WHITECAPS ADD SURGING STRIKER

July 26, 2007 - VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today they have acquired striker Josh Hansen from the California Victory of the United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) for an undisclosed amount, pending international clearance.

Hansen, 25-years-old, joins the Whitecaps as California Victory’s leading scorer with six goals, one assist and 13 points. His goal total not only leads his former team, but he is currently tied for third among USL-1 players. In 20 games this season, the native of Phoenix, Arizona has accumulated 1,628 minutes, 36 shots and 38 fouls.

Last week, Hansen earned USL-1 Player of the Week and Team of the Week honours, when he collected two goals and an assist. Hansen led the Victory to two draws on the road against Puerto Rico and Miami and a 1-0 home victory over Atlanta.

The five-foot-ten, 175-pound forward has registered goals in two games against the Whitecaps this season. In the Victory’s inaugural game on April 28, Hansen scored his team’s second goal in a 2-2 draw at Swangard Stadium, and on May 19 he scored the lone goal in a 3-1 loss at home.

Prior to joining the Victory, Hansen signed a developmental contract with Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer in August 2006. Hansen impressed the Galaxy after he scored eight goals and four assists in 15 games for the Southern California Seahorses of the Premier Development League (PDL). As a Galaxy reserves player, he netted his team’s only goal in a 3-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids reserves on August 13. Hansen was also a member of the 2005 USL-1 champion, Seattle Sounders, but did not play a league game.

Hansen played collegiately for the University of San Francisco and tallied 21 goals and 13 assists in 65 games. In his junior year in 2002, he was named to the West Coast Conference (WCC) All-Academic Team, First Team All WCC, National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Region Team and the team’s Most Valuable Player.

The Whitecaps next game is this Friday, July 27 at Swangard Stadium against arch-rivals Seattle Sounders at 8:00 p.m. Whitecaps single game tickets start at just $16 and are available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres, on-line at ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 604.280.4400. For information on group rates call 604.669.WAVE (9283)

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