VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed defender Justin Fiddes to a Major League Soccer contract for 2018 with options through 2021.

The former University of Washington Huskies fullback was selected 17th overall in the first round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft last January.

The 22-year-old Atlanta native made two starts and three appearances in the pre-season for the Whitecaps, joining the team in camp in Hawaii and California.

"Justin is a young, fast, and athletic fullback who has shown promise in preseason camp with the team," said head coach Carl Robinson. "He's got a great attitude and has the willingness to learn and work, and it will be good to officially add him to the mix and challenge the other guys."

The five-foot-11 fullback started 62 of his 70 appearances in his four years with the Huskies, recording 10 assists and adding one goal.