VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that midfielder Ben McKendry has joined North American Soccer League (NASL) side FC Edmonton through the end of 2017, with an option to recall.



FC Edmonton kick off the 2017 NASL Fall Season on July 30 against Indy Eleven.



"This is a good opportunity for Ben to play in a new city and new league," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "It's important that our young players face new and different challenges and it's the right time for Ben to try something different. We'll continue to track his development."



McKendry, 24, has started all 14 of his appearances with Whitecaps FC 2 in the United Soccer League this season, recording two goals and one assist. He also made his Major League Soccer debut on March 11 against San Jose Earthquakes and started both legs of the Canadian Championship semifinals vs. Montreal Impact in May.



Earlier this year, McKendry also earned his first cap with the Canadian senior men’s national team, playing 45 minutes in a 4-2 victory over Bermuda.



A native of Vancouver, British Columbia, McKendry joined the ‘Caps youth setup – then named the Whitecaps FC prospects – at the age of 14. The 5-foot-11 midfielder then spent five years in the Whitecaps FC Residency program and three seasons at the University of New Mexico before signing an MLS contract with Whitecaps FC in January 2015.



TRANSACTION: Vancouver Whitecaps FC loan midfielder Ben McKendry to FC Edmonton through the end of 2017, with an option to recall



Ben McKendry

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-11

Weight: 160 pounds

Date of Birth: March 25, 1993 in Vancouver, British Columbia

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia

Citizenship: Canada

Status: Domestic, Homegrown

Transaction: Loan to FC Edmonton on July 26, 2017 through December 31, 2017, with an option to recall