Skip to content

Whitecaps sign Venezuelan top scorer Anthony Blondell from Monagas

Ned Dishman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Vancouver Whitecaps announced Thursday the signing of forward Anthony Blondell from Venezuelan first division outfit Monagas SC, with the 23-year-old penning a contract through 2020 with an option for 2021.

Blondell joins the team using Targeted Allocation Money and brings with him a league-leading 23 goals in 2017. The Whitecaps had to acquire the rights of first refusal for the striker, thus paying $50,000 in General Allocation Money to FC Dallas. He now joins Fredy Montero up top in the Whitecaps' offensive line.

"Anthony is a highly sought-after player with huge potential," Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said in a club-issued statement. "He's an exciting young player with the key attributes you want in any forward player. He's strong, quick, and powerful.

"It will be important that we don't expect too much of him too soon, as he will be one of a number of additions we are looking at bringing in for next season, and he will complement our existing group of attacking players."

Blondell added: "I am honoured to join Whitecaps FC and make Vancouver my new home. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time playing in my homeland and now is the right time for a new challenge and to make the next step in my career. I look forward to scoring goals and helping Vancouver win trophies."

At 6-foot-1, Blondell has six seasons of experience in Venezuela, where he made 115 appearances and scored 33 goals. He helped Monagas capture the Torneo Apertura title last season, and made his Venezuela debut on Nov. 13 in a friendly against Iran.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox