Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Whitecaps Sign Schonlau and Pupe to Fortify Defense as Utvik Departs

The signings address season-ending injuries to the back line to support a playoff push.

St. Louis City's João Klauss, left, and Vancouver Whitecaps' Ralph Priso (13) challenge for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, April 19, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Image
Image
Jul 26, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Bjorn Inge Utvik (15) passes the ball during the first half against the Sporting Kansas City at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • The club confirmed centre backs Sebastian Schonlau from Hamburger SV and Joedrick Pupe from F.C.V. Dender on multi-year deals, with options through 2027 for Schonlau and 2028 for Pupe.
  • Head coach Jesper Sorensen said Schonlau trained with the team and will be available Saturday, while Pupe has not yet arrived and remains subject to standard arrival formalities.
  • Vancouver transferred Bjorn Inge Utvik to Sarpsborg 08 in Norway, a move the club described as mutually agreed as he returns home with his young family.
  • The defensive additions were prompted by season-ending injuries to Ranko Veselinović (ACL) and Sam Adekugbe (Achilles).
  • Sporting director Axel Schuster said the goal this window is to give Sorensen more options because the team believes it can compete for trophies this season.