WFC2 Add Three MLS SuperDraft Picks to USL Roster
March 17, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that goalkeeper Spencer Richey, defender Craig Nitti, and Canadian striker Mackenzie Pridham have been added to the club's inaugural Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) roster for the 2015 United Soccer League (USL) season. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
"We're very pleased to add three MLS SuperDraft picks to our USL roster," said WFC2 head coach Alan Koch. "Spencer is a smart, driven goalkeeper, Craig is a tough central defender, and Mackenzie is a natural goalscorer. We look forward to seeing each of them continue to progress."
WFC2 goalkeeper Spencer Richey
30 clean sheets over 71 total appearances at the University of Washington
Led the Huskies to the NCAA Sweet 16 in two consecutive seasons.
Former U.S. U-20 and U-17 international
Richey, 22, who Whitecaps FC selected in the third round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft (61st overall), spent the last five years playing at the University of Washington - he was a medical redshirt in 2013 after breaking his leg early in the season.
This past season, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound goalkeeper allowed just 22 goals in 17 appearances, leading the University of Washington to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the second straight season. In total, Richey conceded just 65 goals and posted 30 clean sheets over 71 total appearances with the Huskies.
A native of Seattle, Washington, Richey is a former U.S. U-20 and U-17 international who participated in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He also spent a year with Portland Timbers U-23 of the USL Premier Development League (PDL).
WFC2 defender Craig Nitti
Started 59 matches over four seasons at Loyola Marymount University
2014 All-West Coast Conference First Team
Helped Loyola Marymount win their first West Coast Conference title in 2013
Nitti, 23, was selected by Whitecaps FC in the fourth-round (72nd overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. The native of Calabasas, California spent the last four seasons at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). In total, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound centre back appeared in 70 matches at LMU, contributing 11 goals and four assists.
This past season, Nitti anchored an LMU back line that posted nine clean sheets and a 0.68 goals against average on the season, conceding just four goals in conference play. For his efforts, the California native received All-West Coast Conference first-team and All-Far West Region second team honours.
Nitti competed in the USL PDL as a member of Portland Timbers U-23 in the summer of 2013, appearing in 10 matches.
WFC2 striker Mackenzie Pridham
All-time leading goal scorer at California Polytechnic State University
Two time Big West Offensive Player of the Year (2012 and 2013)
Scored 11 game winning goals in his final two seasons in the NCAA
Pridham, 24, was drafted in the fourth round (58th overall) by Whitecaps FC in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. The 6-foot-1 striker made his professional debut last year, playing in two matches for Minnesota United FC of the North American Soccer League. Midway through the 2014 season, Pridham was loaned to USL side Pittsburgh Riverhounds, appearing in six matches and scoring one goal.
In his college career, Pridham played four seasons with the California Polytechnic State University Mustangs of the NCAA's Big West Conference. The 23-year-old striker graduated from Cal Poly as the program's all-time leader in goals scored with 27. Pridham earned back-to-back Big West Offensive Player of the Year honours with Cal Poly. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound striker led the Mustangs in scoring with 14 goals in 2013 and 11 goals in 2012.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Pridham has represented Canada at the U-17 and U-20 national team levels, including playing at the 2007 Chivas Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Come and see the next generation of Whitecaps FC stars as USL arrives in Vancouver. With Season Tickets available for as low as $118, WFC2 matches will be a unique and affordable experience for fans, families, students, and supporters. Flex packs are also available to fit your schedule - get seven tickets to use any way you want, to any matches you want. For more information on all WFC2 ticket options, call 604-484-7862 or e-mail wfc2@whitecapsfc.com.
Spencer Richey
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-01
Weight: 195 pounds
Date of Birth: May 30, 1992 in Seattle, Washington
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Citizenship: United States
Status: Domestic
Last Club: University of Washington
How Acquired: Selected 61st overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Whitecaps FC on January 20, 2015. Signed to WFC2 on March 17, 2015.
Craig Nitti
Position: Defender
Height: 6-05
Weight: 220
Date of Birth: January 19, 1992 in Van Nuys, California
Hometown: Calabasas, California
Citizenship: United States / Italy
Status: Domestic
Last Club: Loyola Marymount University
How Acquired: Selected 72nd overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Whitecaps FC on January 20, 2015. Signed to WFC2 on March 17, 2015.
Mackenzie Pridham
Position: Striker
Height: 6-01
Weight: 185 pounds
Date of Birth: August 13, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario
Hometown: Saratoga, California
Citizenship: Canada / United States
Status: Domestic
Last Club: Minnesota United FC (NASL)
How Acquired: Selected 58th overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by Whitecaps FC on January 21, 2014. Signed to WFC2 on March 17, 2015.
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