VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed today that defender Sam Adekugbe is training with English Football League Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. until December 20 as part of his ongoing development.

The Football League Championship is the second-highest division in England. Brighton, who remain unbeaten through 17 matches, are second in the league with a 9W-0L-8D record.

This will be the third international offseason training stint for Adekugbe. The England-born left back spent some time last offseason with English Premier League club Liverpool FC and with Scottish Championship side Rangers FC.

The 20-year old Adekugbe, who earned an MLS Team of the Week selection after his first league start of the season last March, started seven of his nine regular season appearances this season, and appeared in all four CONCACAF Champions League matches.

In international play, the Calgary-raised defender has made two senior international appearances, making his first cap in Canada's 1-1 draw in the second leg of the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying versus Belize on September 8. He most recently saw pitch time for the Red and White in the 1-1 friendly draw versus Ghana last October 13.

Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.