Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the acquisition and signing of midfielder/striker
Ridge Mobulu
(mo-boo-loo) from FC Lausanne-Sport of the Swiss Challenge League (second tier in Switzerland).
Mobulu has been signed to the club's United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) roster and loaned to the United States Soccer Federation Division-2 Professional League (USSF D-2) side until October. Per club policy, terms of the transfer and contract were not disclosed.
Mobulu, 19, arrives in Vancouver after spending two seasons with Lausanne. Between 2008 and 2010, the 5-foot-8, 165-pound forward scored five goals in 20 appearances with the Swiss second division club. Last season, as a member of Lausanne-Sport, Mobulu spent six months on loan with FC Bulle of the Swiss 1. Liga (third tier in Switzerland), where he scored three goals in 12 appearances.
Though born and raised in Aigle, Switzerland, Mobulu is a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo through parentage. In 2005, however, the midfielder/striker was part of a Swiss U-15 national selection camp.
North American Soccer League (NASL) Conference leading Vancouver Whitecaps FC (7W-3L-9D) will battle Canadian arch-rivals Montreal Impact tonight, July 28, at Stade Saputo. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT and can be seen live online at whitecapsfc.com/live.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, the Whitecaps created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, the Whitecaps have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. In 2011, Vancouver will begin their inaugural season in Major League Soccer at Empire Field before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver.
