The Vancouver Whitecaps have parted ways with Masato Kudo, the club announced Friday, with the striker promptly agreeing to join Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Kudo, 26, recorded two goals and one assist in 17 matches (12 starts) in 2016, his only MLS campaign.
"Masato is one of the best professionals I have ever worked with and we are thankful for the contributions he made during his time in Vancouver," Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson said in a news release.
Kudo's exit leaves Giles Barnes, Erik Hurtado and Kyle Greig as the only forwards on the Whitecaps' roster.