Fabián Espíndola

PROFILE
A dynamic and proven MLS offensive player, Fabián Espíndola was acquired by Whitecaps FC on July 20, 2016 from D.C. United in exchanged for general allocation money. Prior to arriving in Vancouver, the San Luis, Argentina native tallied 73 goals and 42 assists in 252 appearances during his 10 MLS seasons in all competitions playing for Real Salt Lake, New York Red Bulls, and most recently, D.C. United. Espíndola was a member of the Real Salt Lake side that hoisted the 2009 MLS Cup, as well as the New York Red Bulls team that won the 2013 MLS Supporters' Shield. He joined MLS in 2007 after beginning his professional career in South America.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
2014-16: Espíndola scored 20 goals and 11 assists in 59 regular season appearances in over two seasons with D.C. United. He was named the team's Most Valuable Player after the 2014 season when he recorded career-highs in goals with 11, and assists with nine. In the postseason, he collected three assists in five starts over his time with the Eastern Conference side. 2013: In his lone season with New York Red Bulls, he recorded nine goals and two assists while starting 23 of his 28 regular season appearances en route to winning the MLS Supporters' Shield. He made one substitute appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs for New York that year. 2007-12: Espíndola enjoyed six productive seasons with Real Salt Lake, tallying 35 goals and 17 assists in 125 regular season appearances. He also appeared in 13 playoff matches during that span, scoring one goal. He came off the bench in the 2009 MLS Cup final, helping Salt Lake to a championship victory over LA Galaxy.

LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP
2013: Espíndola appeared in the third and fourth rounds of the tournament for New York Red Bulls, notching two goals and one assist. 2011: He made one start for Real Salt Lake, featuring in their 2-0 quarterfinal loss to FC Dallas.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
2015-16: Espíndola started two matches for D.C. United against Liga MX side Querétaro F.C. 2014-15: Espíndola scored both goals in a 2-1 win at Jamaican side Waterhouse FC, then scored in each leg of the quarterfinal against Costa Rican team Alajuelense, in addition to one assist. 2012-13: He started three of the four group stage matches for Real Salt Lake. 2010-11: Espíndola started eight of his nine appearances for Real Salt Lake, scoring two goals and one assist in the tournament, helping his side to a runner-up finish versus CF Monterrey.

SOUTH AMERICA
2009: During the MLS offseason, Espíndola signed with Venezuelan Primera División side Deportivo Anzoátegui, scoring four goals in as many appearances across all competitions, including the club's first ever goal in the Copa Libertadores helping the club to a 2–0 victory over Deportivo Cuenca. 2006-07: Before joining MLS, Espíndola spent two seasons in Ecuador, featuring for S.D. Aucas in 2006, then for S.D. Quito in 2007. 2005-06: Espíndola began his professional career in his native country of Argentina, debuting with Primera División giants Boca Juniors in 2005, where he was a member of that year's Copa Sudamericana champions. In 2006, he joined C.A. Talleres of the second division.  

PERSONAL
Hailing from San Luis, Argentina, Espíndola aspired to be a soccer player as a child and was discovered and extended a tryout invite by Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires. To finance the trip and his equipment, he raised funds by performing odd jobs and lawn work, and his father auctioned off a prized hog.