VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that the club has signed striker – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that the club has signed striker Gloire Amanda from the Residency program to a professional contract with Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) in the United Soccer League (USL), pending league and federation approval.

WFC2 striker Gloire Amanda Born in the refugee camp of Nyarugusu in Tanzania before moving to Edmonton, Alberta at eight-years-old

Made his pro debut as an academy call-up for WFC2 in the 2017 USL season opener

Joined the Whitecaps FC Residency program at 15-years-old

48 goals with Whitecaps FC Residency over the past three Development Academy seasons

Called up to Canada U-18 men’s national team camp in 2015

“From his first trial to join the Residency program in 2013, I could tell in his one-on-one interview that he had a real chance to become a pro,” noted Fagan. “His drive and determination is second to none. I am very proud of Gloire and look forward to his continued progress.”

Amanda made his professional debut with WFC2 as an academy call-up this past Saturday, March 25, subbing on in the 79th minute of the 2017 USL season opener against LA Galaxy II. Prior to the start of the season, the 18-year-old appeared in all three preseason matches for WFC2, scoring two goals.

The native of Edmonton, Alberta has been in the Whitecaps FC Residency program since 2014. In the current Development Academy season, Amanda has scored 16 goals in 14 appearances for the U-18 team – tied for eighth most in the 72-team academy league. Last season, he scored 14 goals while starting 22 of his 27 regular season appearances, adding another three goals in six playoff appearances on the way to the championship final. During his first season with the U-16 Residency team, the young striker was second on the team with 15 goals while starting 15 of his 23 appearances.

Prior to joining the Residency program, Amanda spent one season playing with FC Edmonton Reserves, His youth career also included stops at Edmonton Internazionale, Edmonton Extreme FC, and St. Nicholas Soccer Academy where he played with Whitecaps FC midfielder Alphonso Davies.

Born in the refugee camp of Nyarugusu in Tanzania, Amanda moved to Canada with his family when he was eight-years-old and now has his Canadian citizenship. In 2015, he was called up to Canada Soccer’s U-18 men’s national team.

The club has now signed seven players to professional contracts with WFC2 from the 2015-2016 U-18 Residency team that played in the Development Academy Championship final. Also having joined WFC2 from that team is head coach Rich Fagan.

WFC2 host their home opener next Saturday, April 8 at Langley's McLeod Athletic Park against rivals Seattle Sounders FC 2. The first home match at UBC Thunderbird Stadium will take place on Saturday, April 22 against San Antonio FC. For ticket information, visit whitecapsfc.com/wfc2tickets.

Gloire Amanda

Position: Forward

Height: 5-foot-10

Weight: 170-pounds

Birth date: November 11, 1998 in Nyarugusu, Tanzania

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta

Citizenship: Canada

Status: Domestic

Previous club: Whitecaps FC Residency (2014 – Present)