Whitecaps acquire Kei Kamara for pair of draft picks

The Vancouver Whitecaps acquired striker Kei Kamara from the New England Revolution on Sunday in exchange for a natural first-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and a conditional second-round selection in the 2020 draft.

Kamara, 33, is a two-time MLS All-Star who carries with him 103 goals and 39 assists in 298 appearances over 11 seasons. He is under contract through 2018 and will occupy a Designated Player spot on the Whitecaps' roster.

"Kei is a player that brings goals and experience to the table," Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said in a club statement. "He's a big body and he thrives off crosses. Most importantly, he's a good character and he's driven to win. We firmly believe that Kei can help lead this team into exciting times next year."

At 6-foot-3, Kamara offers a physical presence to the Whitecaps' attack, which was further bolstered earlier in the off-season with the acquisition of 23-year-old Venezuelan attacker Anthony Blondell.

The Sierra Leone international has previously suited up for the Columbus Crew, San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo, and Sporting Kansas City.

"I'm really excited to come to Vancouver," Kamara said. "I've been following the club, and I know that they have a very competitive team that suits the way I play. I want to put pressure on myself to continue to score goals. Most importantly, I want to bring success to the Southsiders, Curva Collective, Rain City Brigade, and all the supporters and fans of this club."