VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Thursday that striker Myer Bevan has been called up to the New Zealand national team for their upcoming friendly versus Canada on March 24.

As a result, Bevan will be unavailable for the Whitecaps FC home match against LA Galaxy on the same day. Fellow Kiwi international Stefan Marinović, as well as the 'Caps Canadian men's national team players, will stay behind in Vancouver for the early season test against the five-time MLS Cup champions.

Bevan, a native of Auckland, earned his first caps for the Kiwis last year, scoring a goal in just his second appearance in the second leg versus Solomon Islands in the World Cup qualifiers.

The 20-year old forward signed a first-team contract last December after starring with Whitecaps FC 2, where he scored three goals in 11 starts and 13 USL appearances.

After back-to-back wins to start the season, Whitecaps FC are back in action this Saturday against Atlanta United FC (4:30 p.m. PT on TSN2).