VANCOUVER, BC — Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has transferred midfielder Davide Chiumiento to FC Zürich of the Swiss Super League for an undisclosed fee. Per club and league policies, terms of the deal were not disclosed.



“Davide has been a very good player and ambassador for Whitecaps FC during his time with the club,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie. “This is a great opportunity for him to be closer to his family while continuing his soccer career. We would like to thank Davide for all of his contributions to the club and wish him the best of luck in the future.”



Chiumiento, 27, joined Whitecaps FC in August 2010 after spending four seasons in his native Switzerland, including three years with FC Luzern, and one season with Berner Sport Club (BSC) Young Boys.



“I have really enjoyed my time in Vancouver and I would like to thank the fans, the club, and my teammates for all of their support,” said Chiumiento. “It’s been two great years but now I look forward to the next chapter of my career, which will fortunately bring me closer to my family.”



The Swiss international arrived in Vancouver near the end of the 2010 United States Soccer Federation Division-2 Professional League and made two regular season and three playoff appearances that season. During Vancouver’s inaugural season in Major League Soccer, Chiumiento scored two goals and added nine assists in 26 league appearances, as well as one assist in three Canadian Championship matches. This season, Chiumiento has recorded five assists in 16 league appearances and also added three assists in four Canadian Championship matches.



Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS RS 8W-4L-6D) visit BMO Field tonight at 4 p.m. PT, as they take on Canadian rivals Toronto FC (MLS RS 2W-11L-4D) - TV: TSN, RADIO: TEAM 1410 - teamradio.ca, MOBILE: bell.ca/mobiletv. Vancouver will then wrap-up their five-match road swing on Saturday, July 14, at Toyota Park in Bridgeway, Illinois, against Chicago Fire (MLS RS 8W-6L-4D) at 5:30 p.m. PT - TV: Sportsnet Pacific, RADIO: TEAM 1040 - teamradio.ca, ONLINE: live.mlssoccer.com, MOBILE: bell.ca/mobiletv. Whitecaps FC return home next week for matches at BC Place against LA Galaxy on Wednesday, July 18, at 7 p.m. PT and San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, July 22, at 4 p.m. PT. For information on match tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets or call 604.669.9283 ext 3.