New Zealand's Deklan Wynn in action in a friendly Junior All Whites v Fiji Under 20 Football Match, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo / Photosport.
New Zealand's Deklan Wynn in action in a friendly Junior All Whites v Fiji Under 20 Football Match, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo / Photosport.
All Whites defender Deklan Wynne has signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the MLS.
Wynne, who was at the centre of the recent eligibility controversy at the Pacific Games which saw the Junior All Whites disqualified, has been trialling with the Canadian team over the last few weeks.
The 20-year-oldhas impressed during his time in Canada and inked a deal earlier this week.
He will initially play for the Whitecaps feeder team - Whitecaps FC2 - in the United Soccer League, which is the third tier of professional football in the United States.
"Deklan has a cultured left foot and is very comfortable on the ball," Whitecaps FC2 head coach Alan Koch told the club website. "He comes from a good environment and is willing to learn. We're looking forward to getting him integrated with the team."
It's Wynne first professional deal - he was based at East Coast Bays before spending the last two ASB Premiership seasons with Wanderers SC - and a significant boost for the All Whites. Wynne joins Tim Payne and Jake Gleeson as New Zealanders based in North America.
The Whitecaps became Canada's second MLS franchise in 2010. Their highest league finish has been ninth in 2014 and they became the first Canadian team to make the playoffs in 2012. All Whites and Phoenix defender Michael Boxall made 19 appearances for the Whitecaps during 2011-12.
Wynne could make his debut this Monday (NZT) when Whitecaps FC2 face Portland Timbers 2 in Portland.
