Whitecaps FC acquire centre back Diego Rodriguez - EL GRAN DT - Fernando Rodriguez Riolfo

"Diego is a technically sound left-footed centre back with great upside" said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "He brings experience from both South America and Europe and we are excited to welcome him to our club."

Rodriguez, 24, joins Whitecaps FC after spending the past year with Juventud in the Uruguayan Primera Division. In that time, the 6-foot-2 centre back started 20 of his 21 appearances, scoring one goal and recording one assist.

"I'm very happy and grateful for this opportunity"; said Rodriguez. "I was attracted to the direction of the club and the growth of MLS. I'm ready to get going and play in front of Vancouver's fantastic fans."

Prior to returning to his native country, Rodriguez spent three years at Malaga CF in the Spanish La Liga - teammates with Whitecaps FC captain Pedro Morales during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. The Uruguayan defender played 42 matches for the Malaga reserve side, Atletico Malagueño, five goals.

A youth product of his hometown club Montevideo Wanderers FC, Rodriguez made his debut with the club's first team in the Uruguayan Primera Divison at the age of 19. After making five league appearances with Montevideo, Rodriguez moved to Spain to join Malaga.

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For more information on 2015 Season Tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.