Ian Westlake became the fourth member of the 2011 Montreal Impact to join the expansion MLS side on Monday, agreeing to a contract after being named the club’s Newcomer of the Year in 2011.
The English midfielder, 28, joined the Impact during their final NASL season in July and scored two goals in 13 starts to catch the eye of Montreal manager Jesse Marsch. That strong play helped him seal a deal along with second-division teammates Hassoun Camara, Sinisa Ubiparipovic and Evan Bush.
“Ian’s soccer qualities and competitive nature make him a very good fit for our team moving forward,” Marsch said in a statement. “I know Ian will come into work everyday and give everything he has. He is a real competitor and an excellent player on the field.”
The former U-21 England youth international began his career with Ipswich Town, playing 125 games for the Tractor Boys in the second division and scoring 17 goals, before moving onto Leeds United. He made 47 appearances for Leeds from 2006 and 2009 in the second and third divisions.
Westlake has also played for Brighton & Hove Albion, Cheltenham Town, Oldham Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers in his native country.
