Two months after leaving St Mary’s, former Saints midfielder Stuart Armstrong signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer. After
spending seven years with Saints, during which he made 214 appearances and scored 25 goals, the 32-year-old left the team at the end of his contract.
Armstrong turned down a new contract offer from manager Russell Martin, who had intended to retain him, in favor of taking on a new challenge.
Armstrong, a Scottish international, signed a designated player deal with the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer (MLS) in Canada, valid
through 2026. With nine games remaining in the 2024 season, his new team is currently sitting fifth in the division and is poised to make it to the play-offs and
contend for the championship. Axel Schuster, sports director of the Whitecaps, stated:He offers a great work rate, tactical understanding, positional
versatility, and experience. “In addition, his passing range and elite chance creation from the midfield position will add another dimension to our team’s
overall attack.” Armstrong’s pay is exempt from the regular salary cap that MLS teams and the Whitecaps must adhere to due to his designated player contract.
“A lot of work lies ahead, but I’m incredibly appreciative of the chance. Meeting my new teammates, coaches, employees, and fans is
something I’m looking forward to. I’m eager to get going.” Vancouver, the reigning Canadian Championship winners, will take on Liga MX
heavyweight Tigres UANL in a two-leg series to start their 2024 schedule on February 7. They play Charlotte FC (MLS Season Pass) on March 2 to kick up their MLS slate.
