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“(But) an extension doesn’t mean that the spot is yours and you own the club. No, far from it. They deserve an extension; they have it because we believe they’re part of the future of the club. But they’re going to have a lot of competition for their spot, as will everybody.”

Felipe played the fewest minutes of his seven-year MLS career last season (2,203), but has still played more league games (210) than anyone else since breaking in with the Montreal Impact in 2012. He’s recorded at least five assists in each of those seasons. Also since 2012, he is top-five in touches and passes into the final third and among the top 10 in total successful passes, and successful passes ending in the final third.

The 28-year-old was deployed mostly in an unfamiliar defensive No. 6 role last season, and he was frustrated with his performances. But the Brazilian midfielder is excited about how he meshes with the style being set by Dos Santos — who also has an extensive coaching history in Brazil.

“I believe I’ll be playing more in my strengths, which is more in transition moments, going box to box. The system he plays fits my qualities and I think I can bring a lot to this group,” said Felipe. “(The new contract) means a lot. I was excited to be getting a long-term deal, and be staying here for long. Since Day 1, my goal has been to win something. I’m here to stay, to win, to make history with this club. To help lift up the young guys and help them grow even more.”

Reyna had 11 assists last season — including four game-winners — with his total falling one short of the team record set by Pedro Morales in 2014. The Peruvian magician has put up big numbers only matched by big-budget players; he was fourth in MLS last season with 15 big chances created, two behind leaders Miguel Almiron, Nicolas Lodeiro and Darwin Quintero, and even with Sebastian Giovinco and Carlos Vela. In 50 appearances for Vancouver, he has 13 goals, including six game-winners, which is already tied for the third-most in team history. The creative attacker also topped the team in open-play key passes per game (1.4) while also ranking fourth on the team with six goals.