Vancouver Whitecaps, defender Marcel de Jong agree to mutual split

By: The Canadian Press Posted: 5:55 PM CST Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 Last Modified: 8:47 PM CST Monday, Feb. 4, 2019

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps have parted ways with veteran Canadian defender Marcel de Jong.

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VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps have parted ways with veteran Canadian defender Marcel de Jong.

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This article was published 04/02/2019 (2748 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Whitecaps have parted ways with veteran Canadian defender Marcel de Jong.

The Major League Soccer club announced the move in a statement Monday, saying it “mutually agreed to a contract termination” with the 32-year-old left back.

The statement says a portion of his contract will remain in the ‘Caps budget this season.

Vancouver Whitecaps' Marcel de Jong, right, kicks the ball away from Minnesota United's Abu Danladi during the second half of an MLS soccer game in Vancouver on July 28, 2018. The Vancouver Whitecaps have parted ways with veteran Canadian defender Marcel de Jong. The Major League Soccer club announced the move in a statement Monday, saying it "mutually agreed to a contract termination" with the 32-year-old left back. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

De Jong, a native of Newmarket, Ont., joined the Whitecaps in 2016 and has played in 46 games for the team, tallying four assists.

He also played for clubs in the Netherlands and Germany before jumping to the MLS with Sporting KC in 2015.

Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos says in a statement that the decision to part ways will allow de Jong to “explore other opportunities” while the club continues making roster changes ahead of the upcoming season.

“We are thankful to Marcel for his contributions,” the coach said. “He has served this club professionally and we wish him well in the future.”

Vancouver has now split with 20 players from last year’s team, which finished the season out of a playoff spot with a 13-13-8 record.