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Fredy Montero Signs for Vancouver Whitecaps

By Gareth Wolff

Oct 23, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC starters huddle before kickoff against the Portland Timbers as their fans display a tifo in the background at BC Place. Vancouver defeated Portland, 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC starters huddle before kickoff against the Portland Timbers as their fans display a tifo in the background at BC Place. Vancouver defeated Portland, 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a few days of rumors, Vancouver Whitecaps FC have signed Fredy Montero. The Colombian striker joins on loan from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda.

The Vancouver Whitecaps have their striker. Two days after rumors first broke, the Whitecaps announced on Wednesday that Colombian forward Fredy Montero has signed as a Designated Player.

This is not Montero’s first time playing in the MLS. He played for rivals Seattle Sounders from 2009 to 2012. He’s still the all-time leading goalscorer for the Sounders, scoring 60 goals in 160 appearances for the Sounders. Montero was a three-time MLS All-Star (2009, 2010, and 2012) and was also named MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2009.

Coach Carl Robinson seemed relieved to have finally landed a striker. The Whitecaps hadn’t successfully replaced Octavio Rivero since he left for Colo-Colo last July. However, they haven’t had a reliable striker since Camilo left in 2013.

Robinson, speaking to the media, was very excited about the signing

"It’s a great signing for us and we’re delighted to welcome Fredy to our club. We have worked diligently throughout the offseason to strengthen the forward areas and today we have managed to add a very good striker in Fredy. He has proven throughout his career to be an elite attacking player and consistent goalscorer, and he is already familiar with the league and environment. We look forward to seeing him on the pitch wearing the Blue and White."

Montero was unconcerned about joining his previous MLS club’s rivals. He mostly seemed happy to be back in the Pacific Northwest, where his wife is from.

"I’m really excited, so happy, and feel blessed. I was looking forward to once again playing in Major League Soccer and I am so thankful to Whitecaps FC for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to step onto the field, in front of the great Vancouver supporters, and start scoring goals."

One-year loan deal

The deal is officially a one-year loan from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda. The Whitecaps traded for the number one spot in the Allocation Ranking Order from Minnesota United FC. The ‘Caps had to give up $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) and $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) for 2018. Vancouver also gave up an international roster spot through 2017. Montero has permanent U.S. residency so will not take up an international spot.

Apparently the Whitecaps have another ex-Sounder to thank for the tip about Montero. According to The Province, former Vancouver and Seattle midfielder Mauro Rosales first alerted Robinson to Montero’s availability. However, there’s one current Seattle player you shouldn’t expect to see heading up the I-5 anytime soon.

Related Story: Minnesota United trade #1 spot in MLS allocation order

Montero is a consistent goalscorer, and an MLS veteran. At 29, he brings experience and leadership that the Whitecaps front line sorely needs. Now he just needs to produce on the field.

What will Montero bring to the Whitecaps team? And what kind of reception can he expect at CenturyLink Field? Leave us your comments in the box below.

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