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Andres Torres

February 24, 2014 Email

Andres Torres

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Nicolas Mezquida is adapting quickly to life in Vancouver during the Whitecap’s preseason, as he gets ready for his first season in the MLS. The MLS is seeing a wave of Uruguayan players coming through the doors, and the 5’6, 150 pound 22 year old Mezquida joined the Vancouver based club with fellow compatriot Sebastian Fernandez from second division Uruguayan side Boston River. “El Pitbull” Mezquida has been brought to the North American side as a rare Uruguayan number 10 playmaker. “This is my favorite position to be in, I enjoy making the plays, giving the assist, and two out of three times there's always a ball for me to put in.” At such a young age, the Paysandu native has racked up important experience playing in three continents and three countries, also being able to form a part of Uruguay’s under 17 and under 20 team. “I’m getting used to the MLS style of play as time goes on,” says Mezquida. “I find it is more dynamic, more physical and has a faster pace, which I really like and I think matches my style better.” Mezquida formed one half of the Uruguayan duo that was signed by the WhiteCaps, and said that being here with another Uruguayan really made him feel at home, but there are also many Latin based players and Spanish speakers on the team, so that the chemistry within the team is very good. Starting his career in Montevideo based Peñarol, he has also played for CA Fenix, Rampla Juniors and Boston River in Uruguay while having a 1 year stint in Norway playing for SK Brann and Lillestrom SK respectively. “I would have no problem playing for Canada,” says Mezquida. “If the opportunity came up, I would do everything I can to defend Canada and play internationally, but for now my focus is this season and playing with the Whitecaps.” Mezquida has three games played so far in the pre season with one assist to his name. The Whitecaps season will start on The Whitecaps will have two more preseason game, Wednesday February 26 vs. San Jose and Saturday, March 1 vs. Portland, before their first league game on March 8 when they host the New York Red Bulls.