Nerwinski helping to fill defensive void as Whitecaps prepare to visit Minnesota
Jake Nerwinski didn’t want his chance to come about this way.
The rookie defender for the Vancouver Whitecaps earned two league starts during the club’s busy early schedule before settling in on the bench for head coach Carl Robinson, patiently waiting his turn while learning the ropes of the professional game.
But that was all turned on its head last week when veteran right back Sheanon Williams, directly above Nerwinski in the pecking order, was arrested and charged with assault in relation to an alleged domestic incident.
With Williams suspended by Major League Soccer, Nerwinski started a 1-1 home draw with FC Dallas and looks set to once again get the call Saturday when Vancouver visits expansion Minnesota United in the first-ever meeting between the clubs.