Whitecaps sign Venezuelan striker Anthony Blondell

Vancouver-Whitecaps'-head-coach-Carl-Robinson.-(Darryl-Dyck/AP)

Former Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson. (Darryl Dyck/AP)

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps have acquired striker Anthony Blondell from Venezuelan Primera Division side Monagas SC.

The 23-year-old native of Cumana, Venezuela agreed to an Major League Soccer contract through 2020 with a club option for 2021.

The Whitecaps acquired the MLS right of first refusal to Blondell from FC Dallas in exchange for US$50,000 of general allocation money.

Blondell led the Venezuelan Primera Division with 23 goals in 2017. He has 33 goals in 70 starts and 115 appearances over six seasons in the Venezuela’s top flight.

The Blondell signing gives the Whitecaps insurance should striker Fredy Montero not return to the team. Montero’s season-long loan from Chinese club Tianjin Teda has expired, but Vancouver still has his MLS rights.

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