VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Tuesday that 2018 MLS SuperDraft pick Cory Brown has signed a USL contract with affiliate club Fresno FC. He joins fellow Whitecaps FC prospects Matthew Baldisimo, Terran Campbell, Sean Melvin, and Noah Verhoeven at Fresno FC, along with assistant coach Robert Earnshaw.
Defender Cory Brown
- 80 starts and appearances in four years, two as captain, for the Xavier University Musketeers, tallying five goals and nine assists
- 2016 Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year, four-time USC All-Great Lakes Region and All-Big East selection
- Represented the New Zealand national team in the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cup tournaments
After being selected in the third round (62nd overall) by Whitecaps FC in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, Brown spent preseason with Fresno FC. At the college level, the 21-year-old made 80 starts and appearances for the Xavier University Musketeers, tallying five goals and nine assists, while also representing the New Zealand national team at the youth levels.
The 5-foot-9 defender was a four-year starter at Xavier, enjoying a decorated career that was highlighted by Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year honours in 2016, and four United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-Great Lakes Region selections, including three to the First Team. A captain in his final two years, Brown earned All-Big East honours after each of his four seasons at Xavier, being named to the First Team three consecutive times.
Internationally, the left-footed centre back from Nelson, New Zealand featured for his native country in the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cup tournaments.
Brown went to Nayland College in his hometown prior to moving to the United States.
Cory Brown
Position: Centre back
Height: 5-09
Weight: 190 pounds
Date of Birth: April 3, 1996 in Nelson, New Zealand
Hometown: Nelson, New Zealand
Citizenship: New Zealand
Status: International
Last Club: Xavier University Musketeers (NCAA '14-'17)
Transaction: Selected 62nd overall in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by Whitecaps FC on January 21, 2018. Signed to a USL contract with affiliate club Fresno FC on March 20, 2018.
