons. Rob Hall (5'10" 170 lb; 178 cm 77 kg) was born March 26, 1977 in Nanaimo, BC, and was raised in Richmond, BC.
TEAM CAPTAINS NAMED
The Whitecaps have confirmed that midfielder Paul Dailly, 30, has been named team captain, while defender-midfielders Jeff Clarke, 24, and Nico Berg, 28, have been named assistant captains. Dailly is the most experienced player on the squad with 140 career games, 8th on the club's all-time list. He was Vancouver's captain in 2000, but took last season off. Kevin Holness, who it is confirmed will not return this season after lengthy contract negotiations recently broke off, was captain last year.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 2, 2002
- Stongbow Cider to Sponsor Whitecaps Jerseys - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Whitecaps Home Opener Friday Night - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Chris Craveiro and Rob Hall signed - Vancouver Whitecaps
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