VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club have acquired a first-round selection in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, as well as an international spot through the 2013 season, from Toronto FC in exchange for striker Eric Hassli. Per club and league policies, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Trading Eric has been a difficult decision and we really appreciate all that he has done for the club. With the emergence of our young strikers and recent additions, we felt that this is the right time to make this move,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie. “We wish Eric the best of luck in Toronto.”

Hassli joined Whitecaps FC from Swiss Super League side FC Zürich at the start of the 2011 season. During his time with Vancouver, the 31-year-old native of Sarreguemines, France, scored 12 goals and had five assists in 44 league appearances, as well as three goals in eight Canadian Championship matches with Whitecaps FC.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS RS 8W-6L-7D) are back at BC Place this Sunday, July 22, at 4 p.m. PT, as they host Western Conference leaders San Jose Earthquakes (MLS RS 13W-4L-4D) - TV: Sportsnet Pacific, RADIO: TEAM 1410 - teamradio.ca, ONLINE: live.mlssoccer.com, MOBILE:bell.ca/mobiletv. For information on match tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets or call 604.669.9283 ext 3.