Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that defender/midfielder Kevin Harmse has been signed to the club's Major League Soccer (MLS) roster.

Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Kevin is a physical player with MLS experience," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. "It is important to have local players on the team, and he's a Vancouver boy, who has played on the top level."

This will be Harmse's second stint in Vancouver after originally being drafted in the first round (10th overall) by Whitecaps FC in the 2003 United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) Draft. Prior to originally signing with Whitecaps FC, however, the product of Coquitlam, BC, played two matches with Norwegian Premier League club Tromsø Idrettslag.

"Being able to play where I grew up is very exciting," said Harmse. "I never imagined professional soccer being like this in Vancouver. To be playing for the club in their first MLS year is a great opportunity for me."