VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has signed Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) midfielder Giovanni Aguilar to an MLS short-term agreement for Wednesday's MLS away match against Colorado Rapids.
This marks the first time Aguilar has signed a short-term agreement with the first team.
Whitecaps FC midfielder Giovanni Aguilar
- Two goals, two assists in 12 starts and 15 appearances with WFC2 in 2023
- Spent 2023 preseason with the first team in Marbella, Spain, making one appearance
- Selected 49th overall by Whitecaps FC in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft
- Three goals and 11 assists in 71 starts and 72 appearances for California State University Northridge
Aguilar, 25, has started 12 of his 15 appearances with WFC2 this season, wearing the captain's armband in each of his starts. The native of Olivehurst, California has also recorded two goals, as well as two assists, and was part of the ‘Caps first team preseason training camp in Marbella, Spain.
Last season, Aguilar made 19 starts and 22 appearances for WFC2 in the club’s inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season, tallying four goals and two assists. The midfielder was originally selected 49th overall by Vancouver in the second round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft out of California State University Northridge.
During his time at California State, Aguilar was named to the Big West All-Conference First Team after recording three goals and a team-leading three assists in 17 starts during the 2021 season. Aguilar received Honourable Mention All-Conference honours in 2018 as well as 2017, and was named to the Big West Conference All-Freshman Team in 2017.
In his youth, Aguilar spent time with the academy of USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC, where he was named to the U.S. Development Academy Western Conference Best XI upon helping the U-18 team reach the playoffs. He eventually signed with the Sacramento first team in December 2021 prior to being drafted by Whitecaps FC.
Aguilar becomes the third WFC2 player to sign an MLS short-term agreement with the first team this season, joining midfielder Vasco Fry and forward Levonte Johnson. In 2022, the 'Caps led the league in call-ups from MLS NEXT Pro.
TRANSACTION: On June 20, 2023, Whitecaps FC sign midfielder Giovanni Aguilar to an MLS short-term agreement.
Giovanni Aguilar
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-00
Weight: 175 pounds
Date of Birth: March 8, 1998 in Olivehurst, California
Hometown: Olivehurst, California
Citizenship: United States
Status: Domestic
University: California State University Northridge
Youth Club: Sacramento Republic FC
Instagram: @gioaguilar10
Twitter: @Gio\_Aguilar\_
