Steve Klein Signs with Vancouver

[Dayons_Den]

For Immediate Release: January 20, 2005

Vancouver signs free-agent midfielder Steve Klein

VANCOUVER, BC – The Vancouver Whitecaps Director of Soccer Operations, Bob Lenarduzzi, and head coach, Bob Lilley, announced today the signing of midfielder Steve Klein. Klein agreed to a one-year deal with an option.

“Steve is the consummate two-way player, whose versatility enables him to play many different positions,” said Lilley. “He understands the game very well, and is prepared to do the little things that help teams win. His experience and professionalism will be a major asset to the club.”

Klein, a 6’2”, 176-pound midfielder has spent the last three years with the Charleston Battery, starting 81 of 84 games played. During his time with the Battery he scored eight goals and assisted on five. Prior to Charleston, the native of Nashville Tennessee, played three seasons with the Hershey Wildcats under Lilley, where he accumulated 13 goals and 10 assists in 68 games.

Klein, born on May 11, 1975, was a 4-year starter at Bowling Green State University, where he was voted 1st team All-American in his senior year. He is also the all-time leading point’s scorer at BGSU. After college, Klein was drafted by Major League Soccer's New England Revolution for the 1997 season but saw limited time due to injury. In 1998, before joining the Wildcats, Klein played a season for the Nashville Metros.