The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed goalkeeper Sean Melvin to an MLS homegrown contract.

The contract runs through the 2018 season with options for 2019, 2020, and 2021.

"Sean is another product of what we're trying to build with our development system here in the club," said head coach Carl Robinson in a statement from the team. "He approaches his craft with the right mentality and work ethic, and it has shown in his improvement over the years. He will complement our goalkeeper union as he continues to learn."

Melvin played 21 games for Whitecaps FC 2 in the United Soccer League and kept four clean sheets.

The Victoria, BC native also spent time with the University of North Carolina and earned his first cap for Canada at the Internation level in January 2017.

"I'm really excited to be back and to now sign with the first team," added Melvin. "This has been a long-term goal of mine since I first joined the Residency program. I'm looking forward to pushing our other goalkeepers and putting myself in a position to earn time on the pitch."