Vancouver Whitecaps sign designated player Pedro Morales to multi-year extension

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Whitecaps signed designated player Pedro Morales to a multi-year contract extension Tuesday. The 30-year-old captain has five goals and four assists over 19 appearances in the regular season.

“Since Pedro joined our team at the beginning of last season, he has been nothing short of a top player and professional,” Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said in a release. “Pedro is instrumental to the success of this club and a true leader for our young group of players.”

The Chilean joined the Major League Soccer team in March 2014 on a free transfer from Spain’s La Liga side Malaga CF.

The attacking midfielder was named 2014 MLS newcomer of the year after leading the Whitecaps with 10 goals and 12 assists in his first season.

“My family and I are extremely happy in Vancouver and I am fully committed to this club,” Morales said. “From Carl Robinson, to my teammates, to all the staff, and of course the fans, this is a first-class organization and I’m proud to be a part of it. I will continue to work hard to help Whitecaps FC achieve success.”