Whitecaps Strengthen Squad By Signing Canadian International Junior Hoilett

Summary

• Vancouver Whitecaps once again turned to the Canadian team squad to bring in a new player
• The Whitecaps have signed forward Junior Hoilett till the end of the 2023 MSL season
• Hoilett has scored 15 goals for Canada in his 59 appearances for the men’s national team

The Vancouver Whitecaps have shown in the past that they have a tendency to look towards the Canadian’s men’s national team when it comes to bringing in new talent to their roster.

This is the third time during the Major League Soccer (MLS) season that the Whitecaps have signed someone who has represented Canada.

Junior Hoilett Signs Ahead Of 2023 MLS Season

The Whitecaps decided to strengthen their squad by signing veteran Junior Hoilett till the end of the 2023 MLS season. Hoilett who is from Brampton, Ontario has represented Canada in 59 matches and has scored 15 goals and provided 16 assists.

The winger who has a wealth of experience playing in the English Premier League has played for a number of clubs including Queens Park Rangers, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City FC. His last club was Reading FC who was relegated at the end of the last Premier League season to the third tier.

Hoilett is a veteran player with over 500 matches played at club level and a total of 52 assists and 63 goals. 

In a statement, Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director said

Junior brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our group. He has played a key role with Canada’s men’s national team over the years, having most recently helped Canada finish at the top of Concacaf qualifying for the World Cup and was the captain at the Gold Cup. We are very pleased to welcome Junior and his family to the club.

Hoilett Happy To Be A Part Of The Whitecaps

The 33 year old played all 3 group stage matches for Canada during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Vanni Sartini, head coach for the Whitecaps said that Hoilett could start for the Whitecaps and could be tested out in different positions.

In a statement, Hoilett said

I’m super excited to be here in Vancouver, where I shared many great memories at BC Place in front of amazing fans. I can’t wait to make new memories and help this team achieve our goals for the remainder of the year.