Whitecaps sign Canadian midfielder Davies to multi-year deal

Eriq-Zavaleta

Eriq Zavaleta, right, in action for Toronto FC. (Chris Young/CP)

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Whitecaps signed 15-year-old midfielder Alphonso Davies to a multi-year contract on Friday, making him the youngest active player in Major League Soccer.

The contract is guaranteed through 2018 with options for 2019 and 2020.

Davies, who was born in Liberia and raised in Edmonton, is the first Whitecaps FC 2 player to sign with the first team. He will be eligible on Saturday against Orlando City SC.

"This is a dream come true," said Davies. "I’ve grown so much since joining the Residency program last year, and have continued to learn from the first-team players and coaching staff. Coming to Vancouver was the best decision of my life. I’m so thankful to the club for having faith in me and I can’t wait to get started in MLS."

Davies has represented Canada at the under-15, under-18, and under-20 levels and made four appearances, including two starts, in the 2016 Amway Canadian Championship.

The five-foot-10, 155-pound midfielder participated in the 2016 pre-season training camp with the first team, appearing in all three matches at the 2016 Desert Friendlies and tallying a game-winning assist against Houston Dynamo on Feb. 9.

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