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MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC Add Uruguayans Fernández Presa and Nicolás Mezquida Sero

February 5, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the addition of Uruguayan midfielders/strikers Sebastián Fernández and Nicolás Mezquida - pending receipt of their International Transfer Certificates, Canadian work permits and visas. Fernández joins Whitecaps FC on a one-year loan with a transfer option, while Mezquida was acquired via transfer, both from Uruguayan side Boston River. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Sebastián Mauricio Fernández Presa - Whitecaps FC midfielder/striker

Made 26 appearances, scoring five goals, in all competitions during Peruvian Primera División club's Universitario de Deportes 2013 championship season Played the 2012-13 season with Liga MX side San Luis FC (now known as Chiapas FC) Began professional career during the 2007-08 season with Uruguayan Primera División club CS Miramar Misiones

Gabriel Nicolás Mezquida Sero - Whitecaps FC midfielder/striker

Scored seven goals in 24 appearances while on loan with Rampla Juniors Fútbal Club over the last two seasons Scored one goal in three appearances during the 2009 U-17 World Cup with Uruguay Played with Uruguayan Primera División clubs CA Fénix and CA Peñarol Loan spell in 2011 with Norwegian clubs SK Brann and Lillestrøm SK

"Sebastián and Nicolás are exciting young attacking players with a lot of potential," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "Both players like to play with the ball on the ground and are not afraid to attack defenders one-on-one with pace."

Fernández, 24, joins Whitecaps FC after spending the majority of his professional career in South America. Before coming to MLS, the 5-foot-7, 165-pound midfielder/striker captured the 2013 Peruvian Primera División championship with Universitario de Deportes, while he was on loan from Liga MX side Chiapas FC. The Montevideo, Uruguay native made 26 appearances and recorded five goals for Universitario, with two of those markers coming in the playoffs.

During the 2012-13 season, Fernández scored two goals in 13 appearances with San Luis FC. The Uruguayan began his professional career in his native country playing the 2011-12 season with Uruguayan Primera División side Danubio Fútbol Club before five seasons, 2007 to 2012, with Club Sportivo Miramar Misiones.

Mezquida, 22, arrives in Vancouver having last been a member of Uruguayan Primera División side Centro Atlético Fénix. The 5-foot-6, 150-pound midfielder/striker joined Fénix on March 15, 2012, and played parts of two seasons with the club from Montevideo, Uruguay. During that time, Mezquida was loaned to Uruguay's second tier side Rampla Juniors Fútbal Club, where he scored seven goals in 24 appearances.

The native of Paysandú, Uruguay, began his career with the Club Atlético Peñarol youth academy in 2006 before earning a first team contract in 2008. During his time with Peñarol, Mezquida had two loan spells in 2011 with Norwegian clubs SK Brann and Lillestrøm SK.

At the international level, Mezquida made three appearances in the 2009 U-17 World Cup recording one goal for Uruguay's U-17 national team.

Sebasti á n Mauricio Ferná ndez Presa

Position: Midfielder/striker

Height: 5-07

Weight: 165 pounds

Date of Birth: November 15, 1989, in Montevideo, Uruguay

Hometown: Montevideo, Uruguay

Citizenship: Uruguay

Status: International

Previous Club: Universitario de Deportes (Peruvian Primera División)

How Acquired: Acquired by Whitecaps FC on loan from Uruguayan side Boston River on February 5, 2014

Gabriel Nicolás Mezquida Sero

Position: Midfielder/striker

Height: 5-06

Weight: 150 pounds

Date of Birth: January 21, 1992, in Paysandú, Uruguay

Hometown: Montevideo, Uruguay

Citizenship: Uruguay

Status: International

Previous Club: Centro Atlético Fénix (Peruvian Primera División)

How Acquired: Acquired by Whitecaps FC via transfer from Uruguayan side Boston River on February 5, 2014

Whitecaps FC begin their 2014 MLS season on March 8 versus New York Red Bulls at BC Place. Season tickets start at just $349, 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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