VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has acquired midfielder Mauro Rosales from Chivas USA in exchange for midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
WHITECAPS FC MIDIFELDER MAURO ROSALES
· Second most assists (42) in MLS since joining the league in 2011
· Rosales' eight assists this season are the third highest total in MLS
· Named MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2011
· Won a gold medal with Argentina at the 2004 Olympic Games
“We are excited to welcome Mauro to our club and Vancouver," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "If you look at Mauro’s history, he’s constantly creating goals. He’s experienced, bright, and has a super football brain. His delivery on crosses is fantastic, and I know he’s a good guy. That’s important in this locker room. We’re very pleased to add a player of Mauro’s calibre as we make our push for the playoffs.”
Rosales will train with Whitecaps FC on Friday, August 22, in Carson, California, and will be eligible for selection in this Saturday's match against LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT - TV: TSN2, RADIO: TEAM 1410, MOBILE: Bell mobile devices, ONLINE: TSN GO.
Rosales, 33, joins Whitecaps FC with the second most assists (42) in MLS since 2011, behind only Houston Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis (43). Most recently, the native of Villa Maria, Argentina, started 16 of his 21 appearances for Chivas USA this season. In that time, the 5-foot-8 playmaker recorded eight assists, tied for the third highest total in MLS this season.
From 2011 to 2013, Rosales played three seasons with Seattle Sounders FC, scoring 12 goals and recording 34 assists in 86 MLS regular season matches. In his first season, the creative midfielder was named MLS Newcomer of the Year.
Prior to joining MLS, Rosales played for Argentina powerhouses Club Atletico River Plate (2007-10) and Newell’s Old Boys (1999-2004), as well as top-flight Dutch side AFC Ajax (2004-07). At the international level, Rosales was a part of Argentina's U-20 national team that won the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship and the U-23 side that won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
Reo-Coker, 30, came to Vancouver prior to the 2013 season after spending the duration of his playing career in England. In his one-and-a-half seasons with Whitecaps FC, the English midfielder started 39 of his 44 appearances, recording one goal and six assists.
“I’ve known Nigel for a number of years and consider him a friend," said Robinson. "We are thankful to Nigel for everything he's done for the club. He’s been a pleasure to work with and I have a lot of respect for him. We wish Nigel and his family all the best."
TRANSACTION: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS) – trade midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker to Chivas USA in exchange for midfielder Mauro Rosales.
Mauro Rosales
Pronunciation: MOU-ro Roh-SAH-les
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-08
Weight: 165 pounds
Date of Birth: February 24, 1981, in Villa Maria, Argentina
Hometown: Villa Maria, Argentina
Citizenship: Argentina
, United States (Green Card)
Status: Domestic
Previous Club: Chivas USA (MLS)
How Acquired: Acquired on August 21, 2014, from Chivas USA in exchange for midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker
