VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that striker Erik Hurtado will join Norwegian side Mjøndalen IF on loan through the end of 2015 - pending receipt of his international transfer certificate.

“This is a great opportunity for Erik to play games, which is important for any young player,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “Erik is and will continue to be an important member of our club and we’re looking forward to following his progress while on loan in Norway.”

Hurtado, 24, was selected fifth overall by Whitecaps FC in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft after a standout collegiate career with Santa Clara University.

This season, the Fredericksburg, Virginia native, who moved to Beaverton, Oregon at a young age, has started one of his nine MLS regular season appearances. Hurtado has also started one Amway Canadian Championship and CONCACAF Champions League match, as well as a pair of starts with WFC2 in the United Soccer League.

In total, the 5-foot-10 forward has started 29 of his 59 official first team appearances, accumulating seven goals and five assists.

Erik Hurtado

Position: Striker

Height: 5-10

Weight: 180 pounds

Date of Birth: November 15, 1990 in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hometown: Beaverton, Oregon

Citizenship: United States

Status: Domestic

Transaction: Loan through the end of 2015 to Norwegian side Mjøndalen IF on August 6, 2015

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