VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the addition of midfielder/striker Fatawu Safiu to the club’s Whitecaps FC 2 roster for the 2016 United Soccer League season. Safiu joins on a season-long loan from Ghanaian club Inter Allies FC – pending receipt of his international transfer certificate.

“Fatawu is a talented young player with tremendous attacking ability,” said WFC2 head coach Alan Koch. “We saw firsthand how dangerous he can be when we played against Portland last season, so we’re excited to now have him part of our group.”

WFC2 midfielder/striker Fatawu Safiu

Started 18 of 23 USL appearances with Timbers 2 in 2015, scoring seven goals (second-most on T2) and recording one assist

Led Ghana Premier League side Inter Allies FC with seven goals in all competitions in 2014, while adding four assists

International experience with Ghana U-20 and U-23 national teams

Safiu, 21, started 18 of his 23 USL appearances for Timbers 2 in 2015, finishing second on the team with seven goals, two of which came on back-to-back weeks in a home-and-home series versus Whitecaps FC 2 last July. Safiu also added one assist in league play. The Ghanaian was also productive in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, scoring a goal in his lone tournament appearance for T2, a second round win over Premier Development League side Michigan Bucks.

A Ghanaian youth international with U-20 and U-23 national team experience, Safiu led Inter Allies FC with seven goals across all competitions in 2014, in addition to his four assists. He made 14 appearances for the Ghana Premier League side, scoring a goal in the semifinal of the Ghanaian FA Cup to help the club to their first Cup final appearance.

In the 2013-14 season, the 5-foot-9 striker spent the first six months on loan at Vimmerby IF of Sweden’s Division 2 Södra Svealand, where he scored seven goals in 20 league appearances.

Safiu began his career with Liberty Professionals F.C. in Ghana.

Whitecaps FC 2 open their season this coming Saturday, March 26 when they visit Orange County Blues FC at Anteater Stadium. WFC2 host their home opener at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday, April 10 against Sacramento Republic FC.

Fatawu Safiu

Position: Midfielder/Striker

Height: 5-09

Weight: 168

Date of Birth: July 16, 1994

Place of Birth: Accra, Ghana

Hometown: Accra, Ghana

Citizenship: Ghana

Status: International

Last Club: Timbers 2 (USL: '15)

This year, every Tier 1 ‘Caps Club MLS membership includes three open tickets to WFC2 matches. More information on how to select your WFC2 matches will be sent out with your Tier 1 MLS membership packages. All ‘Caps Club Members can upgrade to the full WFC2 season for only $7 per month over 12 months, while Youth can get WFC2 season tickets for $2 per match.

Tier 2 season ticket memberships are also now available, while single match and group tickets will be available in March. For more information, contact wfc2@whitecapsfc.com or call 604-484-7862.