VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has acquired right back Jordan Smith on loan through the end of 2015 with an option to extend or transfer from Costa Rica’s Primera División side Deportivo Saprissa – pending receipt of his international transfer certificate, Canadian work permit and visa. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Whitecaps FC defender Jordan Smith
- Scored nine goals in 105 appearances in Costa Rica’s top division with Deportivo Saprissa
- Earned one cap with Costa Rica’s senior national team and was named to their 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup provisional 35-player roster
- Represented Costa Rica at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups
“We are excited to welcome Jordan to our club ahead of what is going to be a very busy stretch,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “He is a modern attacking fullback with good pace and strong athletic ability."
During the 2014-15 season in Costa Rica’s Primera División, Smith scored four goals in 32 appearances while helping Saprissa capture the 2014 Verano title. The 24-year-old also made five starts during the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League.
In five seasons with Saprissa, the 6-foot-1 fullback scored nine goals in 105 regular season appearances. Smith was teammates with Whitecaps FC centre back Kendall Waston during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.
Also of note, Smith had a loan spell with French side Le Havre AC during the 2010-11 season, which saw him make six appearances with their reserve side.
On the international stage, the native of San José, Costa Rica has earned one senior cap with Los Ticos - a 1-0 friendly win over Canada at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta on May 28, 2013. Smith also featured for Costa Rica at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups.
Smith will arrive in Vancouver following receipt of his Canadian work permit and visa.
Jordan Smith
Position: Defender
Height: 6-01
Weight: 165 pounds
Date of Birth: April 23, 1991 in San José, Costa Rica
Hometown: San José, Costa Rica
Citizenship: Costa Rica
Status: International
Transaction: Loan through the end of 2015 from Costa Rica’s Primera División side Deportivo Saprissa on August 6, 2015
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