VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that the club has signed midfielder Mauro Rosales to an MLS contract for 2017, with a club option for 2018.



Whitecaps FC midfielder Mauro Rosales

Has scored 15 goals and added 52 assists in 174 MLS appearances

During one and half seasons with Whitecaps FC, made 36 appearances, scored one goal and added six assists in all competitions

Tied for fourth most assists (52) in MLS since joining the league in 2011

Named MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2011

Won a gold medal with Argentina at the 2004 Olympic Games

"Mauro is a senior player who brings tremendous leadership and commitment to our locker room, someone who can connect with players while still playing with them," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "We missed him last year both for what he brought on and off the field. We have some talented young attacking players, and along with our coaching staff, Mauro is one of the best ones to teach them. He brings professionalism, the right attitude, and demands the best from teammates. He is a welcome addition back to our club."

Rosales, who recently turned 36, returns to Vancouver following one season with FC Dallas, where he helped the Texan side win their first US Open Cup and MLS Supporters' Shield - team with the best regular season record in the league. Rosales started five of 25 MLS appearances, scored two goals and added four assists. The Argentine also started the U.S. Open Cup final and added two assists in three appearances in the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL). As a result of his participation in the 2016-17 CCL with FC Dallas, Rosales is ineligible to play for Whitecaps FC in the knockout stages.



The 5-foot-8, 165-pound midfielder originally joined Whitecaps FC in August 2014 and made 36 appearances, scored one goal, and added six assists in all competitions during his season and half with the club.



Prior to his first stint in Vancouver, the native of Villa Maria, Argentina, previously played with Chivas USA, Seattle Sounders FC, Dutch side AFC Ajax, as well as Argentine sides Newell's Old Boys and River Plate.



At the international level, Rosales was a member of Argentina's U-20 national team that won the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship and the U-23 side that won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.



Mauro Rosales

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-08

Weight: 165 pounds

Date of Birth: February 24, 1981, in Villa Maria, Argentina

Hometown: Villa Maria, Argentina

Citizenship: Argentina, United States (Green Card)

Status: Domestic

Previous Club: FC Dallas (MLS: 2016)

How Acquired: Acquired on a first come, first serve basis on February 27, 2017