Vancouver Whitecaps FC bolstered their attacking options on Wednesday with the acquisition of forward Brian White from New York Red Bulls in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money – pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and visa.
The 25-year-old player from Flemington (New Jersey) combined for 15 goals and three assists over the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
The Red Bulls could also receive up to an additional $100,000 in conditional GAM.
“Brian is a player with good finishing qualities, as he has proven over the past two MLS seasons,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director and chief executive officer. “He gives us another attacking option as we continue our roster building process and prepare for absences due to international competitions this year.”
Whitecaps FC forward Brian White
- 16 goals and four assists in 50 MLS appearances, including playoffs
- New York Red Bulls 2020 Offensive Player of the Year
- Selected 16th overall in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by New York Red Bulls from Duke University
- Named 2017 United Soccer League Premier Development League MVP with New York Red Bulls U-23
White, 25, is coming off of a 2020 season in which he was named Red Bulls Offensive Player of the Year. The native of Flemington, New Jersey led the team with six goals and recorded one assist in 903 minutes played, including a goal in their playoff match. This year, White has one assist and three key passes in five appearances with New York.
Over his first four seasons in MLS, White has scored 16 goals and recorded four assists over 32 starts and 50 appearances, including three matches in the MLS Cup Playoffs. In 2019 he scored a career high nine goals in 19 regular season matches and added two assists.
“With all of the international competitions this year, we wanted to have options in different positions,” added Marc Dos Santos, Whitecaps FC head coach.
“Brian will be an important option for the team. He’s comfortable playing alone or with another forward. It is a good opportunity for us and for him, and we look forward to having him at the club.”
White was selected by the Red Bulls in the first round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. He initially signed a USL contract and recorded eight goals and five assists in 1,539 minutes played, earning an MLS contract and promotion to the first team in August of that year.