The Vancouver Whitecaps have added another attacking piece in the form of Kei Kamara.
The 33-year-old MLS veteran joined the club via trade on Sunday, with the New England Revolution receiving Vancouver's 2019 natural first round SuperDraft pick and a conditional 2020 second round SuperDraft selection in exchange for his services.
"Kei is a player that brings goals and experience to the table," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson in a team release. "He's a big body and he thrives off crosses. Most importantly, he's a good character and he's driven to win. We firmly believe that Kei can help lead this team into exciting times next year."
Kamara has scored over 100 goals in his 11 MLS season, playoffs included, and is a top-10 all-time scorer in regular season goals with 98.
His best season came in 2015 with the Columbus Crew when he joint-top scorer in the league with 22 strikes and a finalist for MLS MVP.
NEWS: #VWFC acquire two-time MLS all-star striker Kei Kamara
— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) December 10, 2017
→ https://t.co/n47h185WP3 pic.twitter.com/1nRpqoyMvQ
Kamara would add four more goals in the playoffs that season to run his total to 26 while helping the Crew to a runner-up finish in the MLS Cup playoffs.
He was traded to the Revolution the following season following a public dispute with teammate Federico Higuain. He would go onto score 19 goals in 52 games with New England while adding seven assists.
“I’m really excited to come to Vancouver,” said Kamara. “I’ve been following the club, and I know that they have a very competitive team that suits the way I play. I want to put pressure on myself to continue to score goals. Most importantly, I want to bring success to the Southsiders, Curva Collective, Rain City Brigade, and all the supporters and fans of this club.”
Kamara will occupy a Designated Player roster slot and is a domestic player as an American citizen.
This is the second major addition of the offseason for the Whitecaps, who also signed 23-year-old Venezuelan Anthony Blondell last month.