In a significant development for Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Western Conference, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that they have secured the services of former Real Salt Lake (RSL) captain, Damir Kreilach. This acquisition comes after Kreilach formally departed RSL earlier in the week following the failure to reach a new contract agreement.
Kreilach, an attacking midfielder who can also play as a second forward, has committed to Vancouver through the 2025 MLS campaign. The Croatian native brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new club, attributes that have made him a respected figure in MLS.
Sporting Director Axel Schuster expressed his enthusiasm about the signing, stating, “We are very pleased to welcome Damir and his family to our club and city. Everybody in MLS knows what Damir brings to the table. He is an experienced player, a competitor, and a leader.”
Kreilach’s impressive career statistics underscore his value to any team. With 47 goals and 24 assists in 151 career regular-season matches, he has consistently proven himself as a versatile and dynamic player on the pitch. The 32-year-old originally joined RSL in 2018 from the German side Union Berlin and served as the club’s captain from 2022 to 2023.
Joining Vancouver’s attacking lineup, which already features talents like Ryan Gauld and Brian White, Kreilach’s arrival is expected to bolster an already formidable offense. In the 2023 season, the Whitecaps scored 55 goals, ranking in the top third of the league and securing the West’s No. 6 seed. Their playoff journey, however, was cut short in Round One by a defeat to LAFC in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
“I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge and be a part of Vancouver Whitecaps FC,” Kreilach said, expressing his eagerness to start this new chapter. “There is a lot of work ahead, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, coaches, staff, and all the supporters. I can’t wait to get started!”
Vancouver Whitecaps FC, fresh off back-to-back Canadian Championship victories, is gearing up for an action-packed 2024 season. They kick off their campaign on February 7 with a Concacaf Champions Cup two-leg series against Liga MX powerhouse Tigres UANL. Following this, they begin their MLS season on March 2 against Charlotte FC in what promises to be an exciting season for the club and their fans.
Kreilach’s arrival has sparked anticipation among Whitecaps fans and raised expectations for a strong showing in the upcoming season, as the club aims for success on both domestic and international fronts.
