Defender suits up for Rochester against former Whitecaps teammates
By Ian Walker
Expect it to be an emotional game today for former Vancouver Whitecap defender Steve Kindel. The Burnaby native faces his old team for the first time when the Rochester Rhinos play the Whitecaps at Marina Auto Stadium
Kindel, who sits second on the Whitecaps' all-time games and minutes-played list, signed with the Rhinos last week, seven months after he, Alfredo Valente and Jeff Clarke were told Vancouver would not be renewing their contracts. The trio played a combined 30 seasons for the Whitecaps and their previous incarnation, the 86ers.
Vancouver could also have a new addition in its lineup, as defender/midfielder Chris Pozniak returned to the club earlier this week. Pozniak is expected to join the Whitecaps in Rochester after a tryout with Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. Pozniak spent part of last season with Vancouver before signing with Scottish First Division club Dundee FC for the 2008-09 campaign.
Pozniak replaces centre back Jeff Parke after the former New York Red Bulls player was given his release to pursue other soccer options. Marco Reda and Mason Trafford will likely start in the backfield against the Rhinos.
Up front, expect Marlon James to line up alongside rookie Marcus Haber, leaving veteran Charles Gbeke to come off the bench. James missed most of the first-half of the season with various injuries, but leads Vancouver in scoring with six goals.
Today's game is the first of four matches Vancouver will play in the next seven days.
Kindel did not return calls to The Vancouver Sun on Thursday.
iwalker@vancouversun.com © Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
