THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER — Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Matt Watson obtained his permanent residency status from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services on Thursday, according to the Major League Soccer club.
As a result, Watson — a native of Redditch, England — will no longer occupy an international spot on Vancouver’s roster.
The Whitecaps had acquired an additional international roster spot from the Colorado Rapids in January, giving Vancouver a total of 10 for the 2012 season.
Watson’s newly-minted domestic status means that the Whitecaps have 10 international players on their roster.
Vancouver also announced that it waived midfielder Lee Nguyen.
The 25-year-old American had joined the Whitecaps via the MLS’ weighted lottery draw in December.