Whitecaps officially acquire designated player Fredy Montero

Feb 16 2017, 2:30 am

It’s official.

The report that surfaced Monday out of Colombia has been confirmed, and Fredy Montero has signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“I can’t wait to step onto the field, in front of the great Vancouver supporters, and start scoring goals,” Montero said.

This is music to the ears of Whitecaps supporters.

After months of inaction, the ‘Caps finally have a big-name striker as their designated player. Finally, it would appear, the Whitecaps have a player that can score goals. And lots of them.

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The Colombian striker joins the Whitecaps on a one-year loan from Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda, where he scored nine times in 29 appearances last season.

He will officially join the club’s roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate, Canadian work permit and visa.

Prior to playing in China, Montero scored 37 goals and added 12 assists in 94 appearances, including UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches, with Portugal’s Primeira Liga side Sporting Clube de Portugal.

The three-time MLS All-Star is the Seattle Sounders’ all-time leading scorer with 47 goals and 34 assists in 119 regular season appearances from 2009 to 2012.

“It’s a great signing for us and we’re delighted to welcome Fredy to our club,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “We have worked diligently throughout the offseason to strengthen the forward areas and today we have managed to add a very good striker in Fredy. He has proven throughout his career to be an elite attacking player and consistent goalscorer, and he is already familiar with the league and environment. We look forward to seeing him on the pitch wearing the Blue and White.”

“I’m really excited, so happy, and feel blessed,” Montero said. “I was looking forward to once again playing in Major League Soccer and I am so thankful to Whitecaps FC for giving me this opportunity.”

Montero joined his new Whitecaps teammates in Portland on Tuesday, as the club prepares for their first game of consequence – their first CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final leg against New York Red Bulls – in seven days.

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