VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday the addition of defender Dominick Zator to the Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) roster for the 2017 United Soccer League (USL) season - pending league and federation approval.

WFC2 defender Dominick Zator

Tallied six goals and 15 assists while starting 67 of 68 conference matches in five years with University of Calgary

Named second-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2016 after leading Canada West with 11 assists

Played two seasons for Calgary Foothills FC in the USL Premier Development League

“Dominick is a promising young prospect. He had a strong collegiate career and was an important member of the Calgary Foothills FC 2016 USL PDL final team,” said WFC2 head coach Rich Fagan. “He is an athletic centre back with excellent tactical awareness. He'll have a chance to be an important piece on our team.”

Zator, 22, signs his first professional contract with Whitecaps FC 2 after featuring for the University of Calgary as a five-year starter. The 6-foot-1 centre back started 67 of a possible 68 conference matches from 2012 through 2016, tallying six goals and 15 assists for the Dinos. Wearing the captain's armband in his last three years, the Calgary native was named to the U Sports All-Canadian second team after leading Canada West with 11 assists in 2016.

While in university, Zator played for his hometown Calgary Foothills FC, where he was teammates with current WFC2 goalkeeper Sean Melvin. Zator recorded one goal in 22 regular season matches in the USL Premier Development League from 2015 through 2016. He was named to the 2016 PDL All-Playoffs team, after scoring a late game-winner to lead his side to a 2-1 win over FC Tucson and the Western Conference championship.

In February 2016, the centre back was invited to a 10-day trial with English League One outfit Oxford United FC.

Whitecaps FC 2 open the 2017 USL season on the road at LA Galaxy II on Saturday, March 25. They begin their home slate on Saturday, April 8 versus Cascadia rival Seattle Sounders FC 2 at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley, BC, where they play six of their home matches this upcoming season. The first of their 10-match home schedule at UBC Thunderbird Stadium is on Saturday, April 22 versus San Antonio FC. Click here for ticket information .

Dominick Zator

Pronunciation: zah-TOR

Position: Centre back

Height: 6-01

Weight: 180

Date of Birth: September 18, 1994 in Calgary, Alberta

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta

Citizenship: Canada, Poland

Status: Domestic

Last Club: University of Calgary Dinos (U Sports '12-'16)