VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the addition of Victoria, BC native Sean Melvin to the club’s Whitecaps FC 2 roster for the 2016 United Soccer League season.

“Sean fits the mold of the type of players we're adding to our team. He's got great character and the fact that he is a Residency product is an added bonus,” said WFC2 head coach Alan Koch. “He has a lot of things that as a goalkeeper you cannot teach. His stature is fantastic and he is very imposing. He already looks the part, now it's our job to teach him the fine details of becoming a professional goalkeeper."

WFC2 goalkeeper Sean Melvin

First-ever Vancouver Island native to be signed to Whitecaps FC 2

Played three years for UNC-Wilmington, making 43 starts and finishing with a 24W-14L-5D record and 11 clean sheets

Earned his second invitation to the 'Caps first team training camp this preseason, after also participating in 2012

Earned his first call-up to the Canadian senior men's national team camp in Orlando, Florida in January 2015

"I'm very excited to be back with the club," added Melvin. "I've grown a lot since playing on the club's Residency and U-23 teams, and I look forward to continue developing with the other goalkeepers on the team. I can't wait to play as many games as I can in the USL, and gain valuable experience training with both WFC2 and the first team."

Melvin, 21, joins Whitecaps FC 2 as the team's first-ever signing from Vancouver Island after spending three years playing NCAA Division I soccer with University of North Carolina-Wilmington. He started 43 of his 45 appearances for the Seahawks, finishing with a 24W-14L-5D record, 11 clean sheets, and a 1.25 goals-against average. In 2015, the Victoria, BC native collected a career-high 53 saves while registering a 0.707 save percentage.

A product of the Whitecaps FC Residency program, the 6-foot-4 goalkeeper originally joined the club in 2010, playing three seasons for the Whitecaps FC U-18 side, including starts against the U-18 teams of Mexican Primera Division club Estudiantes Tecos and Liga MX side Atlas de Guadalajara during a six-match tour of Mexico in November 2010.

Melvin participated in this year's first team preseason training camp, as well as the 2012 preseason camp. He also spent parts of the 2011 and 2013 seasons with Whitecaps FC U-23 in the USL Premier Development League. During the summer of 2015, Melvin played in the PDL with Calgary Foothills FC, making seven starts and recording one clean sheet.

Internationally, Melvin earned his first call-up to the Canadian senior men's national team camp in Orlando, Florida in January 2015.

Whitecaps FC 2 open their season on March 26 when they visit Orange County Blues FC at Anteater Stadium. WFC2 host Sacramento Republic FC at Thunderbird Stadium on April 10 for their home opener.

Sean Melvin

Position: Goalkeeper

Height: 6-04

Weight: 180

Date of Birth: July 9, 1994 in Victoria, BC

Hometown: Victoria, BC

Citizenship: Canada

Status: Domestic

Last Club: University of North Carolina-Wilmington (NCAA DI: 2013-15)

Youth Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency (2010-13, USSDA 2011-13)

This year, every Tier 1 ‘Caps Club MLS membership includes three open tickets to WFC2 matches. More information on how to select your WFC2 matches will be sent out with your Tier 1 MLS membership packages. All ‘Caps Club Members can upgrade to the full WFC2 season for only $7 per month over 12 months, while Youth can get WFC2 season tickets for $2 per match.

Tier 2 season ticket memberships are also now available, while single match and group tickets will be available in March. For more information, contact wfc2@whitecapsfc.com or call 604-484-7862.