Newest MLS players debut at Grand Opening of new Whitecaps FC store; ‘Caps jersey an ideal gift for the holiday season

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of homegrown midfielder Philippe Davies, defender Wes Knight, and goalkeeper Jay Nolly to the club's Major League Soccer roster. Per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Sporting 2011 Whitecaps FC jerseys, the trio were introduced at today’s opening of the new Whitecaps FC store in Metropolis at MetroTown (next to Sport Chek) in Burnaby, BC. The store carries a wide range of Whitecaps FC merchandise, which is also available online at whitecapsfcshop.ca. 2011 Whitecaps FC jerseys start at $99.99 plus tax and can be customized with name and number upon request.

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All three players were members of Whitecaps FC during the club's final season at the North American second division level in 2010. Davies, Knight, and Nolly join USA World Cup star Jay DeMerit, as well as MLS Expansion Draft picks Joe Cannon, Atiba Harris, Jonathan Leathers, Shea Salinas, and John Thorrington in becoming the latest players to be part of Vancouver's inaugural MLS season in 2011.

Davies, 19, becomes a member of the club's inaugural MLS roster following a highly productive 2010 season with the 'Caps. A product of the Whitecaps FC Residency program from 2007 to 2009 and the club's first MLS homegrown player, Davies has started 27 of his 34 appearances, scored one goal and recorded two assists. His first men's team goal came last season in a 2-2 draw away to Carolina RailHawks on July 31. A former Canadian U-17 and U-20 international, the native of Longueuil, Quebec, was part of a recent training camp with Canada's U-23 Olympic team, as they prepare towards qualification for the 2012 London Olympics.

Knight, 24, moves to MLS after two productive seasons with Whitecaps FC. A popular defender, the native of Easley, South Carolina, earned the club's 'Fan Favourite' award in 2010 with his dependable performances in Vancouver's defensive backline, while providing an attacking threat on the right flank with his crosses and long throw-ins. A product of the College of Charleston, Knight was also a finalist for the 2009 United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) Rookie of the Year award. He finished the regular season as the USL-1's joint-assist leader alongside former 'Caps teammate Ricardo Sanchez, having tallied eight assists during his rookie campaign. During his two seasons with Vancouver, Knight has started 69 of his 72 appearances and earned 10 assists.

Nolly, 28, returns to MLS after three highly successful seasons as the Whitecaps FC starting goalkeeper. In 2010, the native of Littleton, Colorado, was named United States Soccer Federation Division-2 Professional League (USSF D-2 Pro League) Goalkeeper of the Year after registering an impressive 14 shutouts and a goals-against average of 0.74 in all 30 of Vancouver's regular season matches. In the past two seasons with Whitecaps FC, Nolly started every competitive match for the Blue and White and claimed the club's Most Valuable Player award on two straight occasions. In fact, Nolly's 38 total appearances this past season helped him break the club's ironman record of 78 consecutive matches that was previously held by former 'Caps striker Joey Gjertsen. Nolly sits second on the Whitecaps FC career shutout list with 41 clean sheets, while he is only the second goalkeeper after Paul Dolan to pass the 100-appearance mark for goalkeepers in club history. In total, Nolly has started 109 matches, with a record of 42 wins, 29 losses, and 28 draws. Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, Nolly spent three years in MLS with Real Salt Lake and D.C. United between 2005 and 2007.

Philippe Davies

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6-00

Weight: 165

Born: December 12, 1990, in Longueuil, Quebec

Hometown: Longueuil, Quebec

Last Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (USSF D-2 Pro League)

Citizenship: Canada

How Acquired: Signed to a MLS contract by Whitecaps FC on November 26, 2010

Wes Knight

Position: Defender

Height: 5-11

Weight: 175

Born: September 6, 1986, in Easley, South Carolina

Hometown: Easley, South Carolina

Last Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (USSF D-2 Pro League)

College: College of Charleston

Citizenship: United States

How Acquired: Signed to a MLS contract by Whitecaps FC on November 26, 2010

Jay Nolly

Position: Goalkeeper

Height: 6-03

Weight: 205

Born: January 2, 1982, in Orlando, Florida

Hometown: Littleton, Colorado

Last Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (USSF D-2 Pro League)

College: Indiana University

Citizenship: United States

How Acquired: Signed to a MLS contract by Whitecaps FC on November 26, 2010

More than 15,000 Whitecaps FC season ticket deposits have been sold for the club’s inaugural season in MLS. Season ticket deposit holders will be able to choose from seven different seating categories starting at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. Pricing starts at less than $17 per game and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com.