VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that the club has acquired goalkeeper Brian Rowe from LA Galaxy in exchange for Vancouver's natural second round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
Whitecaps FC have exercised Rowe's 2018 contract option and he will officially be added to the club's roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate, Canadian work permit, and visa.
"Brian is an experienced keeper who has played in some very big games with the Galaxy," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "Brian has the right temperament, he's consistent, and he'll make the big saves. Our goalkeeper coach Stewart Kerr has experience working with Brian and cannot say enough about his fantastic locker room presence. He's a great teammate and will provide healthy competition for Stefan Marinovic."
Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Brian Rowe
- Six seasons with LA Galaxy, compiling a 23W-17L-21D record with a 1.21 GAA, a 0.722 save percentage, and 17 clean sheets in MLS competition, including playoffs
- Enjoyed breakout year in 2016 with a 14W-6L-14D record, a 1.07 GAA, 0.774 save percentage, and 10 shutouts, including starts in each of LA's three MLS Cup Playoffs matches
- 75 first-team appearances with LA Galaxy, including playoffs and cup competition
- Earned his first call-up to the United States men's national team last January
"I'm excited for this new opportunity and to become a member of Vancouver Whitecaps FC," added Rowe. "I've heard nothing but great things about the club and it's always been one of my favourite atmospheres and stadiums to play in. I am also looking forward to working with Stewart Kerr again and can't wait to get started in January."
Rowe, 29, played six seasons with LA Galaxy, compiling a 23W-17L-21D record with a 1.21 goals-against average, a 0.722 save percentage, and 17 clean sheets in MLS competition, including playoffs. Rowe was a member of the 2012 and 2014 MLS Cup championship sides.
Originally selected by Chivas USA in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, the former UCLA standout signed as an MLS League Pool goalkeeper before joining LA in July of the same year. Rowe made a steady climb up the Galaxy depth chart and enjoyed a breakout season in 2016, when he started 33 of his 34 MLS appearances, including postseason. He collected a 14W-6L-14D record, along with a 1.07 GAA, 0.774 save percentage, and 10 shutouts, while also starting in each of LA's three MLS Cup Playoffs matches.
Last season, Rowe made 12 starts in 14 appearances in league play, despite missing time with shoulder and groin injuries.
In other competition, Rowe has a 6W-5L-2D record with a 1.23 GAA, 0.750 save percentage, and four clean sheets in 13 combined appearances in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the CONCACAF Champions League.
The keeper from Eugene, Oregon earned his first call-up to the United States men's national team last January.
Brian Rowe
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-01
Weight: 185 pounds
Date of birth: November 16, 1988 in Chicago, IL
Hometown: Eugene, OR
Citizenship: United States
Status: Domestic
Last club: LA Galaxy (MLS: '12-'17)
Instagram: @rowe_brian_
Twitter: @ROWE_BRIAN_
Transaction: Whitecaps FC acquire goalkeeper Brian Rowe from LA Galaxy in exchange for Vancouver's natural second round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft on December 15, 2017
