Bermuda international Tyrell Burgess has turned professional with the flying winger penning a two-year deal with Canadian club, Vancouver Whitecaps.

The 22-year-old agreed to join the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division side yesterday, pending international clearance, after impressing their coaches during a try-out last month.

Burgess starred for US-based youth development outfit Reading Rage, formerly coached by Bermuda technical director Derek Broadley, last summer and has continued his rich vein of form at Lynn University in Florida.

Prior to his senior year at Lynn, Burgess helped the Rage of the Professional Development League (PDL) capture the 2008 Mid Atlantic Division regular season title, as well as the Eastern Conference play-off title. In 16 matches with the Rage, he scored five goals and added three assists.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette yesterday, Hamilton Parish goalkeeper Nigel Burgess, said his younger cousin had always 'dreamed' of becoming a professional footballer.

"This is what Tyrell has always wanted – it's his dream," said the Bermuda Hogges goalkeeper. "He's always wanted to become a professional footballer and this is a reward for his good performances for both Reading Rage and Lynn University.

"Tyrell's put in the hard work and maybe this could be a stepping stone for him to even greater things. Obviously we've already got Khano Smith playing in the MLS and now Tyrell is heading in the right direction. Hopefully he can inspire other young Bermudians to make a move into the professional game."

Ex-national team coach Kyle Lightbourne handed Burgess his Gombey Warriors debut against Manchester City Youth Academy in 2005, while he made his mark on the international stage with a stunning strike against Cayman Islands in a World Cup qualifier in February, 2008.

Yesterday the Whitecaps also completed the signing of goalkeeper Diego Aparecido F. Oliveira on a one-year deal. Diego, 22, joins the Whitecaps after being spotted playing for Brazilian first division club AC Corinthians.

Vancouver Whitecaps, who were founded in 1986, are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Khano Smith's Seattle Sounders and become an MLS expansion team.

The MLS will add two more franchises for the 2011 season with Phoenix Suns basketball star Steve Nash pumping a considerable amount cash into Whitecaps to help make their dream a reality.