THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps retained some veteran leadership Monday, re-signing goalkeeper Joe Cannon and midfielder John Thorrington.
Also on Monday, the Whitecaps traded goalkeeper Jay Nolly to the Chicago Fire for a first round selection in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft.
The signings of Cannon and Thorrington mean both players are ineligible for the 2011 Major League Soccer re-entry draft scheduled to kick off later Monday.
"Joe and John are experienced MLS players that bring leadership, both on and off the pitch," said Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie. "Both players enjoyed strong second halves of last season and we are excited to have them back for year two."
The 36-year-old Cannon, a two-time MLS goalkeeper of the year, joined Vancouver last November after being selected in the eighth round (16th overall) of the 2010 expansion draft from the San Jose Earthquakes.
He started in 20 games in 2011, posting a 1.60 goal-against average and three shutouts.
The 32-year-old Thorrington was acquired in the 10th round of the expansion draft (20th overall) from the Chicago Fire. He rebounded after an injury-plagued start to the season to make 11 appearances.
The 2011 Re-Entry Process, initiated in 2010 as part of the collective bargaining agreement, began Monday with Stage 1. Stage 2 is scheduled for Dec. 12.