Contract ‘means everything’ to Saskatoon native Levis
Brett Levis is ready to tackle Major League Soccer.
Levis — who has transitioned from an offensive midfielder/winger/striker to left back defender role — signed a multi-year contract Tuesday with the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps first team.
This comes after apprenticing with the Whitecaps second team (WFC2) in the United Soccer League for two seasons and one year with the Whitecaps PDL squad prior to that.
At age 23, Levis becomes the first MLS player from the University of Saskatchewan Huskies program. His first-team contract runs through 2017, with options for 2018 and 2019.
“It (MLS contract) means everything to me,” the 5-foot-8, 155-pound Levis said prior to a CONCACAF Champions League match Tuesday night against Sporting Kansas City at B.C. Place in Vancouver.
“Obviously, it’s a goal I’ve been working toward since I can remember. Since I was a little boy, it’s always been my dream. For that to sort of come true and in Vancouver — it’s an amazing city and I really like this club, the players and the staff — I think it’s a good fit for me.
“Although it’s a big deal for me, and definitely a milestone, it’s hopefully just another step. I’m not going to be satisfied. I’m going to continue to see what I can do.”
The left back, who had previously lined up as a winger, participated in the first team’s pre-season training camp in February before making his debut in the July 19 international friendly against British Premier League’s Crystal Palace FC, where he assisted on the equalizer in a 2-2 draw. He followed it up with another first-team call-up two weeks later, helping set up the game winner in the CONCACAF Champions League opener against Trinidad and Tobago Central.
“It has been easier than I thought it would be — not the position, but the transition,” Levis said. “I’m naturally left-footed. The biggest thing is that I’ve had to work on my defensive responsibility. I’m kind of getting that down and rest has sort of fallen into place. I’ve always been somewhat of an attacking player, so that’s kind of what the club likes in me and looks at me to get up and down the field and I can also attack.
“It worked out well. I was a little bit surprised at first, but I’m starting to really enjoy it and hopefully I can continue to learn.”
Levis, who finished as the Huskies all-time leader in assists (16) and second in goals (29), joined the Whitecaps Football Club in 2014 after spending one campaign with Victoria Highlanders FC in the 2013 USL PDL. He played one season for WFC U-23 in the USL’s Premier Development League, where he scored two goals and four assists in 14 games, and the past two seasons in the USL, where he has eight goals and four assists in 40 USL appearances.
“Brett is a great example of a player who took his opportunity,” Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said in a release. “With Whitecaps FC 2, he showed skill and versatility, and the willingness to learn and adapt to a new position. When given the chance to train and to play for the first team, he’s taken full advantage of it.”
Levis, who represented Team Saskatchewan at the 2009 Canada Games, played his high school soccer for the Centennial Chargers.
“I’m looking forward to the (MLS) level,” Levis said. “I’m sure it will be more fast-paced and a higher level.
“Hopefully I can adapt and be adept as quickly as I can. Hopefully it won’t be a tough transition to jump into the MLS.”