The Vancouver Whitecaps are gearing up for their 2016 MLS regular season opener, and they have brought back a familiar face.
The club announced on Saturday they have re-signed goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi to a one-year deal, with a club option for the 2017 season.
"Paolo is a true professional," said Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson in a team statement. "The boys absolutely love him to bits and we're confident in his abilities as a goalkeeper. He trains hard, has the right attitude, and is a role model for the younger goalkeepers in our club. We're happy to have him back."
Tornaghi, 27, enters his third season with Vancouver and fifth in MLS overall, after spending 2012-13 with the Chicago Fire. He has made nine league appearances in MLS to date, all with Chicago, but he had an instrumental role last season in Vancouver's first-ever Amway Canadian Championship title, starting three games in their run to the Voyageurs Cup. He was also first choice for Robinson in the CONCACAF Champions League last season, starting all four group stage games, and was named the club's Humanitarian of the Year for 2015.
"I'm happy to re-sign because I know what we're building here as players and also as a club," Tornaghi said. "I will continue to give my all for the fans, staff, and my teammates."
Vancouver open their season on Sunday against Montreal Impact at BC Place (5:30 pm ET, TSN1/TSN3/RDS in Canada, MLS Live in US).
