Toronto Grabs Whitecaps Defender Cristian Gutierrez Off Waivers

Left-back Cristian Gutierrez is moving from the Vancouver Whitecaps to Toronto FC after being claimed off of waivers.

The 26-year-old left-back has spent the last three seasons in Vancouver following his release from Colo-Colo, contributing six assists through 44 appearances across all competitions.

The Reds have handed Raoul Petretta three starts in the left-back position but have been unable to secure a win or clean sheet, with Gutierrez now arriving to offer competition for the position.

Before playing professionally in Canada, Gutierrez had made 27 appearances for Chilean side Colo-Colo, with loan spells to Union Espanola and Huachipato taking place during his time abroad.

Born in Greenfield Park, the Quebec-born full-back had previously been called up to the Chile U-20 and arrived to BMO Field as an intriguing addition to a club in the midst of a tough start to the season.

“We are thankful to Cristián for his time at the club and wish him all the best in the future,” added Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster on the move.

Cristian’s twin brother Diego Gutierrez plies his trade for Winnipeg’s Canadian Premier League team Valour FC, where Cristian was once linked ahead of the 2020 CPL season.