Tom Heinemann always enjoys coming back to Kansas City and playing in front of his family and friends. The former Rockhurst University All-American will be making his second Major League Soccer appearance in Kansas City Wednesday night when his Vancouver Whitecaps meet Sporting KC at Sporting Park.

Heinemann joined the Whitecaps prior to the 2013 season. He played the 2011 season with the Columbus Crew and missed the 2012 season with a major knee injury.

"I took a year off with my injury," said Heinemann, who is a reserve forward for the Whitecaps. "I'm thankful to God to have come back and play this season. I've gotten back in to the rhythm of playing like I was before I got hurt."

In his three seasons at Rockhurst, Heinemann accumulated 36 goals and 21 assists for 93 points. He was named to the NSCAA All-American team in 2007 and 2008.

Heinemann signed his first professional contract with the Charleston Battery in 2009. He joined the Crew in 2011 and scored three goals in 29 games. Heinemann played 10 minutes late in the game at Sporting KC in September of 2011.

So far, Heinemann and his wife, Katrina, love Vancover and plan to live in the Canadian city during the off-season.