Ahead of Thursday's Major League Soccer (MLS) roster freeze for the 2011 season, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of Trinidad & Tobago centre back Carlyle Mitchell - pending his international transfer certificate. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Carlyle is a young, athletic prospect that provides additional depth to the centre back position,” said Tom Soehn, Whitecaps FC acting head coach and director of soccer operations.

Mitchell, 24, joins Whitecaps FC after starting his professional career with Joe Public FC in the Trinidad & Tobago Professional Football League (TT Pro League). In 2009, the defender helped Joe Public to the league championship, Trinidad & Tobago Cup (FA Trophy), Trinidad & Tobago Classic, and Trinidad & Tobago Pro Bowl titles. In 2010, the centre back helped the Eastern Lions to a runners-up finish in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Champions' Cup competition behind Puerto Rico Islanders.

The native of Arima, Trinidad & Tobago, also appeared for Joe Public in two editions of the CONCACAF Champions League. The defender faced 2012 MLS expansion club Montreal Impact in the group stage of the inaugural 2008-09 competition before facing MLS Eastern Conference side Columbus Crew during the group stages of the 2010-11 competition.

Mitchell made his senior international debut for Trinidad & Tobago during a 3-1 friendly defeat at home to Caribbean rivals Jamaica on August 11, 2010. The centre back has since made three international appearances for The Soca Warriors. As a Trinidad & Tobago youth international, Mitchell made five appearances for his country's U-20 national team in 2006, while in 2007, he made four appearances with their U-23 squad in qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Carlyle Mitchell

Position: Defender

Height: 6-01

Weight: 165

Born: August 8, 1987, in Arima, Trinidad & Tobago

Last Club: Joe Public FC (TT Pro League)

Citizenship: Trinidad & Tobago

Whitecaps FC visit LA Galaxy this Saturday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m. PT. Vancouver's match at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California, will be broadcast live on Sportsnet Pacific, TEAM 1040, Bell mobile devices, as well as online at MLS MatchDay Live.

Whitecaps FC return to Bell Pitch at Empire Field on Saturday, September 24, to host Pacific Northwest rivals Seattle Sounders FC. Tickets for the club's final match at Empire Field are still available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centres, online at ticketmaster.ca, or Charge-by-Phone at 1.855.6.GO-CAPS.