Vancouver FC announced the signing of Mexican winger Gael Sandoval Wednesday.
And head coach Afshin Ghotbi believes the 27-year-old is the young club’s biggest signing yet.
“Gael is our most exciting signing in our young history, as he brings with him the tradition and pedigree of world-renowned Chivas and other well-known Mexican clubs,” said Ghotbi in a club statement. “Gael’s creativity, combined with his football IQ, will influence games, while the qualities he possesses on and off the field are sure to make his teammates around him better.”
Brings Liga MX experience to Vancouver FC
Sandoval made 119 appearances in Mexico’s top division, Liga MX, with clubs including Santos Laguna, FC Juárez, Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Mazatlán FC.
The compact winger scored seven goals and tallied 16 assists during his time in Liga MX.
And he’s excited by the prospect of leading out Vancouver FC in its inaugural Canadian Premier League season. Sandoval has also previously represented the Mexican National Team at the under-18 level.
“I am hungry to help Vancouver get off to a strong start in the Canadian Premier League,” said Sandoval. “I am looking forward to playing in Canada and will be playing to win every time I step on the field.”
Vancouver FC kicks off the Canadian Premier League season away to Pacific FC April 15 before eventually hosting Cavalry FC in its first-ever home game May 7 at Willoughby Community Park in Langley BC.