University of South Florida right back Javain Brown has agreed to an MLS contract with club options through 2024

Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that the club has signed right back Javain Brown, their second selection (23rd overall in the first round) of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. The product of the University of South Florida has agreed to a Major League Soccer contract with club options through 2024, and will officially join the roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, medical, work permit and visa.

“I’m excited to be officially a part of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC family and thankful to the clubs executives, coaching staff and team for this opportunity,” added Brown. “I look forward to coming in, working hard and helping Vancouver achieve success and contribute to its legacy.”

Whitecaps FC right back Javain Brown

  • Four appearances for Jamaican men’s national team
  • American Athletic Conference First Team All-Conference and All-Rookie Team in 2019 at the University of South Florida
  • 31 starts and 32 appearances in the Jamaican Premier League with Harbour View FC

The native of Kingston, Jamaica has represented his country at the senior international level four times since making his debut for the Reggae Boyz against Trinidad & Tobago in 2017. After joining the national team program at the U-17 level, he made five appearances for the U-20 national team and four appearances at the U-23 level, including three matches at the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru.

The now 21-year-old played one season of collegiate soccer at the University of South Florida prior to the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling the 2020 season. After redshirting in 2018, Brown started 17 of the 18 games he played for the Bulls in 2019, scoring three goals – all game-winners. At the end of the season he was honoured on the American Athletic Conference First Team and All-Rookie Team. He was also a three-time selection for AAC Defensive Player of the Week.

Prior to enrolling at South Florida, Brown played two seasons with Harbour View FC in the Jamaican Premier League, starting 31 of his 32 appearances and scoring one goal.

Brown also played one season in USL League Two with Treasure Coast Tritons, making six appearances in 2019.

Whitecaps FC currently have 28 players under contract for the 2021 MLS season including 17 players 23-years-old or younger. MLS players will report on March 1 for a seven-day quarantine period, medical exams, and testing prior to the start of team training on March 8. The new preseason report date allows for six weeks of training before Major League Soccer’s 26th season kicks off the weekend of April 17.