Vancouver Whitecaps sign Kendall Waston to contract extension

He came, he saw, he conquered, and now he's here to stay.

The Vancouver Whitecaps announced Thursday that the club has agreed to a contract extension for central defender Kendall Waston. As per league policy, the contract length was not disclosed but the Whitecaps did confirm a multi-year deal had been signed.

"I'm very proud to be part of Whitecaps FC," Waston said. "I'm thankful to the city, club, and fans for embracing me and my family. I look forward to helping the team bring even more success to Vancouver."

In his first season with Vancouver, the Costa Rican international was voted the club's player of the year, finished second in the 2015 MLS Defender of the Year battle, and was instrumental in securing a playoff berth for his side. Such was his contributions that head coach Carl Robinson had nothing but praise for the 27-year-old defender.

"Kendall is an important building block in what we're trying to accomplish at this club," Robinson said in a statement. "His passion, physical presence, and ability to come up big in crucial situations have been instrumental to our success. He's a leader on the pitch and in the locker room, and we're excited to have arguably the best centre-back in the league during the prime of his career."

Waston made 28 appearances this season for Vancouver, scoring twice.

(Courtesy: Vancouver Whitecaps)