September 4, 2009

Vancouver Whitecaps' president Bob Lenarduzzi isn't giving up on the United Soccer Leagues just yet.

Whitecaps are a member of the eight-franchise Team Owners Association which is pondering the formation of a new league after Umbro parent Nike sold USL on Aug. 27 to Atlanta-based NuRock.

Lenarduzzi said he spoke with NuRock CEO Alec Papadakis for the first time yesterday and hopes an agreement can be reached.

Meanwhile, the 9-9-8, seventh-place Caps are in Minnesota to face the Thunder Friday in another must-win. Kickoff is 5 p.m. on Fox Sports World. They also visit the Montreal Impact Wednesday.