VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has signed midfielder Cristian Techera to a multi-year contract after finalizing his transfer from Uruguayan side Club Atlético River Plate Montevideo using Targeted Allocation Money. Per MLS and club policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Techera was originally acquired by Whitecaps FC on a season-long loan from the Uruguayan Primera División club last April, after receiving the first right of refusal from Toronto FC in exchange for allocation money.

Whitecaps FC midfielder Cristian Techera

Recorded seven goals and five assists in his first MLS season, both tied for second on Whitecaps FC

Made 21 starts in 26 total appearances, including both MLS Cup Playoffs matches

Shortest player in MLS along with Real Salt Lake's Joao Plata at 5-foot-2

Scored 19 goals in 78 appearances during his six seasons with Uruguayan side Club Atlético River Plate Montevideo

“Cristian has shown in his first year that he's a terrific young player,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “He's the type of player that gets fans out of their seats. We're thrilled to have him remain with the club.”

The 23-year old Techera finished his first MLS regular season with seven goals and five assists, both tied for second on Whitecaps FC. Techera, nicknamed The Bug, made 21 starts in 26 appearances across all competitions, including both legs of the Western Conference Semifinal series in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The Uruguayan winger, who along with Real Salt Lake's Joao Plata is the shortest player in MLS at 5-foot-2, received league honours in August when he was named to the MLS Team of the Week after his second-half brace in the 4-0 win over Real Salt Lake. He finished his first regular season in Vancouver with an assist in the crucial Decision Day 3-0 win over Houston Dynamo in October.

The Paysandú, Uruguay native also played a key role in the Amway Canadian Championship, where his shot led to the Octavio Rivero match-winner in the Voyageurs Cup-clinching second leg of the ACC final versus Montreal Impact.

Prior to his move to Vancouver, Techera made his professional debut with Atlético River Plate Montevideo of the Uruguayan Primera División in April 2010 at the age of 17. Over his six seasons in Uruguay’s top flight, Techera started 45 of his 74 appearances and scored 18 goals. In addition to league play, the speedy Uruguayan started four matches and scored one goal in both the 2013 and 2014 Copa Sudamericana. As a youth player, Techera played with Club Atlético Peñarol, also in Montevideo.