Vancouver Whitecaps FC continue to shape their Major League Soccer roster by announcing today the signings of defender/midfielder Blake Wagner and striker Long Tan. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"They are both still young players that are developing," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. "Long Tan is a different type of striker. He is difficult to handle because he works very hard and he is technically sound. Blake has played in MLS. He is technically very good and tactically getting better."
Wagner, 23, becomes part of the club's MLS roster after spending the 2010 USSF D-2 Pro League season with Vancouver. A left-sided winger - who can also play as a left fullback - started all but two of his 19 total appearances for the 'Caps last season, scoring four goals and adding one assist. This included a hat-trick in a 3-1 home win over Miami FC on July 14. Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, the native of Tampa, Florida, spent four seasons in MLS with FC Dallas, who selected the winger in the second round (18th overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft as a Generation adidas player. In his four seasons with the Texas-based outfit, Wagner started 32 of his 40 regular season appearances. The defender/midfielder also represented the United States at the U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels.
Tan, 22, joins the Blue and White after Whitecaps FC acquired the striker's rights in a trade that saw midfielders Ricardo Sanchez and Jonathan Steele join North American Soccer League side FC Tampa Bay on July 20, 2010. A native of Dalian, China, Tan becomes the first Chinese-born player to sign in Major League Soccer. Last season, the forward started 22 of 25 appearances for FC Tampa Bay during the 2010 USSF D-2 Pro League season, scoring three goals and recording two assists in the process. Prior to his spell at FC Tampa Bay, Tan played for PDL club Atlanta Blackhawks during the 2009 season and had spells in his native China with Shanghai United FC U-18's, Shanghai Seven Stars, and Pudong Zobon FC.
Blake Wagner
Position: Defender/midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
Born: January 29, 1988, in Atlanta, Georgia
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Citizenship: United States
Last Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (USSF D-2 Pro League)
How Acquired: Signed to a MLS contract by Whitecaps FC on March 11, 2011
Long Tan
Position: Striker
Height: 6-01
Weight: 170
Born: April 1, 1988, in Dalian, China
Hometown: Dalian, China
Citizenship: China
Last Club: FC Tampa Bay (USSF D-2 Pro League)
How Acquired: Signed to a MLS contract by Whitecaps FC on March 11, 2011
Whitecaps FC Major League Soccer 2011 season tickets start at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order, and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, Whitecaps FC created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. In 2011, Whitecaps FC will begin their inaugural season in Major League Soccer at Empire Field before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver in early October.
