MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

The success of any pro club is not only how they treat the players, but also looking at locking them up to possible long-term contracts, should the need arise.

This of  course depends on how they perform both on and off the pitch and one that they simply had to lock-up was Captain Pedro Morales.

The club has re-signed the Designated player to a multi-year contract extension and of course as per MLS and club policy, any terms of the deal were not disclosed to the media.

Morales plays the position of Attacking midfielder and was born in Hualpen Chile and acquired via “free transfer” from Spain’s La Liga side Málaga CF on March 5, 2014.

Head Coach Carl Robinson stated “Since he (Pedro) joined the team at the start of last season, he has been nothing short of a top player and very professional and he is instrumental to the success of this club and a true leader for our young group of players.”

Morales (30) told the media “My family and I are extremely happy in Vancouver and I am fully committed to this club.”

He continued “From Carl Robinson, to my teammates, to all the staff, and of course the fans, this is a first-class organization and I’m proud to be a part of it and I will continue to work hard to help Whitecaps FC achieve success.”

He joined Whitecaps FC in March 2014 on what is known as a “free transfer” from Spain’s La Liga side Málaga CF.

Morales is from Chile and was named the second captain in Whitecaps FC’s MLS history midway through the season.

He led the team with 10 goals and 12 assists in his first season and become the first Whitecaps FC player to reach double digits in both categories.

Morales was named the 2014 MLS Newcomer of the Year and Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year.

So far this season, Morales has five goals and four assists in 19 regular season appearances.

He also has scored two free kick goals in as many games and three this month as well as picking up two goals and an assist in three appearances between the Amway Canadian Championship and CONCACAF Champions League.

On a point of interest it should be known that only four MLS players have created more chances than Morales (129) since the beginning of last season.

Morales and company have an important Western Conference matchup against FC Dallas Saturday at BC Place and the kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT and tickets are still available.

• Whitecaps FC midfielder Pedro Morales
  2014 MLS Newcomer of the Year
  First ‘Caps player to reach double digits in goals/assists in one season
  15 goals and 16 assists in 52 regular season appearances
  Second captain for Whitecaps FC in MLS