Vancouver Whitecaps are signing a new striker from Mexico
The Vancouver Whitecaps have a new striker in town.
Daily Hive can confirm reports that Daniel Ríos is set to join the Whitecaps, doing so on loan from Liga MX club Chivas de Guadalajara through 2025. The 29-year-old native of Mexico City has landed in Vancouver and will undergo medical evaluations today.
Ríos spent last season with Atlanta United, ranking third on the club with seven goals. A 6-foot-1 forward, he has 81 games of MLS experience with Atlanta (2024), Charlotte (2022), and Nashville (2020-2021). Ríos made 19 appearances in Liga MX in 2023 with Guadalajara, scoring just once.
Welcome to Vancouver Daniel Rios!
Announcement expected tomorrow. Medical today.
First reported by Manuel Veth on Bluesky. #VWFC pic.twitter.com/RllgwGMpFf
— AFTN (@aftncanada) February 13, 2025
The move comes days after Vancouver added American international Emmanuel Sabbi from France’s top division, Ligue 1.
The MLS season is around the corner, with Vancouver’s first match in Portland nine days away. The Whitecaps home opener at BC Place is set for March 2 against LA Galaxy.
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Whitecaps sign a goalkeeper too
Vancouver also added some goaltending depth on Friday, signing Adrían Zendejas to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026. The 29-year-old native of Chula Vista, California, spent last season in Sweden, making 27 starts with Skövde AIK in 2024.
“Adrían has a wealth of experiences from across the league, has the right mentality, and brings additional competition to our goalkeeper group,” said Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster. “He immediately fit in with the entire team and we are pleased to officially welcome him to our club and city.”
Zendejas has made 136 appearances at the pro level in the United States and Sweden.
“I’m very excited to be a part of this group and very grateful for this opportunity,” said Zendejas. “These guys have shown me nothing but love since I first got here, they’re a great group of guys to work with. I’m joining a very quality group of goalkeepers and excited to be part of this goalkeeper union. I also love the city of Vancouver from visiting it in the past. I’m looking forward to exploring it more and giving my all for the fans.”