VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Thursday that first team goalkeeper Stefan Marinović, and Whitecaps FC 2 striker Myer Bevan and defender Deklan Wynne have been called up to the New Zealand national team for their upcoming friendly versus Japan on October 6.
As a result, Marinović will miss the 'Caps visit to New York Red Bulls, while Bevan and Wynne will be unavailable when WFC2 travel to Real Monarchs SLC, both on October 7.
The Kiwis are in the midst of preparations for their November playoff against the fifth-place team from CONMEBOL for a berth in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Japan have already booked their spot in the World Cup after finishing atop their group in the third round of the AFC World Cup qualifying.
Marinović has 21 caps for New Zealand, and has started all 11 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and each of the their three matches in last June's FIFA Confederations Cup.
Wynne has appeared in the last six 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and has 13 caps under his belt.
Bevan recently earned his first caps for the Kiwis, scoring a goal in just his second appearance in the second leg versus Solomon Islands in this month's World Cup qualifiers.
Whitecaps FC are in action this Saturday when they visit Sporting Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park (TSN2, TSN 1040). Also on Saturday, WFC2 host Portland Timbers 2 at McLeod Athletic Park. Visit whitecapsfc2.com for ticket information.
