MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC Select Darren Mattocks in 2012 MLS SuperDraft

Published on January 12, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - With the second overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, Vancouver Whitecaps FC today selected Jamaican striker Darren Mattocks from the University of Akron. A speedy goalscorer with game-changing qualities, Mattocks signed a Generation adidas contract with Major League Soccer on December 20, 2011.

"Darren has great pace and an ability to get behind the opposition," said Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie. "He has power, athleticism, and a good eye for the goal, which is always hard to find. He also brings a solid scoring record and we are extremely pleased we were able to select Darren."

Mattocks, 21, comes to Vancouver after two outstanding seasons with Akron. As a sophomore, the 6-foot, 155-pound striker finished second in scoring in NCAA Division I with 21 goals in 22 appearances with the Zips. The Caribbean forward's efforts made him a semifinalist for the 2011 Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy as the top male player in NCAA Division I soccer. He was named Mid-American Conference (MAC) Player of the Year and to the All-MAC First Team for a second straight year.

As a freshman, Mattocks was named MAC Newcomer of the Year after finishing third in NCAA Division I scoring (second among freshmen) with 18 goals in 25 appearances for the Zips in 2010. The striker's efforts that year earned him Freshman All-American honours with College Soccer News, Goal.com, Soccer America, and Top Drawer Soccer.

A native of Portmore, Jamaica, Mattocks is currently a member of the Jamaican U-23 Olympic team player pool.

Name: Darren Mattocks

Position: Striker

Height: 6-00

Weight: 155

Born: September 2, 1990, in Portmore, Jamaica

Hometown: Portmore, Jamaica

Citizenship: Jamaica

Last Club: University of Akron (National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1)

How Acquired: Selected second overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by Whitecaps FC on January 12, 2012

Whitecaps FC 2012 Major League Soccer season tickets start at $329, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, including loge seats and suites, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 12, 2012


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