VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that the club has re-signed centre back Kendall Waston to a new contract through 2019, with an option for 2020.
Waston is the second key player on the 'Caps backline to ink an extension this month, after Jake Nerwinski re-signed a new contract last Friday. The 'Caps have spent the offseason bolstering their roster, including the acquisitions of Kei Kamara, Efrain Juarez, and Anthony Blondell, as they continue preparations for their March 4 season opener against Montreal Impact at BC Place.
"Kendall has ascended to being one of the best centre backs in the league, and we're delighted to have him during the prime of his career," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "He's a national hero in his country, and has also delivered for his club when he's been needed most. We are excited that Kendall and his family have committed their future to this club and city."
Whitecaps FC centre back Kendall Waston
- Two-time Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year winner in 2015 and 2017
- Finished in the top three in voting for MLS Defender of the Year in 2015 and 2017, and named to MLS Best XI in 2015 and 2017
- Led MLS with 104 headed clearances, was second with 181 total clearances, while also leading the team with 50 interceptions, and 26 blocks in 2017
- Has started 107 of 108 total appearances, recording 12 goals and four assists
"Since the first day I arrived in Vancouver, I've loved this city," Waston said. "I feel very comfortable, happy, and it feels like home for me and my family. I am really thankful and grateful to my coaches as they have helped me with the little details that have improved my game. I am also thankful to my teammates and everyone that works throughout the organization and supports this great club. My priority is to continue to improve every day and make history for this city and all our amazing supporters."
Waston, 30, is a two-time Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year winner in 2015 and 2017, having also finished in the top three in voting for MLS Defender of the Year in both seasons.
Last year, Waston emerged as a leader in his first season as captain for Whitecaps FC. He started all 25 of his regular season appearances, setting a new career-high with four goals while adding one assist. He led MLS with 104 headed clearances, was second with 181 total clearances, while also leading the team with 50 interceptions, and 26 blocks. He played every minute of the three MLS Cup Playoffs matches, tallying a goal and an assist in the postseason.
In his four seasons in Vancouver, Waston has started 107 of 108 total appearances, recording 12 goals and four assists. He became the first WFC player ever to be named to the MLS Best XI in 2015 and 2017, and was named to the MLS All-Star team in 2016.
In international play, the San José, Costa Rica native is a key figure on his national team's backline, having earned 24 caps. He has scored three goals for the Ticos, including an added-time goal that clinched a 2018 FIFA World Cup spot for Costa Rica last October 2017.
Transaction: Whitecaps FC centre back Kendall Waston agrees to a contract through 2019, with an option for 2020
Kendall Waston
Position: Centre back
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215 pounds
Date of Birth: January 1, 1988, in San José, Costa Rica
Hometown: Limón, Costa Rica
Citizenship: Costa Rica
Status: International Player
Previous Club: Deportivo Saprissa (CRC Primera División: 2006 to 2014)
Twitter: @kwaston88
Instagram: @kendallwaston
