VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that midfielder Sebastian Berhalter has agreed to a new contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026.
“Sebastian has continued to make tremendous strides since joining our club in February 2022 and especially in the last season,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “Still only 22, Sebastian has shown to be a key piece in our group with a willingness to contribute wherever needed. He is very mature for his age, works extremely hard and will always push himself to be better. We are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement and we now look forward to seeing him continue his development as he helps us achieve our goals in the coming years.”
Whitecaps FC midfielder Sebastian Berhalter
- Career-high in 2023 with two goals, four assists in 16 starts and 37 appearances
- Top five U-23 MLS defensive/central midfielders in progressive passes and tackles won per 90 minutes in 2023 with a minimum 900 minutes played
- Two-time Canadian Championship winner in 2022 and 2023
- 27 starts and 57 appearances across all competitions for Whitecaps FC
“Thank you to Axel, Vanni (Sartini), and Quinn (Thompson) for this opportunity,” added Berhalter. “I’m excited to help the club compete for trophies and can’t wait to be back in front of our fans!”
Having arrived in Vancouver via trade with Columbus Crew in February 2022, the product of Westerville, Ohio has made 27 starts and 57 appearances across all competitions in his first two years with Whitecaps FC.
This past season with the ‘Caps, Berhalter enjoyed new career highs as he recorded two goals, four assists, 16 starts, and 37 appearances across all competitions. The 22-year-old finished the season tied for seventh on the team in appearances and was fourth on the team in matchday roster selections across all competitions with 45. While primarily playing as a defensive or central midfielder, Berhalter displayed his versatility by deputizing as a wingback in four starts.
Berhalter was signed as a Homegrown player by Columbus ahead of their MLS Cup-winning season in 2020 and went on to make nine first team appearances. A Crew Academy product, Berhalter spent five years in their development system, as well as one year at the University of North Carolina.
Prior to arriving in Vancouver, the Crew sent Berhalter on loan to Western Conference side Austin FC for the 2021 season, where he made 18 appearances.
TRANSACTION: On December 6, 2023, Whitecaps FC sign midfielder Sebastian Berhalter to a new contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026.
