Whitecaps FC's Matt Watson Obtains United States Green Card; Lee Nguyen Waived
Published on March 1, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that midfielder Matt Watson has obtained his permanent residency status (green card) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. With the acquisition of his green card, the English native is now considered a domestic player in Major League Soccer (MLS) and will no longer occupy an international spot on Vancouver's roster.
Whitecaps FC acquired an additional international roster spot from Colorado Rapids in January, bringing their total number of spots available for the 2012 season to 10. As a result of Watson's domestic status, the number of "ËCaps players currently occupying international roster spots stands at 10.
Watson joined Whitecaps FC on December 16, 2011, after spending four seasons with North American Soccer League (NASL) outfit Carolina RailHawks. During his time in Carolina, Watson scored eight goals and registered 11 assists and ranks second all-time in club history with 107 appearances for the North Carolina-based outfit.
Whitecaps FC also announced today that the club have waived midfielder Lee Nguyen.
Nguyen, 25, joined Whitecaps FC last December via the Major League Soccer weighted Lottery process. Prior to joining Vancouver, the native of McKinney, Texas, played the last three seasons in the Vietnamese V-League."¨"¨
Major League Soccer roster compliance deadline
The deadline for all Major League Soccer clubs to be roster compliant is today at 2 p.m. PT. While a club may continue to add or release players from their roster or training camp, the club's official roster - players under contract - must remain within the MLS roster guidelines.
Major League Soccer Stories from March 1, 2012
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- Whitecaps FC's Matt Watson Obtains United States Green Card; Lee Nguyen Waived - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
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