Vancouver Whitecaps release Etienne Barbara

MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps released Malta international striker Etienne Barbara.

Barbara made two substitute appearances during Major League Soccer matches, playing just 13 minutes over two substitute apperances. He also made two appearances in the Amway Canadian Championship. He also started six matches for the Whitecaps’ Reserve League side.

The Malta international striker was one of five former Carolina RailHawks players that followed head coach Martin Rennie to Vancouver, but unlike Brad Knighton, Matt Watson and Jun Marques Davidson – who played significant roles for the team – he failed to make an impact.

“He was not able to be fully fit to get in the team. It was disappointing for him and for me, because he is a player who could do well at this level. He just was not able to get over an injury, which he now has got over, but it was difficult for us to take up his option after he missed most of the season,” said Martin Rennie.

Etienne Barbara was top scorer and Most Valued Player in the NASL in 2011 with twenty goals in twenty seven games with Carolina RailHawks.