Ansu Toure, stretching at the Whitecaps training camp, scored two of his six goals last season against Vancouver.The Whitecaps are seeking his release from Miami FC.

Photograph by: Jenelle Schneider, Vancouver Sun

Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the acquisition of midfielder/forward Ansu Toure from Miami FC Blues for an undisclosed financial amount. Toure has agreed to a two-year contract - plus an option - with the Whitecaps, pending international clearance.

"I was quite impressed with Ansu’s ability last season," said Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordarson. "He brings a ton of speed, a great first touch, and a natural ability to score goals."

Toure, 27-years-old, joins the Whitecaps after splitting time with Atlanta Silverbacks and Miami last season. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound attacking midfielder started the 2008 campaign with Atlanta, scoring six goals and recording four assists in 19 matches. In fact, two of Toure’s six goals last season came in Vancouver’s 3-2 home win over Atlanta on August 10. Four days after the Whitecaps match, Toure was traded to Miami for midfielder Sean Cameron. As a member of the Blues, the winger assisted on one goal during his eight appearances.

Toure first entered the United Soccer Leagues First Division with Minnesota Thunder in July 2006, and in two seasons with the Thunder, Toure scored six goals and added one assist in 34 appearances. Prior to the start of his second season in Minnesota, Toure played in eight preseason matches during a two-month trial with New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS). During his spell with the Red Bulls, Toure scored a goal against Houston Dynamo as well as the game-winner against D.C. United.

The native of Monrovia, Liberia, has played for the U-14, U-15 and U-20 Liberian national teams. Toure has also received a call-up to Liberia’s senior side, but was unable to attend due to club commitments. Toure moved with his family to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1999, and received his United States citizenship in 2007.