VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has acquired Panamanian international striker Blas Pérez from FC Dallas in exchange for midfielder Mauro Rosales. Perez has agreed to a one-year contract pending receipt of his international transfer certificate.
Blas Pérez - Whitecaps FC striker
- Recorded 36 goals and 14 assists in 97 regular season appearances for FC Dallas
- Scored one goal and added one assist in six career MLS Cup Playoffs appearances - scored in the 2015 Western Conference Final series versus Portland Timbers
- Made his professional debut in 1998; played in Panama, Uruguay, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America
- Second all-time in goals with 39 and third all-time in appearances with 102 for the Panama senior international team
"We know Blas is an excellent player from playing against him in the past four years and we're excited to get the chance to work with him on a daily basis," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "In the short period of time that he's been here, he's shown how he can help our team, and also our group of forwards improve. We're delighted to have him on board and the guys have welcomed him with open arms."
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Pérez, 34, joined the 'Caps in Tucson as a training camp invitee earlier this month and recorded one assist in two preseason appearances. He also picked up an assist in WFC2's preseason opener this past weekend.
"I'm very excited about this new opportunity in my professional career," Pérez said. "I have arrived in a beautiful city, to a great team that is very competitive. I will do my best in every training session and match, bringing my experience with me. I appreciate the confidence from the club and coaching staff, and I hope to repay it on the pitch by working hard for this team and by proudly representing my country, something I always try to do wherever I go."
Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, Pérez made 78 starts in 97 regular season appearances with FC Dallas. In his four years with the Western Conference rivals, he tallied 36 goals, tied for ninth-most in MLS during that span. His four career goals against Whitecaps FC are tied for third-most the club has conceded to one player in MLS play.
In the MLS Cup Playoffs, Pérez has made three starts in six appearances, while scoring one goal, coming in the 2015 Western Conference Final versus eventual champion Portland Timbers. Nicknamed Super Raton, Pérez also started in each of his six appearances in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, scoring five goals for FC Dallas.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound striker also played professionally in Panama, Uruguay, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and United Arab Emirates after making his debut in 1998.
Born in Panama City, Pérez holds the third-most senior international caps for Panama with 102 appearances. He is Panama's second all-time leading scorer with 39 goals in his career.
Rosales, 34, was acquired by Vancouver in August 2014 via trade with Chivas USA. The Argentinian made 36 appearances, recording one goal and six assists, in all competitions with Whitecaps FC.
"We are thankful to Mauro for his contributions at our club on and off the pitch," added Robinson. "Mauro is a consummate professional and we wish him all the best."
Blas Pérez
Pronunciation: Blah-ss pEH-rehs
Position: Striker
Height: 6-01
Weight: 180 pounds
Date of Birth: March 13, 1981 in Panama City, Panama
Hometown: Panama City, Panama
Citizenship: Panama
Status: Domestic (Green Card)
Previous Club: FC Dallas (MLS: 2012 - 2015)
How Acquired: Acquired from FC Dallas in exchange for Mauro Rosales on February 16, 2016
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