The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed Canadian defender/midfielder Brett Levis to a multi-year first-team contract.
The contract is through 2017 with options for 2018 and 2019.
READ MORE: Former Huskies striker Brett Levis ready for 2nd pro soccer season
Levis, who was born and raised in Saskatoon, is the first-ever player from the University of Saskatchewan to sign a Major League Soccer contract.
Levis joined the Whitecaps organization in 2014, playing one season in the USL Premier Development League with Whitecaps FC U-23. He became one of the first players signed to Whitecaps FC 2 in February 2015, and recorded eight goals and four assists in 40 appearances in less than two seasons in the USL.
“Brett is a great example of a player who took his opportunity,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “With Whitecaps FC 2, he showed skill and versatility, and the willingness to learn and adapt to a new position. When given the chance to train and to play for the first team, he’s taken full advantage of it.”
READ MORE: Saskatchewan Huskies uses tune-up game to eye roster depth
Levis is the second Whitecaps FC 2 player to sign with the club’s first team.
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this and it’s finally here,” said Levis. “It means everything to me. I’ve been with this club for three years now. I’m ready to make this next step and I’m very excited for the future. Hopefully this will help create a pathway for more players coming from Saskatchewan.”