The Vancouver Whitecaps, making the transition from the USSF Division 2 Pro League to Major League Soccer for the 2011 season, announced Monday the release of defender Takashi Hirando, who played at left fullback.
Hirano joined the Whitecaps in the 2008 USL First Division season March 12 after playing 15 seasons in Japan's J League Division One.
He quickly earned his teammates' respect, winning their Newcomer of the Year award and was named to the USL-1 All League Second Division as the Whitecaps captured the league title that season.
In 2009, he started all but one of 28 game appearances and was named Vancouver's Defender of the Year.
In 2010, in the USSF D-2 League, he started four of 17 appearances.
Over three seasons in two leagues with the Whitecaps, Hirano had a goal and three assists and started 63 of 85 team appearances.
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