Vancouver Whitecaps hope Dutch striker/winger Marvin Emnes boosts offence

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Whitecaps have added experience up front, signing Marvin Emnes of the Netherlands to a potentially long-term deal.

The club announced Thursday that the 30-year-old striker/winger had agreed to an MLS contract for the rest of the 2018 season, with options through 2020.

Emnes started out with his hometown club Sparta Rotterdam in the Dutch Eredivisie league in 2005.

Since then, he has tallied 50 goals in 301 appearances across Eredivisie, the English Premier League, the Football League Championship and the Turkish Super League.

Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson says in a statement that Emnes is a “quick attacking player” who’s dangerous one-on-one and can provide valuable experience in Vancouver’s locker room.

The ‘Caps (11-9-7) sit in seventh place in the MLS Western Conference, and are battling several other teams for a playoff spot. The top six in the conference qualify for the post-season

Emnes says he’s excited about playing in Vancouver.

“It means a lot to me to get the chance to play in MLS, and to experience that with a club like Vancouver Whitecaps FC after my years in Europe,” he says in a statement. “Let’s get to work and push for the playoffs.”