Vancouver Whitecaps FC announce that free agent striker Eduardo Sebrango will not be returning to the Whitecaps for the 2009 season due to personal reasons. Sebrango has agreed to a two-year deal with the Montreal Impact.
"This was not an easy decision, as I have really enjoyed my time in Vancouver and playing for the Whitecaps," explained Sebrango. "Vancouver has great fans and the Whitecaps are a first-class organization. However, my two kids live in Kingston, Ontario, and I need to be closer to my family."
Sebrango, a 35-year-old native of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, was acquired from Montreal in a preseason trade prior to the start of the 2006 season. He became a key contributor to the Whitecaps 2006 and 2008 United Soccer Leagues First Division championship successes. Last season, Sebrango led the Whitecaps in regular season scoring with 12 goals and three assists for 27 points in 29 matches. Sebrango also had two goals in three Nutrilite Canadian Championship games and two goals in five playoff matches.
"We explored a number of options to see if we can make something work, but in the end, Eddie felt the only way to spend enough time with his children was to move back to the East Coast," said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi. "Eddie has been a tremendous professional throughout his time in Vancouver and we are extremely thankful for his efforts both on and off the field."
Sebrango, who also played for the Whitecaps in 1999, amassed 45 goals and 15 assists in his two stints with Vancouver. He is currently ranked seventh all-time in points with 105.
From 2002 to 2005, Sebrango was a member of the Impact. He also had spells with the now-defunct Hershey Wildcats in 2001 and Rochester Rhinos in 2000.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2009 season tickets are now on sale. Season tickets include all men’s and women's team regular season and playoff home matches at Swangard Stadium, Nutrilite Canadian Championship home matches against Toronto FC and Montreal Impact, as well as priority listing for BC Place and the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium. Book or purchase season tickets now and receive early bird pricing, as well as the chance to win one of three trips to Las Vegas or a trip for two to Toronto to see the Whitecaps play Toronto FC in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship next year. For more information on 2009 season ticket packages, CLICK HERE.
