VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has signed Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) defender Finn Linder to an MLS short-term agreement for Wednesday's Leagues Cup 2024 Round of 32 match against LIGA MX side Pumas UNAM at BC Place. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT, live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
This marks the third time Linder has signed an MLS short-term agreement. The native of Calgary, Alberta made his Whitecaps FC first team debut against Wrexham AFC on July 27, starting the match and playing the full 90 minutes. Linder was also named to the bench in the 'Caps opening Leagues Cup group stage match at Los Angeles FC on July 30 and made his competitive first team debut against Club Tijuana on August 3 as a substitute.
Whitecaps FC defender Finn Linder
- 14 starts and one assist with WFC2 this season
- 36 starts across three seasons with WFC2
- Three appearances with New Zealand's U-20 and U-23 sides
- Part of New Zealand’s squad at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup
Linder, 20, has started all 14 of his appearances with WFC2 this season and registered an assist in the club's 5-3 victory over Real Monarchs SLC on March 23.
An original member of WFC2, Linder has recorded 36 starts, two goals, and one assist across three seasons in MLS NEXT Pro action.
Prior to moving up to MLS NEXT Pro, Linder joined the Whitecaps FC BMO MLS Academy in 2020. Prior to his arrival in Vancouver, Linder was a part of the Whitecaps FC BMO Alberta Academy Centre in Calgary, in partnership with the Alberta Soccer Association and Calgary Minor Soccer Association.
On the international stage, Linder has presented New Zealand at both the U-20 and U-23 levels, making three starts. Two of his starts with his country came at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup alongside WFC2 midfielder Jay Herdman, where New Zealand reached the Round of 16.
In his youth, Linder spent time with Calgary Blizzard.
TRANSACTION: On August 6, 2024, Whitecaps FC sign defender Finn Linder to an MLS short-term agreement.
Finn Linder
Position: Defender
Height: 6-03
Weight: 170 pounds
Date of Birth: May 6, 2004 in Calgary, Alberta
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Citizenship: Canada
Status: Domestic 
Youth clubs: Whitecaps FC BMO Academy, Calgary Blizzard
Instagram: @finn.linder
