Whitecaps sign former RSL captain Damir Kreilach

Field Level Media|published: Fri 29th December, 11:33 2023

Jun 7, 2023; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Damir Kreilach (8) reacts to scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first half at America First Field. credits: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

The Vancouver Whitecaps announced the signing Friday of former Real Salt Lake captain Damir Kreilach.

"I'm very happy and excited to take on this new challenge and be a part of Vancouver Whitecaps FC," said Kreilach, who inked a two-year contract through the 2025 season. "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."

The 34-year-old Croatian midfielder tallied 47 goals and 24 assists in 151 MLS matches (133 starts) over six seasons with Real Salt Lake (2018-23). The team declined his contract option after the 2023 season.

"We are very pleased to welcome Damir and his family to our club and city," said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. "Everybody in MLS knows what Damir brings to the table. He is an experienced player, a competitor and a leader. In our conversations with Damir, we could feel his hunger for another opportunity where he can bring his best skills and compete for some big goals. He is driven to help bring success to Vancouver."

In 2021, Kreilach was an MLS All-Star and scored a career-high 16 goals while helping RSL advance to the Western Conference final in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Before joining Real Salt Lake, he played for Germany's Union Berlin (2013-18) and Croatia's Rijeka (2007-13).

—Field Level Media