VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps traded midfielder Gershon Koffie to the New England Revolution on Thursday.
In return, Vancouver acquired general allocation money, targeted allocation money and a percentage of any future transfer fees obtained by New England.
Koffie joined the Whitecaps from a club in his native Ghana in 2010, and was a member of the roster that moved to Major League Soccer the following year.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder is Vancouver’s all-time leader in MLS play with 120 starts and 137 appearances, including playoffs, and is one of only two players to have played more than 10,000 minutes in MLS competition for the Whitecaps.
"It’s never easy parting ways with a player like Gersh, someone I admire greatly," Vancouver head coach Carl Robinson said in a statement. "We have had a fantastic relationship and that will continue as he continues his football development. I consider him a friend."
In five MLS seasons with the Whitecaps, Koffie recorded nine goals and seven assists in 133 regular-season games, and is one of two players to start in each of the team’s four MLS playoff matches.
Koffie, who shared time in midfield with Russell Teibert the last few years alongside Matias Laba, made US$241,000 in 2015, according to the MLS Players Union.
"Words cannot explain my love for Vancouver," said Koffie. "Vancouver has a room in my heart and it owns the key. I am thankful for all the time and support the fans, my teammates, coaches, support staff and front office have provided."