Whitecaps acquire midfielder Andrew Jacobson from New York in trade

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Whitecaps acquired midfielder Andrew Jacobson from New York City FC on Friday.

New York will receive targeted allocation money in return.

Jacobson led New York in minutes played (2,837) and starts (33) in 2015. The 30-year-old has played seven seasons in Major League Soccer, including stints with D.C. United, Philadelphia Union, FC Dallas, and New York.

He has six goals and nine assists in 174 combined MLS regular-season and playoff appearances.

“I’m really excited to join Whitecaps FC,” Jacobson said in a statement. “It’s a top class club with a great coach and a lot of young talent.

“Every day I’m going to show up and do whatever I can to help the team win and make the players around me better. I would also like to thank New York City FC for accommodating this move for me and my family, which allows us to move closer to home.”

The six-foot-two, 185-pound midfielder is from Palo Alto, Calif.

“Andrew is a quality midfielder with valuable MLS experience,” Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson said. “He’s shown in the past that he can step into a new situation and be relied on to contribute.

“Andrew will also be an important asset in the locker room, as he will help guide our young midfielders.”

Jacobson was drafted 24th overall by D.C. United in 2008.