Whitecaps re-sign Steve Klein
March 9, 2007 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the re-signing of the 2006 United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division All-League Second Team defender Steve Klein.
"Steve is a very valuable part of the team," said Whitecaps men's head coach Bob Lilley. "He brings leadership both on and off the field and has the ability to play at a high level no matter where he is on the field. Last year he showed his tremendous versatility by making the transition from the midfield to the back and became one of the better defenders in the league."
Klein, 31, returns to Whitecaps for his third season with the club and his tenth in the league. Last year, Klein was instrumental in the team's solid defensive play, leading the Whitecaps to the league's fourth best defensive record and third best goal difference at plus 12. Klein played and started 27 of the team's 28 regular season games, lead the team with 2,335 minutes played and added two assists. During the Whitecaps triumphant run to the title, Klein played all 480 minutes in the playoffs and added one assist. For his efforts Klein was named the team's Outstanding Defender at the Whitecaps Blue and White Banquet and was selected to the 2006 USL First Division All-League Second Team.
"I am excited to be back with the Whitecaps and ready to start the defence of our title," said Klein. "I am looking forward to building a solid defensive unit that will put our team in a position to host Vancouver's first championship game."
In 2005, the 6'2" 176-pound resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania finished second in team scoring with seven goals and four assists in 27 games and was named to the 2005 USL First Division All-League First Team.
Prior to joining the Caps, Klein spent three years with the Charleston Battery, where he started 81 of 84 games played, scored eight goals and assisted on five. From 1999-2001, Klein played for the Hershey Wildcats under coach Lilley, scoring 13 goals and adding 10 assists in 68 games.
Klein was a 4-year starter at Bowling Green State University, where he was voted first team All-American in his senior year and is the all-time leading scorer. After college, Klein was drafted by Major League Soccer's New England Revolution for the 1997 season but saw limited time due to injury. In 1998, before joining the Wildcats, Klein played a season for the Nashville Metros.
Vancouver's regular season kicks off on Saturday, April 21 versus the Seattle Sounders. Whitecaps full season tickets start at just $199 and include all Whitecaps Men's and Women's regular season and playoff matches at Swangard, priority purchase rights for the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium and much more. For more information call 604.669.WAVE (9283).
USL First Division Stories from March 9, 2007
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