VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has loaned first-team striker Kyle Greig through December 31, 2017, and transferred Whitecaps FC 2 centre back Sem de Wit to United Soccer League side FC Cincinnati - pending the receipt of the players' international transfer certificates.
Greig will be on loan for the duration of the 2017 USL schedule and will be eligible to rejoin Whitecaps FC following the current 2017 MLS season.
“It’s important for players to continue to develop and these moves provide Kyle and Sem a new opportunity and challenge,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “Kyle remains a part of our club and we'll track his progress closely. Also, we are thankful to Sem for his time in Vancouver, and wish him the best of luck in this next stage of his career.”
Greig, 27, has made one start in seven first-team appearances across all competitions. He scored a goal versus Montreal Impact in the Canadian Championship, and assisted on the game-winning goal at Sporting Kansas City that helped the 'Caps advance to the knockout round of the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time. The 6-foot-2 striker from Olathe, Kansas made his MLS debut as a late substitute in Portland in April.
Greig moved up to MLS in December 2016 after recording a team-high 13 goals, in addition to three assists, for Whitecaps FC 2 last year, including playoffs. In total, he started 33 of his 35 overall USL appearances in more than one season with Whitecaps FC 2.
De Wit, 22, was signed to a USL contract in February of 2016 after a trial with WFC2 in November 2015. In a season plus with Whitecaps FC 2, the native of Harderwijk, Netherlands started 43 matches, including all three playoff matches in 2016, and was named 2016 WFC2 Player of the Year.
The 6-foot-1 centre back was called up to the first team six times, making two appearances. He made his first team debut in the club’s 2016 international friendly against Crystal Palace FC and started the first leg of the 2017 Canadian Championship semifinal series against Montreal Impact.
The move to FC Cincinnati reunites the duo with former WFC2 head coach Alan Koch. They are currently tied for sixth in the USL Eastern Conference and are in the quarterfinal of the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
TRANSACTION: Vancouver Whitecaps FC loan striker Kyle Greig through December 31, 2017 and transfer Whitecaps FC 2 centre back Sem de Wit to United Soccer League side FC Cincinnati.
Kyle Greig
Position: Striker
Height: 6-02
Weight: 185 pounds
Date of Birth: February 22, 1990 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Hometown: Olathe, Kansas
Citizenship: United States
Status: Domestic
Transaction: Loan through December 31, 2017 to USL side FC Cincinnati on July 11, 2017
Sem de Wit
Position: Centre back
Height: 6-01
Weight: 180 pounds
Date of Birth: March 30, 1995 in Harderwijk, Netherlands
Hometown: Harderwijk, Netherlands
Citizenship: Netherlands
Status: International
Transaction: Transfer to USL side FC Cincinnati on July 11, 2017
