Whitecaps sign Klazura

THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed former Notre Dame star defender Greg Klazura to a Major League Soccer contract.

Klazura, 23, who was Vancouver's second-round choice (21st overall) in last month's supplemental draft, had been on a trial with the team in recent weeks. He is currently with the team in Orlando.

"Greg has done very well in camp and earned his spot on our roster," Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie said in a release. "He is a versatile player, good athlete, and I've really been impressed with his eagerness to learn and improve."

Klazura played five years with the Fighting Irish and served as co-captain in his final campaign, recording three assists in 18 starts. He was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Scholar All-Region team for a second straight season. He made a total of 44 appearances for Notre Dame.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a member of such a storied club and excited to start my professional soccer career with Whitecaps FC," Klazura said in the release. "Vancouver has the reputation for having some of the best fans in MLS and I look forward to seeing and hearing them at BC Place."

Klazura has spent the past two summers with the Indiana Invaders in the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League, where he started all 13 of his appearances for the club. In 2008, he helped the Chicago Fire USL Super-20 League side capture a North American championship title.