Comox Valley soccer player signed to Vancouver Whitecaps

Comox Valley soccer player Liam Mackenzie has signed an MLS contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.  "Liam is a young player with a good mentality who continues to progress at our club," said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. "It is exciting to see another player from British Columbia signed to our roster. Liam has a fantastic work rate, and has adapted well to every level he has stepped up to. We look forward to helping him move forward into this next stage in his career."  The club signed Mackenzie, a Whitecaps FC BMO Academy and Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) midfielder to an MLS contract as a Homegrown player through 2028, with a club option for 2029. The Homegrown player rule lets MLS teams sign local talent directly to their first team rosters, which helps develop and foster local talent.  Mackenzie made his MLS debut on a short-term call-up from Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) when he started and recorded an assist against Chicago Fire FC at BC Place on March 22. Prior to the season, the 18-year-old enjoyed a productive preseason with Whitecaps FC in Marbella, Spain. "I'm incredibly grateful to have signed my first MLS contract with Whitecaps FC. This club has meant a lot to me growing up, and it's a special feeling to now be part of the first team. I'm excited to contribute and grow with the team and show what I can bring to the group. Thank you to my family, friends, coaches, and teammates who have supported me along the way. This is just the beginning of what I hope to achieve with the club," added Mackenzie. Mackenzie joined the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy as a 13-year-old in 2020. He made his MLS debut with the Whitecaps FC2 team against Chicago Fire FC in March as part of a short-term contract. He's had multiple successes in the academy, and has represented Canada on the international stage at the U-17 level.