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The Vancouver Whitecaps have added some experience to their attacking group, officially inking veteran Robert Earnshaw to a deal for the rest of the MLS season. Earnshaw also announced his retirement from the Wales International team, after 59 caps and 16 goals for his career. He spent last year with Toronto FC.
The news first broke on twitter, and by all accounts it looks like the Whitecaps are very excited to have him.
Robbo on Earnshaw: "Not only is he a natural goalscorer, he will also bring great character and leadership to our locker room..." #VWFC
— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) March 25, 2015
Earnshaw seems ready to go, after watching the first two matches of the season.
Earnshaw: " I’m thrilled to help the team continue to progress, while bringing enjoyment and passion to my new team." #VWFC
— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) March 25, 2015
Finally, it looks like Earnshaw's new teammates were elated with the news as well.
In Earnshaw, the Whitecaps get a scoring option with leadership capabilities and MLS experience. Plus, it helps that he's not too bad on set pieces.
The acquisition of Earnshaw hopefully means a fire will be lit under the butts of Erik Hurtado, Kekuta Manneh and Darren Mattocks, strikers that would be under the microscope far more if Octavio Rivero wasn't saving their bacon on a weekly basis with last second goals. In short, I don't see many downsides to the move.
What do you think, Whitecaps fans? Are you happy with the signing?