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MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC Acquire Midfielder Matías Laba from Toronto FC

February 26, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club have traded future considerations to Toronto FC in exchange for Young Designated Player MatÃ-as Laba. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"MatÃ-as is a promising young talent and we are excited to have him join our club," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "He is a hard, aggressive player who brings a lot of energy to the pitch and although he is only 22, he is a natural leader on the field."

Whitecaps FC defensive midfielder MatÃ-as Laba

- Represented Argentina at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia

- Played 1,414 minutes in 16 starts last season with Toronto FC

- Made 72 appearances in all competitions over three seasons with Argentinos Juniors of the Argentine Primera DivisiÃ"n

Laba, 22, joins Whitecaps FC following one season with Toronto FC. The 5-foot-9, 155-pound midfielder started all 16 of his appearances and scored his first MLS goal, a game-winner, against New England Revolution on August 4. The Argentine will be eligible to play for Vancouver in all official matches against Toronto FC.

Prior to his move to Canada, Laba made 72 appearances in all competitions over three seasons with Argentina's Primera DivisiÃ"n side Argentinos Juniors.

Internationally, the native of Villa Raffo, Argentina represented his country at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. He appeared in all five of Argentina's matches, which saw La Albiceleste lose in a shootout in the quarter-finals against Portugal.

MatÃ-as Laba

Pronunciation: Mah-tee-as Lab-ahh

Position: Defensive midfielder

Height: 5-09

Weight: 155 pounds

Date of Birth: December 11, 1991, in Villa Raffo, Argentina

Hometown: Villa Raffo, Argentina

Citizenship: Argentina

Status: International

Previous Club: Toronto FC (MLS)

How Acquired: Acquired from Toronto FC for future considerations on February 26, 2014

TRANSACTION: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS) - Acquired midfielder MatÃ-as Laba from Toronto FC for future considerations.

Whitecaps FC begin their 2014 MLS season on March 8 versus New York Red Bulls at BC Place. Season tickets start at just $349 and single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. The 'Caps also offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 26, 2014


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