The Vancouver Whitecaps locked up their captain for the foreseeable future, announcing on Tuesday that they have re-signed Designated Player Pedro Morales to a multi-year contract extension.
Per league and club policy, further terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Since Pedro joined our team at the beginning of last season, he has been nothing short of a top player and professional," Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said in a statement released by the club. "Pedro is instrumental to the success of this club and a true leader for our young group of players."
Morales joined Vancouver in March 2014 on a free transfer from Spanish La Liga side Málaga. The 30-year-old Chilean went on to lead the team with 10 goals and 12 assists in his first season – becoming the first Whitecaps MLS player to reach double digits in both categories and taking home the 2014 MLS Newcomer of the Year award.
Morales has five goals and four assists in 19 regular season appearances in 2015, helping put the ‘Caps in the thick of the Supporters’ Shield and Western Conference races. He’s also picked up two goals and an assist in three appearances between the Amway Canadian Championship and CONCACAF Champions League. Also of note, only four MLS players have created more chances than Morales (129) since the beginning of last season.
"My family and I are extremely happy in Vancouver and I am fully committed to this club," Morales said in the statement. "From Carl Robinson, to my teammates, to all the staff, and of course the fans, this is a first-class organization and I'm proud to be a part of it. I will continue to work hard to help Whitecaps FC achieve success."
