What Roster Freeze? Whitecaps Trade Another!

Just when you thought things were calm for a few days, the Marc Dos Santos is at it again. The Vancouver Whitecaps announced that forward Erik Hurtado has been moved to Sporting Kansas City in exchange for a first round draft pick in 2021 and a second round draft pick in 2020.

Hurtado, 28, recorded 17 goals and 13 assists in 123 appearances across all competitions for Whitecaps FC. Selected fifth overall by Vancouver in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Hurtado spent six seasons with the ‘Caps, including a loan spell with Norwegian club Mjøndalen IF for the second half of 2015.

While Hurtado was a polarizing figure among Vancouver Whitecaps fans, I have always seen the value of him. His weaknesses were on display when he was relied upon to be the go-to guy for the Whitecaps, however, as a role player he was very effective. Hurtado was someone that was reliable and hard working. He was not flashy but he got the job done. He really seemed to mature after his loan in Norway, and was a reliable soldier on the field. I wish Hurtado the best of luck, and I am sure Peter Vermes will enjoy having his hard work ethic on the club. Don’t be surprised if Vermes is able to get a bit more production out of Hurtado.