February 20, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
VANCOUVER, BC – La Pantera joins Vancouver Whitecaps FC as the striker agrees to a three-year contract.
Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that the club has acquired Venezuelan international Sergio Córdova from German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg. Córdova agreed to a contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026, and will occupy a Designated Player and international roster spot – pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and work permit.
Córdova, who led Real Salt Lake in scoring last year while on loan, arrives in Vancouver ahead of the 2023 MLS regular season opener against his former club this Saturday, February 25. Kickoff at BC Place is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Tickets available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets
Whitecaps FC striker Sergio Córdova
Leading goalscorer for Real Salt Lake in 2022 with 11 goals in 34 appearances
Five seasons in Germany’s Bundesliga with FC Augsburg and Arminia Bielefeld
16 appearances for Venezuela’s men’s national team
Finished tied for second-most goals scored at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup with four
“Sergio is a player who impressed us during his first year in MLS with Real Salt Lake and arrives in Vancouver as he enters his prime,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “He fits the profile of a striker we want to have amongst our group. He is a proven goalscorer in our league, brings size and strength, as well as tenacity in the final third. We’re excited to welcome Sergio to Vancouver and our club.”
Last year on loan with RSL, Córdova recorded a team-leading 11 goals, as well as two assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. In addition, the native of Calabozo, Venezuela tallied the most expected goals amongst MLS newcomers in 2022 with 10.93.
“I’m very happy to come to Whitecaps FC,” said Córdova. “I am excited, motivated and 100 per cent convinced that this year we will achieve great things. I will do my best for this family. See you soon.”
Prior to going out on loan to Salt Lake, Córdova played four seasons with Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, scoring seven goals and adding three assists in 13 starts and 79 appearances. Córdova had another loan spell during his time with Augsburg, joining fellow German club Arminia Bielefeld for the 2020-21 season. The striker started 13 of his 24 appearances for the Blues, tallying two goals and an assist.
Córdova originally began his career in his native Venezuela…
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