Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of playmaker Davide Chiumiento to the club's Major League Soccer roster. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"We're delighted to add Davide to our MLS squad," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. "He brings a special skill set and quality that has the ability to change matches. As an attacking midfielder or a withdrawn striker, Davide is the type of player that will excite fans with his creativity on the ball. We're delighted to have him as part of our inaugural MLS squad."
Prior to joining the 'Caps, the 26-year-old played the last three seasons with FC Luzern. The 5-foot-8, 150-pound attacking midfielder had a breakout 2009-10 season with the Swiss club. In 27 appearances, the playmaker scored 11 goals and added five assists, as FC Luzern qualified for the 2010-11 UEFA Europa League. During his three seasons with FC Luzern, Chiumiento appeared in 97 matches, scored 17 goals, and was credited with 16 assists.
Prior to his time with FC Luzern, the native of Heiden, Switzerland, was a member of Italian giants Juventus FC. At 19 years of age, the midfielder made his debut with the Serie A club during the 2003-04 season, replacing Juventus legend and childhood hero Alessandro Del Piero during a 3-0 home win over AC Ancona on February 29, 2004. He then spent the next three seasons on loan with former Serie A club AC Siena, French Ligue 1 side Le Mans FC, and Swiss Super League outfit Berner Sport Club (BSC) Young Boys.
A holder of both Swiss and Italian citizenship, Chiumiento made 11 appearances for Switzerland's U-21 squad, with the playmaker having played in the 2004 UEFA European U-21 Championship in Germany alongside Whitecaps FC teammate Alain Rochat. On March 3, 2010, the playmaker earned his first senior international cap for Switzerland in a friendly versus Uruguay in St. Gallen.
Davide Chiumiento
Position: Midfielder/Striker
Height: 5-08
Weight: 150
Born: November 22, 1984, in Heiden, Switzerland
Hometown: Heiden, Switzerland
Citizenship: Switzerland/Italy
Last Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (USSF D-2)
How Acquired: Signed to a MLS contract by Whitecaps FC on March 8, 2011
Whitecaps FC Major League Soccer 2011 season tickets start at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order, and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com.
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, Whitecaps FC 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, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. In 2011, Whitecaps FC will begin their inaugural season in Major League Soccer at Empire Field before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver in early October.
