Over the course of the history of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a number of players who have played for the club at one point or another have also represented their country at the FIFA World Cup. As we approach the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, every day we will feature a player of years’ past who made it to soccer’s pinnacle event.
KENDALL WASTON
Kendall Waston came up through the youth system of Deportivo Saprissa in his native Costa Rica. He spent loan spells at Carmelita, Universidad Costa Rica, and Pérez Zeledón in his home country, as well as Nacional in Uruguay and Bayamón FC in Puerto Rico. He eventually broke through with Saprissa and won the 2013 Costa Rican Cup and the 2014 Verano league title.
For club
Waston transferred to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in August of 2014. At the end of that season, he scored the winning goal to send the ‘Caps to the playoffs.
Since that time, Waston has twice been named to the MLS Best XI (2015, 2017), a two-time MLS Defender of the Year Finalist (2015, 2017), an MLS All-Star (2016), and a two-time Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year (2015, 2017).
In 2017, he was named captain of Whitecaps FC.
For country
Since making his national team debut in 2013, Waston has accumulated 26 appearances for his country, and three goals.
He was a regular starter throughout Concacaf qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring an equalizer in Honduras, as well as the goal that sent the Ticos to Russia.
Now, Waston has earned his place at the World Cup for the first time.
FUN FACT: Waston had two big moments in Canada prior to signing with the ‘Caps. In 2007 he played with the Ticos at the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Canada, including a game against Scotland at Swangard Stadium. He also made his senior international debut versus Canada at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on May 28, 2013.
