The French striker joins Vancouver.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced the signing of French striker Eric Hassli as the club’s first Designated Player on Friday, pending his international transfer certificate, work permit and the results of his physical.Hassli joins Vancouver after spending three-and-a-half seasons with Swiss Super League club FC Zurich where he turned in 36 goals in 115 appearances including five goals in 18 matches this season."It was important for us to bring in an experienced striker," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson in a press release. "Strikers are a top priority for clubs around the world, and therefore difficult to secure."Eric is big, strong, and will give us a physical presence all over the pitch. His addition will complement our team very nicely for the coming season, and I’m very much looking forward to having him in our club."The 29-year-old will shoulder much of the scoring responsibility for Vancouver. The first overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, Omar Salgado, isn't available until September, and the other striking option, Atiba Harris, has never scored more than four goals in one season.Hassli will be reunited with former Zurich defender Alain Rochat, who also plays for Vancouver.Keep updated with Major League Soccer by visiting Goal.com's MLS page and joining Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page