The Whitecaps have re-signed one of their best, inking Kendall Waston to a multi-year contract extension.
The Costa Rican centre back has been outstanding since arriving in Vancouver last season. At age 27, he will be a key player for the Whitecaps moving forward.
“Kendall is an important building block in what we’re trying to accomplish at this club,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “His passion, physical presence, and ability to come up big in crucial situations have been instrumental to our success. He’s a leader on the pitch and in the locker room, and we’re excited to have arguably the best centre back in the league during the prime of his career.”
Waston was voted the Whitecaps’ Player of the Year in 2015, and finished second in voting for the MLS Defender of the Year award. He finished the season in the top 15 in six statistical categories, placing second in aerials won (121), tied for third in the league in clearances with 195 (133 of them are headed clearances, second most in MLS), tied for 11th in blocks (21), 13th in interceptions (112), and 15th in the league in duels won (183). At 6’5″, Waston also contributed offensively on set pieces, scoring on headers twice this season.
“I’m very proud to be part of Whitecaps FC,” Waston said. “I’m thankful to the city, club, and fans for embracing me and my family. I look forward to helping the team bring even more success to Vancouver.”
Waston earned his fourth cap for Costa Rica on Tuesday in a World Cup Qualifier. He played the full 90 minutes and picked up an assist in a 2-1 away win over Panama.
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