The Whitecaps lost their first round draft pick to another club, but not a European one. They lost him to the Cosmos.
The New York Cosmos have pulled off something of a coup, reaching an agreement to sign Andre Lewis. Lewis was just drafted with the 7th overall pick of the MLS draft by the Vancouver Whitecaps, but had reportedly signed a contract with the NASL side at some point between the combine and Thursday's draft.
Cosmos CEO Eric Stover had the following to say, confirming the signing to Goal USA:
"We agreed to a deal in principle with the player a while ago, and he's under contract with us now pending approval from U.S. Soccer. We haven't made an official announcement yet since we're in the process of finalizing the terms of the developmental agreement with his club in Jamaica."
Lewis had previously trialed with the Cosmos after the completion of the NASL season, and traveled with the club to Spain to play in a friendly against Villarreal. He was not under contract at that time though, and didn't hint at an agreement with New York in some comments after the draft.
"I’m a fan of Vancouver because of Darren Mattocks. I love the support that the fans give to Vancouver. I’m looking forward to starting my professional career with the Whitecaps and to just go there and work hard and do my best."
Fresh off the sting of losing Camilo Sanvezzo to Queretaro, this will be fresh salt in the wound for many Vancouver fans. For the Cosmos though, it will be yet another solid signing for a squad that won last season's fall title, before eventually going on to win the 2013 Soccer Bowl.
