Stuart Armstrong tackles "completely different" experience with Vancouver Whitecaps
The deal was done. But Axel Schuster was still sweating one small detail or two, like Cascadia’s notoriously fickle meteorological conditions.
A creative force from midfield, Armstrong joined Whitecaps FC in September 2024 after spending six seasons with Southampton FC, including five seasons in the English Premier League.
The Scottish international agreed to a Designated Player contract through 2026.
WHITECAPS FC
'24: After joining the ‘Caps in September, Armstrong went on to make five starts and 11 appearances across all competitions in the Blue and White, mainly featuring in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Armstrong made his ‘Caps debut as a substitute against FC Dallas on September 7 and made his first start for the club against Minnesota United FC on October 5. The Scot notched his first ‘Caps goal in his second appearance for the club during the 2-0 victory over San Jose Earthquakes on September 14, with fellow Scot Ryan Gauld providing the assist. Armstrong’s impact was strongly felt during the playoffs, as he recorded a goal as well as two assists in the Western Conference Knockout Round against Portland Timbers. With that performance, Armstrong was one of four Whitecaps FC players to record three goal contributions in one match during the 2024 season. While with the ‘Caps, Armstrong made two appearances for Scotland’s men’s national team in UEFA Nations League play.
SOUTHAMPTON FC
'18-'24: Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, Armstrong spent six seasons playing with English side Southampton FC. The native of Inverness, Scotland started 143 of his 214 appearances across all competitions for the club, scoring 25 goals and adding 19 assists. During the 2023/24 season, Armstrong recorded five goals and seven assists in EFL Championship play as he helped the Saints secure promotion to the Premier League via the Promotion Playoff Final.
CELTIC FC
'14-'18: Before moving to England, Armstrong played his entire career in his native Scotland. The midfielder spent three and a half seasons with Celtic FC, totaling 28 goals and 25 assists in 107 starts and 144 appearances across all competitions. Armstrong was a member of Celtic’s treble-winning sides in 2016/17 and 2017/18, as the Bhoys won the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish FA Challenge Cup and the Scottish League Cup in back-to-back seasons. Additionally, Armstrong won the Premiership with Celtic during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons. The midfielder was also involved in their UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League competitions. During his time with the club, Armstrong was named to the PFA Scotland Team of the Year two times.
DUNDEE UNITED FC
'09-'14: Armstrong began his career with fellow Scottish side Dundee United FC, where he was teammates with Whitecaps FC captain Ryan Gauld. After coming through the club’s youth ranks, Armstrong made 109 starts and 150 appearances across four and a half seasons for the first team, while adding 21 goals and 31 assists. During the 2012/13 season, Armstrong received the Scottish Football Writers Association Young Player of the Year award. The midfielder was also named to the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for his performances during the 2013/14 season.
YOUTH
Prior to joining the Dundee United FC Academy in July 2009, Armstrong played for Dyce Boys Club and Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC.
INTERNATIONAL
At the international level, Armstrong has 51 caps to his name with Scotland’s national team since making his debut in March 2017. The 32-year-old started two of his three appearances at UEFA EURO 2020 and made one appearance at UEFA EURO 2024 this past summer. He has also represented his country in FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO qualifiers, UEFA Nations League matches, and international friendlies. In total, Armstrong has recorded five goals and seven assists for the senior team. Armstrong was also a member of Scotland’s U-21 and U-19 sides in his youth alongside Gauld.