José Aja

PROFILE
A towering 6-foot-4 centre back who is comfortable on the ball, José Aja was acquired by Whitecaps FC in a trade with Orlando City SC in February of 2018. The Uruguayan defender originally joined Orlando on loan from Racing Club de Montevideo in July of 2016 before a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

ORLANDO CITY SC
’16-’17: Aja started 24 of his 25 MLS appearances, with an 83.59 passing percentage during his first season in 2016, and 4.87 duels won per game in 2017 which was among the highest for MLS centre backs.

RACING CLUB DE MONTEVIDEO
’15-’16: Started all 12 of his appearances during the Uruguayan Primera División season, scoring two goals and recording one assist.

NACIONAL
’14-’16: Made eight starts in 10 league appearances with Nacional in the Uruguayan Primera División. In international competition, Aja made three starts and scored one goal in the Copa Sudamericana, and one start and two appearances in the Copa Libertadores.