Nicolas Mezquida

PROFILE
A nimble attacking midfielder, Nicolás Mezquida arrived in Vancouver after having last played with Uruguayan Primera División side Centro Atlético Fénix. The 5-foot-7, 150-pound midfielder from Paysandú, Uruguay, joined Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer after a transfer from Uruguayan club Boston River prior to the 2014 season. He made his MLS debut at home in a 4-1 win over New York Red Bulls on March 8, 2014. In 2016, Mezquida was recognized with the Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero award.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
2017: Mezquida tallied two goals and one assist in the regular season, while making eight starts in 20 appearances. His bicycle kick goal in the 'Caps historic 4-0 victory over FC Dallas was selected as an MLS Goal of the Year finalist. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, he made two substitute appearances, scoring a second-half brace within a two-minute span in the Knockout Round against San Jose Earthquakes, the 'Caps first-ever MLS postseason victory. 2016: Mezquida was honoured with the Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero award after scoring four goals in 28 regular season appearances, including 17 starts. He also notched one assist - coming in 37 seconds into the Week 9 match at New York City FC. His fourth goal of the year, the 'Caps final and crucial goal in the 4-1 win on Decision Day versus Portland Timbers, won the club their sixth Cascadia Cup. 2015: Mezquida served as a catalyst in the Whitecaps FC attack before his season was cut short with an injury in late September. He made 12 starts in 18 total regular season appearances, tallying a goal and an assist. He came back from injury to be included on the bench versus Portland Timbers in the first leg of the MLS Cup Playoffs Western Semifinal series but did not enter the match. 2014: In his inaugural MLS campaign, Mezquida finished with four starts in 14 appearances, scoring two goals in the process. The Uruguayan talent made his MLS debut with Whitecaps FC on March 8 at BC Place, coming on as a substitute after 73 minutes in the 4-1 victory over New York Red Bulls.

CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
2017: Mezquida tallied a goal and an assist in two starts and appearances in the CC semifinal series with Montreal Impact. 2016: Mezquida led the 'Caps with two all-important goals in his three tournament appearances, including two starts. In the second leg of the CC semifinal series versus Ottawa Fury FC, Mezquida scored one of WFC's three goals to help Vancouver advance to the final against Toronto FC. He scored another goal in the second and decisive leg of the CC final. 2015: Mezquida started both legs of the CC semifinal series versus FC Edmonton, helping the ‘Caps advance in their first-ever Voyageurs Cup run. 2014: Mezquida started both ACC matches against Toronto FC. 

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
2016-17: Mezquida started three of his four Champions League appearances to help the 'Caps advance to the quarterfinals for the first time. 2015: Mezquida made two starts in the CCL, recording the match-winning assist at home versus C.D. Olimpia on September 16.

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
2015: Mezquida made one appearance for Whitecaps FC 2, starting in the 2-0 home win versus Arizona United SC.

URUGUAY
2013-14: Before signing with Whitecaps FC, the midfielder played on loan at Rampla Juniors and started eight of his 10 appearances, recording two goals. 2012-13: In his second year with Centro Atlético Fénix, Mezquida made six appearances with five starts and recorded one goal. He would be loaned out to Rampla Juniors in the same season, where he started eight of his 12 appearances and scored four goals. 2011-12: The attacking midfielder returned to play in the Uruguayan Primera División with Centro Atlético Fénix where he made eight appearances with four starts. 2008-12: Mezquida began his professional career with Club Atlético Peñarol after graduating from the youth academy, making a total of three appearances while scoring one goal before being loaned out to Norwegian club SK Brann.

NORWAY
2011: On loan from Peñarol, Mezquida made three appearances with SK Brann in the Tippeligaen, the top professional league in Norway. After returning to Uruguay, he was later loaned out to Lillestrøm SK, where he made one appearance.

INTERNATIONAL
At the international level, Mezquida made three appearances in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, recording one goal for his country. The Uruguayan also played 12 matches with the U-15 national team, scoring 10 goals in the process.