THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER — Canadian women’s national team veterans Melanie Booth, Brittany Timko and Kaylyn Kyle have signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The trio recently played for Canada in January’s CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament and are in residency camp with the national team in Vancouver in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics.
All three will be available for the May 18 home opener in Langley, B.C.
"We’re ecstatic to add players the quality of Melanie, Kaylyn and Brittany," Whitecaps women’s coach Jesse Symons said in a statement. "Not only do they add an incredible amount of technical skill and ability to our side, but also a ton of experience and leadership that will greatly benefit our younger players."
The 22-year-old Kyle will play her sixth season with the Whitecaps. The midfielder from Saskatoon scored two goals in three post-season matches in her last appearance with the team during the 2011 W-League playoffs.
Timko, 26, has played four seasons for the Whitecaps, most recently during the 2006 season. The midfielder from Oakville, Ont., scored four goals and started 25 of her 26 appearances with Vancouver.
The 27-year-old Booth returns for her second season with the Whitecaps. The defender from Burlington, Ont., played four games for Vancouver in 2010, scoring two goals.
The team opens its season May 13 versus Highlanders FC in Victoria.