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MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC Acquire Canadian International Junior Hoilett

September 14, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps announced on Thursday that the club has acquired Canadian international attacking midfielder/forward Junior Hoilett. The native of Brampton, Ontario has agreed to an MLS contract through 2023. Hoilett will join the team in the coming days and will officially be added to the roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and medical.

Whitecaps FC attacking midfielder/forward Junior Hoilett

Three appearances at the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup for Canada

Joint all-time assist leader for Canada's men's national team with 16

559 career appearances for club and country

"Junior brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our group," said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. "He has played a key role with Canada's men's national team over the years, having most recently helped Canada finish at the top of Concacaf qualifying for the World Cup and was the captain at the Gold Cup. We are very pleased to welcome Junior and his family to the club."

Catch Junior Hoilett in action at BC Place - secure seats at whitecapsfc.com/tickets

The 33-year-old versatile player with plenty of experience playing in England's top divisions arrives in Vancouver having most recently spent the past two seasons with Reading FC in the Championship. During his time with the Royals, Hoilett started 51 of his 62 appearances across all competitions, recorded four goals and added two assists playing in several positions.

"I'm super excited to be here in Vancouver, where I shared many great memories at BC Place in front of amazing fans," added Hoilett. "I can't wait to make new memories and help this team achieve our goals for the remainder of the year."

Prior to his time at Reading, Hoilett played with Cardiff City FC for five years, including one season in the Premier League and four seasons in the Championship. The Canadian international tallied 25 goals and 22 assists across all competitions for the Welsh side, starting 145 of his 184 appearances.

In addition, Hoilett previously spent four seasons with Queens Park Rangers. The playmaker recorded 13 goals, as well as 13 assists, in 80 starts and 122 appearances across all competitions for the Hoops.

In his youth days, Hoilett played with Southern Ontario clubs Brampton YSC, CS Azzurri, and Oakville SC before moving to England to join Blackburn Rovers Academy in 2003. Hoilett started his professional career with the Riversiders in 2007. In total, Hoilett scored 14 goals and added nine assists in 67 starts and 92 appearances for the first team.

During his time with Blackburn, the Canadian also went away on two loan spells in Germany's 2.Bundesliga. The first came during the 2007-08 season with SC Paderborn 07 where he started six of his 13 appearances and added a goal, as well as two assists. The following season, Hoilett suited up for FC St. Pauli and earned 17 starts in 27 appearances, while on the offensive side he recorded six goals and added four assists.

In his career, Hoilett has amassed 500 appearances at the professional club level, recorded 63 goals and added 52 assists.

At the international level, Hoilett has tallied 15 goals and 16 assists in 59 appearances for Canada's men's national team, with three of those appearances coming at the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar. Most recently, Hoilett captained Canada at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, playing alongside Whitecaps FC midfielder Ali Ahmed and wingback Richie Laryea. At the tournament, Hoilett recorded one goal and two assists, starting all four of Canada's matches. Hoilett has also played in FIFA Men's World Cup Qualifying, Concacaf Nations League, and international friendly matches for his country.

TRANSACTION: On September 14, 2023, Whitecaps FC acquire Junior Hoilett, who agreed to a contract through 2023.

Junior Hoilett

Pronunciation: hoy-lett

Position: Attacking Midfielder/Forward

Height: 5-08

Weight: 150 pounds

Date of Birth: June 5, 1990 in Brampton, Ontario

Hometown: Brampton, Ontario

Citizenship: Canada

Status: Domestic

Previous Clubs: Reading FC (2021-23), Cardiff City FC (2016-21), Queens Park Rangers (2012-16), Blackburn Rovers (2003-12), FC St. Pauli (2008-09 - on loan), SC Paderborn 07 (2007-08 - on loan)

Youth Teams: Oakville SC, CS Azzurri, Brampton YSC

Instagram: @jrhoilett23

Twitter: @jnrhoilett

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