VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that the club has exercised the 2023 Major League Soccer contract option for centre back Derek Cornelius, bringing the first team roster to 23 players for next season. Cornelius is currently on loan through December 2022 with Greek Super League side Panetolikos FC.
In addition, Whitecaps FC confirmed that the club did not exercise the 2023 contract option for striker Tosaint Ricketts, who is also a member of the club’s front office as the manager of community impact. Ricketts, along with centre back Florian Jungwirth, are both eligible for MLS Free Agency and are continuing discussions with the club around opportunities off the pitch.
Finally, Vancouver confirmed that the following five players will not be returning in 2023 as the club did not exercise the contract options for goalkeeper Cody Cropper, defenders Marcus Godinho and Jake Nerwinski, midfielder Leonard Owusu, and striker Lucas Cavallini. Cavallini, Godinho and Owusu are eligible for the MLS Re-Entry Draft, while Cropper and Nerwinski are eligible for MLS Free Agency.
“We are very thankful to Cody, Jake, Marcus, Leo and Lucas,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “All of these men helped us win the 2022 Canadian Championship and are fantastic individuals. They will always be welcome at our club and we wish every one of them the very best.”
First team players under contract for 2023:
Goalkeepers (3): Max Anchor, Isaac Boehmer, Thomas Hasal
Defenders (8): Tristan Blackmon, Javain Brown, Matteo Campagna, Derek Cornelius*, Julian Gressel, Cristián Gutiérrez, Luís Martins, Ranko Veselinović
Midfielders (8): Caio Alexandre*, Sebastian Berhalter, Andrés Cubas, Ryan Gauld, Ryan Raposo, Alessandro Schöpf, Russell Teibert, Pedro Vite
Forwards (4): Déiber Caicedo, Cristian Dájome, Kamron Habibullah, Brian White
Away on loan:
Caio Alexandre - Brazilian Série A side Fortaleza EC, through December 2022
Derek Cornelius - Greek Super League side Panetolikos FC, through December 2022
The MLS offseason roster building events continue with the opening of Free Agency on November 16, Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process and End-of-Year Waivers on November 17, followed by Stage 2 the Re-Entry Process on November 22. The 2023 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas will take place on December 21. For more information on the MLS offseason visit whitecapsfc.com.
Beginning in 2023, as part of the multiyear partnership between MLS and Apple, fans around the world will be able to watch all MLS and Leagues Cup games on the Apple TV app. As an exclusive benefit, Whitecaps FC 2023 Season Members will receive a subscription to the MLS Streaming Service on Apple TV, as well as a significant savings over single match tickets. For more information on Whitecaps FC season memberships visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
