January 13, 2025...York United acquire Gabriel Bitar from Vancouver FC (from canpl.ca)
York United acquire Gabriel Bitar from Vancouver FC
2025-01-13
York United FC announced Monday that the club has acquired midfielder Gabriel Bitar from Vancouver FC. The midfielder has signed
a two-year guaranteed contract with the Nine Stripes, which runs through the end of 2026.
As part of the transaction, Vancouver FC receives York United’s first pick in the 2026 CPL-U SPORTS Draft.
Bitar’s two-season stint on the west coast saw him make 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 times and adding eight assists.
His first season with the Eagles saw him finish the 2023 campaign as the team’s joint-leading scorer, while last term he was named
in the Gatorade Team of the Week on three occasions and also crowned Player of the Week, presented by Maple Lodge Farms, following
a brace in a 3-3 draw with Forge FC.
“I’m delighted to sign and just very excited to get started now,” Bitar said.
“I was really impressed with the team’s progress last year and they were a really tough side to play against. There was a great
spirit and mentality and with Mauro [Eustáquio] now in place as head coach, it keeps things consistent. Everyone connected with
the club has big ambitions for the future and I feel it’s a perfect moment to join and help deliver something special to the supporters.”
A native of Ottawa, Ont., 26-year-old Bitar has been involved in the Canadian Premier League since its inception, owing to his
astounding collegiate career with the Carleton University Ravens. A two-time U SPORTS All-Canadian, he was named
the Ontario University Athletics East MVP and was honoured with the Lou Bilek Award as the U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Rookie of the Year
in 2017. He remains second on the school’s all-time scoring list, with 40 goals.
His performances with the Ravens ensured he was selected first overall in the 2018 CPL-U SPORTS Draft and signed with Cavalry FC,
making a pro debut in a Canadian Championship clash with Pacific FC in May 2019. Bitar made his league debut in July in another
fixture against The Tridents.
Having previously played with Ottawa South United, he returned to the Ligue1 Québec side in 2020 and after a brief spell
in Lebanon – the birthplace of both his parents – he returned to the CPL and signed with FC Edmonton, making 22 appearances
and scoring five times in the 2022 season.
Bitar’s connection to Lebanon has seen him make eight appearances for the senior national team, having made his debut in 2022
in a friendly with United Arab Emirates. He’s been involved in a number of high-profile international fixtures,
including FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Bitar follows attacker Adonijah Reid and defender Riley Ferrazzo as the new recruits, with more signings expected in the coming weeks.
Some departures have also been announced by the club, with options declined for goalkeeper Thomas Vincensini and winger Dennis Salanovic.
“Gaby has been a target of ours for quite a while and his player profile is perfect for us,” said Ricardo Pasquel,
President of York United FC.
“There’s an intelligence and technicality to his game and his flexibility is a major plus. He brings a composure in front of goal
and he’s put up some really excellent numbers in the CPL down through the years. He’s always a threat and will provide plenty
of spark in a key area of the field. His ability to consistently contribute will be big for us and we’re very happy to welcome him
to the club.”
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