By BOB MACKIN
- THE BUZZ:
The Vancouver Whitecaps are hoping to ride the wave of last Sunday's slump-busting win when they host the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday (7 p.m., Swangard Stadium, Shaw TV and usllive.com).
- CRUCIAL:
The defending champion Whitecaps cling to the seventh and last United Soccer Leagues' First Division playoff spot with an 8-9-7 record. They ended a six-game losing slide with a 2-0 win over Miami FC.
- RHINOSERIOUS:
The 9-8-7 Rhinos include ex-Caps Andrew Gregor, Ze Roberto and Steve Kindel. Burnaby-native Kindel was released by the Caps after their 2008 championship. Coach Darren Tilley is also a former Caps player.
- SOLD:
Not often a league changes hands, but it did Thursday when NuRock Soccer Holdings of Atlanta bought USL from Nike, parent of Umbro.
- GET ON YOUR BOOTS:
Fans are encouraged to bring "gently worn" soccer boots and balls for donation to SOS Children's Villages. Donors get a 25 per cent off coupon for Umbro boot purchases.
