Whitecaps add flavor to TFC rivalry

THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Whitecaps added some flavour to their rivalry with Toronto FC on Friday.

The Major League Soccer club announced it has added former TFC midfielder Carl Robinson as an assistant coach.

Robinson spent three seasons in Toronto before joining the New York Red Bulls. Robinson made 86 MLS appearances and was twice named TFC's most valuable player.

The 35-year-old started his career in England and also played 52 times internationally for Wales.

"I am thrilled about this new opportunity to continue my career in the sport I love," Robinson said in a statement. "I have known for a long time that once I was done playing, I would transition to a coaching role."

The Whitecaps have also added Jake DeClute as an assistant coach and scouting director.

The 35-year-old joins Vancouver after serving as the head coach at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass.

"Carl and Jake are great additions to the club, as both bring a unique skill set that will complement our current staff," Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie said. "Carl has played the game at the highest levels and has a strong understanding of Major League Soccer.

"Jake has risen through the North American soccer coaching ranks, while also bringing coaching experience from his time in Scotland, and has also shown a keen eye for talent."

Meanwhile, Vancouver acquired an international roster spot, which runs until Jan. 1, 2015, and a second-round pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft from the Colorado Rapids for allocation money.

The Whitecaps now have 10 international roster spots for the 2012 season.

In two other separate moves, the club has parted ways with striker Mustapha Jarju, while midfielder Philippe Davies declined a club option for 2012.