Vancouver Whitecaps sign forward Simon Becher from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate | OneFootball

The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed forward Simon Becher from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Whitecaps 2.

Becher's contract runs through the 2023 MLS season with further options for 2024, 2025, and 2026.

“Simon joined us from the SuperDraft last January and is another example of how important it is to have our MLS NEXT Pro team as part of our path to the first team,” VWFC sporting director Axel Schuster said in a club press release. “Throughout his first year at the club, Simon showed us he has the qualities that we look for in a player both on and off the pitch.

"We are excited for him to make the next step and continue to grow in his young career."

The 23-year-old was Whitecaps 2's top scorer last season, hitting the net eight times in 22 appearances while adding a further four assists. Becher already has MLS experience, too, finding the net in an eight-minute cameo as the Whitecaps came from behind to win 2-1 against the Houston Dynamo in August.

Becher has also participated in three US youth national team camp, though he remains uncapped.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling, a culmination of a lot of hard work and sacrifice,” Becher said. “I’m so grateful for my family, friends, teammates, and coaches that supported me. To stay in Vancouver makes it all the sweeter, this club is building something special here.”