The Vancouver Whitecaps announced the signing of local product Ben McKendry to a Homegrown Player contract on Monday, running the club's current number of rostered HGPs to an MLS-leading eight.
A product of the Whitecaps Residency program, McKendry (pictured above, left) is a 5-foot-11, 160-pound midfielder who recently concluded his third NCAA season at the University of New Mexico, where he was named First-Team all-Conference USA as a junior and sophomore, received second team all-American honors as a junior and led UNM to the College Cup Final Four in 2013.
He appeared in 61 of 62 Lobos matches over the past three seasons, starting 52 games and finishing with 14 goals, including five game-winners, and five assists.
“Ben is a talented young central midfielder who has earned this opportunity," Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said in a club statement. “He has worked hard to continue his progression, which is credit to both Ben and the University of New Mexico coaching staff. We're thrilled to add another local talent who has not only come through our Residency program, but who calls Vancouver home.”
McKendry, 21, spent five years in Vancouver's residential academy, starring for the club's US Soccer Development Academy teams, and also represented the 'Caps in PDL play as a member of the U-23 squad.
A dual Canadian and New Zealand citizen, he spent time with the New Zealand U-20 national team before opting to represent his birth country, earning call-ups to both the Canadian U-18 and U-20 national teams.
“It's a dream come true to play in my hometown for a team that I have been connected with for such a long time,” said McKendry in a statement. “I can't express how thankful I am to all of my teammates and coaches at the University of New Mexico and to Whitecaps FC staff, especially Bart Choufour. I'd also like to thank my local mentor and trainer Jason Kyle, and my family and friends who have supported my dream to play professional soccer.”
