Photo courtesy of Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 / Kyle Greig
“It was a privilege to be a part of this club in 2016 and I'm very excited to continue my career in Vancouver this upcoming season,” said Greig. “I want to thank my wife and family for the endless support on this journey. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity the coaching staff and club has given me to take the next step in my career. Vancouver is a city that my family and I have thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to playing at BC Place for the fans and for the organization."
Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps FC is certainly reaping the benefits of the talent that Whitecaps FC 2 touted this past 2016 USL season.
Two more signs came to life Monday when Vancouver announced that striker Kyle Greig and goalkeeper Spencer Richey have signed MLS contracts with the organization.
Greig captained WFC2 to the Western Conference final this year, netting a team-high 13 goals between the regular season and USL Cup Playoffs. He also played four times with the MLS side, assisting the game-winning goal against Sporting Kansas City in CONCACAF Champions League play on Sept. 13.
“Kyle has an exceptional work ethic and a nose for goal,” Whitecaps FC Head Coach Carl Robinson said. “He did a fantastic job as captain of a very young WFC2 squad last season. It’s a pleasure to have him as part of our group.”
The former OKC Energy FC forward, who made the move to WFC2 prior to the 2016 season, is certainly excited about the move.
“It was a privilege to be a part of this club in 2016 and I’m very excited to continue my career in Vancouver this upcoming season,” said Greig. “I want to thank my wife and family for the endless support on this journey. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity the coaching staff and club has given me to take the next step in my career. Vancouver is a city that my family and I have thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to playing at BC Place for the fans and for the organization.”
The 24-year-old Richey posted eight wins, 57 saves and a 0.704 save percentage in 17 starts in 2016 for WFC2, including all three postseason games.
“Spencer is a very promising young goalkeeper,” Robinson said. “He’s had two strong seasons playing in USL, and came up with a pair of excellent performances for us in the Champions League. He has a bright future ahead of him with terrific role models who will push him to his best.”
Richey and Greig join a significant lineage of players to head to the MLS side, with midfielders Brett Levis and Alphonso Davies previously making the same progression.
“It’s an honor to represent this club and play in front of our supporters,” Richey said. “This is something that I have been working toward my whole life, and hopefully this is just the beginning.”