VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC continued their busy offseason on Tuesday, acquiring experienced Spanish midfielder Jon Erice with the use of Targeted Allocation Money.

Erice, 32, joins Whitecaps FC after spending the vast majority of his career in his native Spain, including more than 200 matches in La Liga 2.

“Jon brings a wealth of experience to our club and has played consistently in highly competitive environments,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Marc Dos Santos. “He has a strong understanding of the demands we require in the defensive midfielder position. He’s an excellent distributor of the ball, technical, tenacious, and another important piece as we continue to build our roster.”

TRANSACTION: Whitecaps FC acquire midfielder Jon Erice via transfer from La Liga 2 side Albacete Balompié on January 22, 2019. Erice has agreed to an MLS contract through 2020 with a club option for 2021 and will be added to the roster with the use of Targeted Allocation Money. He will occupy an international roster spot and officially join the club's roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), work permit, visa, and medical examinations.

Whitecaps FC midfielder Jon Erice

Over 300 appearances between the top three divisions of Spanish football, as well as stints in Cyprus and Greece, including a number of years as captain

Most recently with La Liga 2 side Albacete, making 5 6 appearances since joining them in August 2017

Developed and made his professional debut with La Liga club CA Osasuna

Also featured for Málaga CF, SD Huesca, Cádiz CF, CD Guadalajara S.A.D., and Real Oviedo of La Liga 2 and La Liga 3

A native of Pamplona, Spain, Erice came through the youth system of his hometown side Club Atlético Osasuna before joining the first team and playing nine matches in La Liga.

The 5-foot-9, midfielder went on to make more than 300 appearances between the top three divisions of Spanish football, as well as stints in Cyprus and Greece, including a number of seasons as captain.

He most recently spent one-and-a-half seasons with La Liga 2 side Albacete Balompié, making 56 appearances. In the 2018-19 campaign, Erice has started all 18 of his appearances while serving as co-captain for Albacete, who are currently in contention for promotion to the top division.

Erice is Vancouver’s latest offseason acquisition, joining goalkeepers Max Crepeau and Zac MacMath, left back/winger Victor “PC” Giro, centre back Derek Cornelius, and midfielder Andy Rose.

Whitecaps FC open the 2019 MLS season against Minnesota United FC on March 2 at BC Place. For information on tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets .

Jon Erice

Pronunciation: jon air-EE-seh

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-10

Weight: 155 pounds

Date of birth: November 3, 1986 in Pamplona, Spain

Hometown: Burlada, Spain

Citizenship: Spain

Status: International

Last club: Albacete Balompié (Spain’s La Liga 2: ’17 to ’19)