TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Extension
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have secured the right side of defense for the coming seasons, announcing on Saturday they have signed fullback Jake Nerwinski to a contract extension. The deal runs through the 2019 season, with options for 2020 and 2021.
Nerwinski, 23, is coming off a rookie season in 2017 with the Whitecaps, where he made 19 MLS regular season appearances and three MLS Cup Playoffs appearances, as well as appearing in the CONCACAF Champions League knockout stage and Canadian Championship. In league play, Nerwinski notched five assists, second among MLS rookies on the year and third-best for a defender league-wide.
"Jake has worked extremely hard, done a lot of the little things right, has shown a willingness to commit to our club, and has earned this new contract," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson in a team statement. "Jake is a pleasure to work with day in, day out, and will only continue to push himself to get better."
Nerwinski was also named Vancouver's Most Promising Player in 2017.
"This means a lot," added Nerwinski. "This club has put a lot of trust in me. They said at the beginning of last year, if I showed well, played well, they would reward me, and I'm thankful to all the coaches and my teammates. I love this city, I landed in a great place, and I couldn't be happier. I will continue to give my all for Vancouver and our amazing fans."
The Whitecaps open their 2018 MLS regular season slate on March 4 at home against the Montreal Impact (6 pm ET | TSN, TVAS in Canada; MLS Live in US).
