Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the acquisition of midfielder Jun Marques Davidson - pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and Visa. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.



Jun Marques Davidson – Whitecaps FC midfielder



- Nearly a decade's worth of playing experience in Japan’s top two divisions

- Played one season under Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie at Carolina RailHawks



“Jun is one of the most technically gifted players that I have coached," said Rennie. "He's a defensive-minded midfielder with a strong pedigree of quality and experience after playing in the Japanese J.League for a number of years. His passing awareness and ability to break up play in the middle is tremendous. He will be a great addition to the group.”



A dual American/Japanese citizen, Davidson comes to Whitecaps FC after playing the 2011 season with J.League Division Two (J2) side Tokushima Vortis. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound midfielder started 19 of his 25 appearances last season, notching one assist and helping his club finish near the top of the standings.



Prior to his time with Vortis, Davidson spent the 2010 season playing for Rennie at Carolina RailHawks in the United States Soccer Federation Division-2 Professional League (USSF D-2). As a member of the North Carolina-based outfit, the 28-year-old made 23 appearances in helping the RailHawks capture the NASL Conference title and earning a trip to the USSF D-2 championship series.



“I am excited and thankful to Martin Rennie, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and MLS for this opportunity,” said Davidson. “I will do my best to help the club achieve its goals and look forward to celebrating success with the fantastic supporters in Vancouver.”



Born in Tokyo, Japan, Davidson moved to Pasadena, California, and attended the American Global Soccer School before returning to Japan to kick off his professional career in 2002 with Omiya Ardija (pictured). In 2004, the defensive midfielder helped 'The Squirrels' to a second-place finish in J2 and promotion to J.League Division One (J1). Davidson continued to play with Omiya Ardija until 2006 - making a total of 86 appearances. From 2007 to 2010, the midfielder was a member of J1 side Albirex Niigata. In total, Davidson has played 133 matches in the J.League.



Name: Jun Marques Davidson

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6-01

Weight: 165

Born: June 7, 1983, in Tokyo, Japan

Hometown: Tokyo, Japan

Citizenship: United States/Japan

Youth Club: Tokyo Gas FC Youth

Last Club: Tokushima Vortis (Japanese J.League Division Two)

How Acquired: Free agent acquisition by Whitecaps FC on January 19, 2012



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