Stefan Marinovic signs with Vancouver Whitecaps

All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic kicks during the match against Mexico at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia. Photo / Photosport.

First-choice All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic has shifted from Germany to the United States after becoming the latest Kiwi to sign a Major League Soccer contract.

Marinovic, 25, joins the Vancouver Whitecaps after four seasons with lower- tiered German outfit SpVgg Unterhaching.

Vancouver coach Carl Robinson says the Auckland-born gloveman caught his eye in New Zealand's recent winless campaign at the Confederations Cup in Russia.

In need of a quality option to replace Italian Paolo Tornaghi, he was delighted to sign the 19-cap All White.

Robinson expects Marinovic to challenge Danish stopper David Ousted for the top team's starting goalkeeper berth.

"Teams in England, teams all over were chasing him," Robinson told the club's website.

"We needed to find someone who was able to compete with David and bring on the young ones as well and Stefan certainly fits that bill."

Marinovic takes the number of New Zealanders at the Whitecaps to four, although Deklan Wynne, Franics de Vries and Myer Bevan all play in the reserve team.

Vancouver are currently fourth in the Western Conference, with seven games remaining.