Nerwinski happy to fill void for short-staffed Whitecaps

Jake Nerwinski didn’t want his chance to come about this way.

The rookie defender for the Vancouver Whitecaps earned two league starts during the club’s busy early schedule before settling in on the bench for head coach Carl Robinson, patiently waiting his turn while learning the ropes of the professional game.

But that was all turned on its head last week when veteran right back Sheanon Williams, directly above Nerwinski in the pecking order, was arrested and charged with assault in relation to an alleged domestic incident.

With Williams suspended by Major League Soccer, Nerwinski started a 1-1 home draw with FC Dallas and looks set to once again get the call today when Vancouver visits expansion Minnesota United in the first-ever meeting between the clubs.

“What Robbo always says is, ‘Next guy up,’ ” the 22-year-old said. “Whatever happens, happens, and you have to do anything you can to help the team. That’s my position and I’m jumping in.”

The assault charge against the Williams was stayed on Monday. The Crown has one year to re-file charges.

The 27-year-old voluntarily placed himself in the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program. He will be remain suspended from competition and team activities until doctors complete an assessment and release Williams from the program.

In the meantime, Vancouver is comfortable moving forward with the seventh pick in this year’s MLS SuperDraft on the right side of defence.

“Sometimes with these young players you’re better off throwing them in and not thinking too much about it,” Robinson said of Nerwinski’s performance against Dallas. “He got stronger as the game went on.”