Whitecaps FC add first three players to WFC2 roster

VANCOUVER, BC
– Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that defender
Jackson Farmer
, defender/midfielder
Jordan Haynes
, and midfielder
Mitch Piraux
have been added as the first three players to the club’s inaugural Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) roster for the 2015 United Soccer League (USL) season. All three players are graduates of the Whitecaps FC Residency program. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
“We’re excited to add three great, young promising players who have come a long way over the last four years with the Whitecaps FC Residency program,” said WFC2 head coach Alan Koch. “This is an important opportunity in their own development to play in a professional league. I’m looking forward to seeing them excel and hopefully this will push them on the next level.” 
WFC2 defender Jackson Farmer

• 88 matches with Whitecaps FC Residency and U-23 teams
• Made Canadian senior men’s national team debut on September 8, 2013

Farmer, 19, joins the inaugural WFC2 roster after recently taking part in preseason with the first team, appearing in friendly matches against New England Revolution and the University of Victoria. The young defender made his professional debut on loan to Charleston Battery in USL last year, starting three of his four appearances. From 2011 until 2014, Farmer spent three years in the Whitecaps FC Residency program. In that time, the native of Edmonton, Alberta started 52 of his 54 regular season appearances in the United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) with Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency, and all 27 matches with the U-16 squad. Additionally, Farmer also made three appearances with Whitecaps FC in the MLS Reserve League and started seven matches with Whitecaps FC U-23 in the USL Premier Development League (PDL).
Internationally, Farmer has already made his debut for Canada’s senior men’s national team, coming on as a second half substitute against Mauritania on September 8, 2013. The centre back was also recently a member of Canada’s U-20 national team, starting two matches at the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship tournament and scoring a goal against Cuba. Farmer previously represented Canada at both the U-18 and U-15 youth national team levels.
WFC2 defender/midfielder Jordan Haynes

• 92 matches with Whitecaps FC Residency and U-23 teams
• Represented Canada at 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship and 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup

Haynes, 19, enters the professional ranks in the midst of his fourth season in the Whitecaps FC Residency program. During his time with the U-18 Residency team, the versatile defender/midfielder started 59 of his 70 appearances, scoring 10 goals, while also previously starting 10 of his 14 matches with the U-16 squad and adding three goals. In 2014, Haynes also made eight appearances with Whitecaps FC U-23 in PDL action.
At the international level, the native of Peterborough, Ontario recently represented Canada on the U-20 national team level, starting two of his three appearances at the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship tournament. Haynes also represented Canada at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, playing in all three matches and making two starts. Prior to that, Haynes wore the Red and White at the 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Championship, scoring against Panama, and played for Canada at the U-15 level.
WFC2 midfielder Mitch Piraux

• 99 matches with Whitecaps FC Residency and U-23 teams
• Represented Canada at the U-18, U-16, and U-15 national team levels

Piraux, 19, also comes by way of Whitecaps FC Residency. The native of Calgary, Alberta has been taking part in preseason with the first team, playing in friendly matches against San Jose Earthquakes and the University of Victoria. Piraux originally joined the Residency program in 2011 and went on to start 56 of 61 appearances with the U-18 squad while scoring 10 goals, as well as 27 of 28 matches with the U-16 team to go along with three goals. With Whitecaps FC U-23, Piraux made 10 appearances in 2014.
The dependable midfielder has represented his country internationally at the U-18, U-16, and U-15 national team levels, notably playing in the Torneo COTIF with the U-18 national team in 2013.
Come and see the next generation of Whitecaps FC stars as USL PRO arrives in Vancouver. With Season Tickets available for as low as $118, WFC2 matches will be a unique and affordable experience for fans, families, students, and supporters. The first 1,100 fans to sign up for Season Tickets will be recognized as founding members of the WFC2 Starting 11, a membership group that offers exclusive rewards and experiences. Become a part of the team and 
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Jackson Farmer
Position:
Defender
Height:
6-02
Weight:
180
Date of Birth:
May 3, 1995
Hometown:
Edmonton, Alberta
Citizenship:
Canada
Status:
Domestic
Last Club:
Whitecaps FC Residency
Youth Club:
Edmonton Xtreme FC
Jordan Haynes
Position:
Defender/Midfielder
Height:
5-10
Weight:
165
Date of Birth:
January 17, 1996
Hometown:
Peterborough, Ontario
Citizenship:
Canada
Status:
Domestic
Last Club:
Whitecaps FC Residency
Youth Club:
Peterborough City
Mitch Piraux
Position:
Midfielder
Height:
5-08
Weight:
155
Date of Birth:
April 18, 1995
Hometown:
Calgary, Alberta
Citizenship:
Canada
Status:
Domestic
Last Club:
Whitecaps FC Residency
Youth Club:
Calgary Foothills
WFC2 Open Tryout presented by adidas
The club will host its inaugural WFC2 Open Tryout, presented by adidas, this Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, on David Sidoo Field at UBC Thunderbird Stadium. At least one participant from the open tryout is guaranteed to be invited to take part in WFC2 preseason training camp and be given an opportunity to earn a spot on the inaugural WFC2 roster.
Registration is open at
whitecapsfc.com/tryout
and closes this coming Wednesday, February 18.