The Vancouver Whitecaps have locked up midfielder Cristian Techera to a multi-year contract using Targeted Allocation Money, the club announced Wednesday, finalizing his transfer from Club Atlético River Plate Montevideo.
Techera was originally acquired by the Whitecaps on a season-long loan from the Uruguayan Primera División club last April, after receiving the first right of refusal from Toronto FC in exchange for allocation money.
"Cristian has shown in his first year that he's a terrific young player," Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson said in a statement. "He's the type of player that gets fans out of their seats. We're thrilled to have him remain with the club."
The 23-year-old Techera finished his first MLS regular season with seven goals and five assists, both tied for second on the team. He made 21 starts in 26 appearances across all competitions, including both legs of the Western Conference Semifinal series in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
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The Paysandú, Uruguay native also played a key role in the Amway Canadian Championship, where his shot led to the Octavio Rivero match winner in the Voyageurs Cup-clinching second leg of the ACC final against the Montreal Impact.
Prior to his move to Vancouver, Techera made his professional debut with Atlético River Plate Montevideo in April 2010 at the age of 17. Over his six seasons in Uruguay's top flight, he started 45 of his 74 appearances and scored 18 goals. In addition to league play, the speedy Uruguayan started four matches and scored one goal in both the 2013 and 2014 Copa Sudamericana.
