VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Octavio Rivero was voted Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month by fans on MLSsoccer.com for the month of March of the 2015 MLS season.



The Uruguayan newcomer has wasted no time establishing himself as the focal point of Vancouver’s attack. Through four games, the 23-year-old Young Designated Player has already netted three goals, boosting the ‘Caps to a 3-1-0 start and second place in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Rivero fittingly secured his first career MLS goal in his Whitecaps FC debut on March 7, slipping behind Toronto FC’s back line and slotting a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Joe Bendik.

After tallying the lone goal in Vancouver’s 1-0 win over Chicago on March 14, Rivero extended his goal-scoring streak to three games with his most stunning strike yet. Mired in a scoreless draw in Orlando on March 21, with the game clock approaching the 97th minute, Rivero received a cross from Pedro Morales, went airborne, and headed the pass into the far corner, leaving Lions goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts shocked and the crowd at the Citrus Bowl speechless.



Vancouver Whitecaps FC return to MLS action on Saturday, when it hosts LA Galaxy. Kickoff at BC Place is set for 7 p.m. PT - TV: TSN1/5, RADIO: TSN 1410 Vancouver, MOBILE: Bell mobile devices, ONLINE: TSN GO.



Voting for MLS Player of the Month presented by Ethiad is open to public. The five final nominees are chosen by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff.

Final results for Etihad Airways Player of the Month (March)

1. Octavio Rivero (VAN) 26.6%

2. Kaká (ORL) 26.2%

3. Ike Opara (SKC) 19.0%

4. Bradley Wright-Phillips (NY) 15.8%

5. Blas Perez (DAL) 12.3%

Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.