The Vancouver Whitecaps shored up their defense in advance of training camp for the 2023 season, signing center back Mathias Laborda on Monday to a deal through 2025, with a club option for 2026.

Laborda is just 23 but already a three-time champion with his club team Nacional in Uruguay (2019, 2020, 2022). He also has represented Uruguay at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels.

“Mathias is a player we’ve been scouting for over a year,” Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster said in a statement. “He’s a young, intelligent, and tenacious defender. Mathias is comfortable on the ball and brings a mix of experience as well as a potential for growth.”

Laborda had six goals and an assist in 101 games (82 starts) for Nacional, while also helping the club to the 2021 Uruguayan Supercopa title. He will occupy an international roster spot on the Whitecaps’ roster, pending the receipt of his international transfer certificate.

–Field Level Media