VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Saturday that the club has signed defender Adrián Pelayo to a Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) contract in MLS NEXT Pro. Pelayo is signed through 2025.
Whitecaps FC 2 defender Adrián Pelayo
- 16 appearances with Chivas de Guadalajara’s U-23 side
- Represented Mexico at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup
- 14 appearances across two seasons with Portland Timbers2 in MLS NEXT Pro
Pelayo, 18, made 14 starts in 16 appearances during the 2024/25 LIGA MX U-23 Apertura and Clausura seasons for Chivas de Guadalajara’s U-23 side after joining the club last July.
Prior to making the move to Chivas, Pelayo spent half a season with North Carolina FC of the USL Championship, making three starts across all competitions.
Pelayo has previous experience in MLS NEXT Pro, spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Portland Timbers2. The product of Salem, Oregon started 10 of his 14 appearances after coming through the Timbers academy system.
Internationally, Pelayo represented Mexico at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, making one start as the team reached the tournament’s Round of 16.
Adrián Pelayo
Position: Defender
Height: 6-01
Weight: 180 pounds
Date of Birth: May 16, 2006 in Stayton, Oregon
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
Citizenship: United States, Mexico, Argentina
Status: Domestic
Former Club: Chivas de Guadalajara U-23 (‘24-’25), North Carolina FC (‘23-’24), Portland Timbers2 (‘22-’23)
Youth Club: Portland Timbers Academy
