Vancouver Whitecaps Sign Zurich’s Eric Hassli, An Actual Forward

The Vancouver Whitecaps appear to have filled easily their biggest need with the signing of FC Zurich forward Eric Hassli. The 29-year-old gives the Whitecaps a player who has at least knows what it’s like to regularly put the ball in the back of the net. Although he has scored just seven goals in his past two league seasons, he did score 17 times as recently as 2008-09 in the Swiss Super League.

If Hassli can regain that kind of form, this could be a huge signing for the Whitecaps. Despite their expansion status, the Whitecaps appear to have built a solid defense. Jay DeMerit is a world-class center back with loads of international experience. Alan Rochat, coincidentally a former teammate of Hassli’s, could quietly become one of the league’s top left backs.

Up until now, there had been a gaping hole up top, with Atiba Harris likely filling that role until 17-year-old Omar Salgado can take over. Harris has mostly played in the midfield and scored just 15 goals in 125 league matches. No other player on the roster has scored as many as 10 MLS goals in their career.