Vancouver Whitecaps veteran midfielder Martin Nash has been awarded the captain's armband for the upcoming season.
Nash, 33, is entering his ninth season with Vancouver and 15th in pro soccer. He's been a constant for the team, missing just six of 164 matches over the last five seasons - three of which were due to Canadian national team commitments.
"Martin was a natural selection," Whitecaps coach Teitur Thordarson said in a statement. "Last year he took over the captaincy for a handful of games and it appeared to affect his play in a positive way.
"He is well respected for his qualities on and off the field, and in particular, he is very good at sharing his knowledge with younger players."
Nash is the younger brother of Steve Nash, the all-star guard with the NBA's Phoenix Suns.
Last year, Martin Nash, of Victoria, started all 30 matches in the regular season for 2,626 minutes of action - fourth in the United Soccer Leagues First Division. He registered a goal and three assists, and earned USL-1 all-league team honours for the fourth time in his career.
"It is an honour to be selected as team captain," Nash said. "I have shared the leadership responsibilities the last couple of years and I am excited to be taking on an even bigger role."
