Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced Thursday that midfielder Matt Watson has obtained his permanent residency status from the USA.

Watson joined Whitecaps FC on December 16, 2011, after spending four seasons with North American Soccer League (NASL) outfit Carolina RailHawks.

The English native is now considered a domestic player in Major League Soccer (MLS) and will no longer occupy an international spot on the roster.

The Whitecaps acquired another international roster spot from the Colorado Rapids in January, bringing their total spots available for 2012 to 10.

They also announced Thursday that the club have waived midfielder Lee Nguyen. The 25 year old joined Whitecaps FC last December via the Major League Soccer weighted Lottery process.