VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Wednesday that midfielder Marco Bustos has agreed to an 18-month contract extension and has been loaned out to Mexican side Club Atlético Zacatepec, with an option to purchase, through June 30, 2019.

The new contract for the WFC Residency product includes a club option for the second half of 2019, as well as the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Bustos joins Zacatepec after spending a month on trial with the Ascenso MX side.

“This new opportunity will provide Marco a different challenge competing against quality opponents in Mexico,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “It's a chance for him to continue his growth in a foreign and competitive environment, and we look forward to tracking his progress.”

Bustos, 21, has four starts in 13 appearances across all competitions for the first team. The 5-foot-6 midfielder is also the all-time scoring leader for Whitecaps FC 2, tallying 22 goals and five assists in 57 starts and 59 USL appearances, including playoffs.

In international competition, the native of Winnipeg, Manitoba has six senior international caps for Canada. Bustos has also represented Canada at the U-17 and U-20 levels.

Zacatepec play in the Ascenso MX, the second professional level of the Mexican football league system. Based out of the state of Morelos, Zacatepec finished fourth in the 2017 Apertura tournament.

TRANSACTION: Vancouver Whitecaps FC re-sign Marco Bustos to an 18-month contract with club options until 2021, and loan the midfielder to Ascenso MX side Club Atlético Zacatepec through June 30, 2019.