VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has re-signed defender Kendall Waston to a multi-year contract extension. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
- NOTE: Waston will be available to sign autographs at the Official Whitecaps FC Store in Gastown on Friday, November 20 at 10:30 a.m. PT
It was the second key transaction in as many weeks for the club, after agreeing with defensive midfielder Matías Laba on a multi-year contract extension last Thursday.
“Kendall is an important building block in what we're trying to accomplish at this club,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “His passion, physical presence, and ability to come up big in crucial situations have been instrumental to our success. He's a leader on the pitch and in the locker room, and we're excited to have arguably the best centre back in the league during the prime of his career.”
Whitecaps FC centre back Kendall Waston
- Voted as 2015 Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year
- Finished second in voting for 2015 MLS Defender of the Year
- Four MLS Team of the Week selections
- Top 15 in MLS in six statistical categories
“I'm very proud to be part of Whitecaps FC,” Waston said. “I'm thankful to the city, club, and fans for embracing me and my family. I look forward to helping the team bring even more success to Vancouver.”
Waston, 27, was acquired by Whitecaps FC in August 2014 via transfer from Deportivo Saprissa, instantly becoming an anchor on the Vancouver backline that tied for league-best in clean sheets (13) and goals conceded (36) this year.
The imposing Costa Rican, voted by fans as the 2015 Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year, finished the season in the top 15 in six statistical categories, placing second in aerials won (121), tied for third in the league in clearances with 195 (133 of them are headed clearances, second most in MLS), tied for 11th in blocks (21), 13th in interceptions (112), and 15th in the league in duels won (183).
On the other end of the pitch, Waston scored two goals, including the all-important insurance goal in the 3-0 Decision Day win over Houston Dynamo on October 25.
Waston's performances have been widely recognized across the league, evident in his second-place finish in the 2015 MLS Defender of the Year voting, in addition to his four MLS Team of the Week selections this season.
This past year, Waston and the 'Caps enjoyed their most successful season in club MLS history setting new records with 16 wins and 53 points, while reaching the MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals for the first time. In addition, Waston helped the club win their first-ever Voyageurs Cup in the annual Amway Canadian Championship.
In international play, the native of San José, Costa Rica, earned his fourth cap for his country last Tuesday. Waston went the full 90 minutes and picked up an assist in a 2-1 Ticos away win over Panama in the fourth round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Kendall Waston
Position: Centre back
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195 pounds
Date of Birth: January 1, 1988, in San José, Costa Rica
Hometown: Limón, Costa Rica
Citizenship: Costa Rica
Status: International Player
Previous Club: Deportivo Saprissa
How Acquired: Acquired via transfer from Deportivo Saprissa on August 8, 2014
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