Whitecaps Acquire Matias Laba from TFC

A slow off-season has certainly picked up for the Vancouver Whitecaps, who have nabbed Matias Laba on loan from Toronto FC, Marc Weber of The Province has reported. John Molinaro has also reported the story, so I believe that means we can start uncorking the champagne.

In Laba, the 'Caps get a 22 year old that was, as Molinaro puts it, 'one of the lone bright spots for TFC last season'. TFC had been trying to find a way to keep the young Argentinian, but apparently those headline grabbing moves made earlier this off-season made it impossible.

The rules are confusing as hell, but Molinaro lays them out rather nicely here;

MLS has had an intraleague loan rule in place since 2013, but only players 24 years of age or younger are eligible. All loans run through the end of the MLS season, and the player reverts to his original club only after MLS Cup.

So the Whitecaps get yet another young prospect to add to their stable, although Laba should be able to make an immediate impact for the club. Last season he showed real promise both in his tackling skill, as well as some competency in moving the ball up the pitch.

It should be noted also, that neither the Whitecaps or TFC have confirmed the reports.