CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati has acquired defender Kendall Waston from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for $450,000 of General Allocation Money, $300,000 of Targeted Allocation Money and the 2019 international roster spot obtained from the Colorado Rapids via trade after the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft. Vancouver will retain a percentage of future transfer fees should FC Cincinnati trade or transfer Waston. Additionally, should Waston reach certain performance-based incentives with FC Cincinnati, Vancouver will also receive an additional $75,000 in GAM.

A U.S. permanent resident, Waston will occupy a domestic roster spot on Cincinnati 2019 MLS roster.

“Kendall has been one of the best players in MLS since he arrived in this league,” FC Cincinnati Head Coach Alan Koch said. “He will be a cornerstone of our club and we couldn’t be happier to have him join our group for our first MLS season.”

Waston joins the Orange and Blue in the midst of an extensive playing career at both the club and international levels. The Costa Rica international has made a combined 260 appearances, including 242 starts, scored 42 goals and added 18 assists across all competitions with Deportivo Saprissa (2006-14), Universidad de Costa Rica (2010-11), Municipal Pérez Zeledón (2011-13) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2014-18).

In 2017, Waston was named the club’s third captain in the MLS era. He was named to the MLS Best XI and claimed Vancouver Whitecaps FC Player of the Year in 2015 and 2017. In addition, he also earned a nod to the 2016 MLS All-Star Roster. With Vancouver, Waston totaled 115 appearances, scored 14 goals and added four assists in MLS regular-season play over five seasons.

Since making his international debut in 2013, Waston has 30 career caps with the Costa Rica national team. The defender has tallied six goals and added one assist for the Ticos. Waston made his World Cup debut at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and scored Costa Rica’s first goal of the tournament in their group stage match against Switzerland on June 27, 2018.

The next time Cincinnati takes the field, it will be as MLS’ 24th team in 2019 when the club debuts in the top professional league in the U.S. and Canada. Season tickets for the 2019 season are now on sale at fccincinnati.com/tickets.

For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. For more information about FC Cincinnati tickets - including 2019 season tickets - call 513-977-KICK (5425) or visit fccincinnati.com/tickets.

Transaction: FC Cincinnati acquired D Kendall Waston from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for $450,000 in General Allocation Money, $300,000 in Targeted Allocation Money and the 2019 international roster spot obtained from the Colorado Rapids via trade after the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft on Dec. 11, 2018.

KENDALL WASTON

Position: Defender

Height: 6-5

Weight: 195

Birthdate: January 1, 1988

Birthplace: San José, Costa Rica

Hometown: Limón, Costa Rica

Last Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS)

Nationality: Costa Rica

MLS Roster Status: U.S. Permanent Resident

Twitter: @kwaston88

How Acquired: Via trade from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for $450,000 in General Allocation Money, $300,000 in Targeted Allocation Money and the 2019 international roster spot obtained from the Colorado Rapids via trade after the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft on Dec. 11, 2018.