Seattle Sounders Sign Max Anchor

Canadian goalkeeper Max Anchor is swapping Cascadia loyalties come 2026.

The 21-year-old just signed on with Seattle Sounders to signal the end of his Vancouver Whitecaps era. Anchor had been part the Whitecaps since 2022, featuring 38 times for their MLS Next Pro side and once for the first team before going out on loan in Canada’s top flight earlier this year.

Anchor had been expected to get decent minutes on loan with Pacific FC this season. After making ten appearances in the opening stanza of the season, however, the Surrey-born shotstopper went months without another appearance before the Whitecaps terminated his loan in September.

“Max is a young goalkeeper with a lot of upside, and we’re excited to bring him into a strong, experienced group,” says Seattle sounders general manager Craig Waibel. “Training alongside Stefan Frei and Andrew Thomas, and working under Tom Dutra, gives him an excellent environment to continue his development. We believe this is the right setting for him to grow and reach his potential.”

The acquisition came through end-of-year waivers with Anchor and the club finalizing the deal today. The Seattle Sounders have looked well ahead with his signing, securing him on a one-year deal that includes club options for an extension to June 2027 and potentially the 2027-2028 season as well.

Anchor isn’t the first player to sign with Seattle after gaining experience in the Canadian Premier League, with the Major League Soccer side having picked up Osaze De Rosario this season after he impressed with the Tacoma Defiance.

See Also: After Impressing In CPL, Whitecaps Ink Gherasimencov On Homegrown Contract

This offseason could see the Canadian Premier League partake in a market frenzy for free agent goalkeepers, with six of the league’s eight teams finishing the season without number one goalkeepers locked in for 2026. Anchor would have been an enticing option for them, but it looks like the 21-year-old will remain in Major League Soccer for the time being.

Header Image Photo Credit: Sheldon Mack