Whitecaps sign Japanese forward Kobayashi By Steven Sandor Posted on January 28, 2013 Comments Off on Whitecaps sign Japanese forward Kobayashi 0 523 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Japanese forward Daigo Kobayashi is well-traveled, to say the least. He’s played at home in the J-League, he’s played in Greece, he’s won a Norwegian league title with Stabaek. Kobayashi will now call Vancouver home, as the Whitecaps announced Monday that the 29-year-old had signed, adding yet another attacking player to group of hopefuls that include three young project players the team signed last week — Corey Hertzog, Tom Heinemann and Paulo Jr. It’s clear the Whitecaps are bringing together in as many prospects as they can to see who can revive an offense that fizzled in the second half of the season, despite the presences of speedy rookie Darren Mattocks and Designated Player Kenny Miller. Daigo Kobayashi Kobayashi’s strength isn’t as a scorer, he’s better used as a second striker, where he can provide balls and create space for the team’s No. 1 scoring option. “We’re really pleased that Daigo is going to be joining us,” said Whitecaps’ coach Martin Rennie in a release. “He’s technically very gifted and he’s got an excellent final pass. He can create goals for us and he’s got a lot to prove. Those are the type of players we want in our squad.” Kobayashi has one cap for the senior team, and was part of the squad for the 2003 World Youth Championships, where he lasted 23 minutes in Japan’s 5-1 quarter-final loss to Brazil.
