VANCOUVER, BC
– Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that the club has re-signed attacking midfielder
Nicolás Mezquida
to a new contract through 2018, with a club option for 2019.
“We’re delighted to re-sign Nico to a new contract,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “His personality and work rate is infectious. He has been a key member of our squad and has continued to grow and mature during his time with us. Nico will continue to be a big part of our club moving forward.”
Nicolás Mezquida – Whitecaps FC attacking midfielder
- Nine goals and four assists since joining the club in 2014
- Six goals and one assist in all competitions last season, earning the club’s 2016 Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero award
- One goal in three appearances for Uruguay at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup
Mezquida, 25, has made 73 appearances in all competitions with Whitecaps FC, scoring nine goals and recording four assists during his first three seasons. Last year was his most productive season with six goals and one assist, starting 22 of his 34 total appearances. For his efforts in 2016, Mezquida received the club’s Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero award.
"It is a privilege to play for an amazing team in a soccer city," added Mezquida. "The fans and friends in Vancouver have made me feel at home. I hope to help write history with the team and all of you."
The 5-foot-6, 150-pound Uruguayan originally arrived in Vancouver in February of 2014 after playing most of his early career in his home country. The native of Paysandú, Uruguay, began his career with the Club Atlético Peñarol youth academy in 2006 before earning a first team contract in 2008. During his time with Peñarol, Mezquida had two loan spells in 2011 with Norwegian clubs SK Brann and Lillestrøm SK. Prior to arriving in Vancouver, Mezquida was a member of Uruguayan clubs Centro Atlético Fénix and Boston River, and spent time on loan with Rampala Juniors.
At the international level, Mezquida made three appearances in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, recording one goal for Uruguay’s U-17 national team. With the U-15 national team, Mezquida scored 10 goals in 12 appearances, including leading the 2007 CONMEBOL South American U-15 Football Championship with five goals in the tournament.
Nicolás Mezquida
Position:
Attacking midfielder
Height:
5-06
Weight:
150 pounds
Date of Birth:
January 21, 1992, in Paysandú, Uruguay
Hometown:
Paysandú, Uruguay
Citizenship:
Uruguay
Status:
International
Previous Club:
Centro Atlético Fénix (Uruguayan Primera División)
How Acquired:
Acquired by Whitecaps FC on February 5, 2014, via transfer from Uruguayan side Boston River. Re-signed on December 11, 2014. Re-signed to new contract on March 8, 2017.
