April 3, 2023...Squad Goals: Get to know your 2023 Roster (from York United FC website)
SQUAD GOALS: GET TO KNOW YOUR 2023 ROSTER In the first of a new series, we delve deeper
into our players and their stories.
STARS IN STRIPES
1 NIKO GIANTSOPOULOS
Age: 28
Hometown: Markham, Ont
Position: Goalkeeper
Previous clubs: Vancouver Whitecaps (loan), Cavalry FC, Launceston CFC, Broadmeadow, Devonport
York United appearances (all competitions): 30
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 116
Bio: The goalkeeper returned home to York Region and joined The Nine Stripes in 2020, instantly becoming
a fan favourite. He made nine appearances in his first campaign but really excelled in 2022
as he nailed down the number one spot. In 18 starts, he managed six clean sheets and there would
have been plenty more but for an injury that kept him out of the final nine fixtures.
In the Canadian Championship, he particularly enjoyed himself. In a qualifying round assignment
on the road against Atletico Ottawa, he saved one penalty during the shootout as York United booked
their place in the last eight. Next, away to Pacific FC, Giantsopoulos saved twice in another
shootout - including blocking the decisive kick from Marco Bustos - and proved the hero for his side,
setting up a mouthwatering clash with Vancouver Whitecaps in the semi finals.
Favourite TV show right now: Ted Lasso.
Most played song on Spotify: Night Nurse by Gregory Isaacs.
Earliest soccer memory: Dad coaching me.
Favourite player, past or present: Elias Sadaka.
Ambitions for 2023: To have fun playing soccer.
2 PARIS GEE
Age: 28
Hometown: Burnaby, BC
Position: Full-back
Previous clubs: FC Edmonton, St Louis FC, FC Tulsa, NK Rudes
York United appearances: 8
Goals: 0
Assists: 2
Overall professional appearances: 167
Bio: A crucial arrival midway through the 2022 season, the full-back initially joined on loan but made
a superb contribution as the team finished the campaign with a flourish. From Gee's eight appearances,
The Nine Stripes won four of them, drawing two. He also managed two superb (and crucial) assists
- the first teeing up an important equalizer in an eventual 3-2 home win over Edmonton and then
an inch-perfect delivery for Osaze De Rosario to flick home early on in the 3-1 away victory
over Forge FC.
Favourite TV show right now: Yellowstone.
Most played song on Spotify: Close To You by Dayglow.
Earliest soccer memory: Kicking a ball around with my mom and watching my grandfather play a game with
his men’s team. That started my addiction for the sport.
Favourite player, past or present: David Beckham.
Ambitions for 2023: Assists leader in the league and for us to be top of the table at the end
of the season.
3 TASS MOURDOUKOUTAS
Age: 24
Hometown: Sydney
Position: Centre-back
Previous clubs: Western Sydney Wanderers
York United appearances: 15
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 59
Bio: Another mid-season arrival, the Aussie centre-back didn't miss a beat once he slotted into the team.
The Sydney native put together fifteen consecutive 90-minute performances and was a crucial ingredient
in the side's resurgence in the latter half of the campaign. Quickly establishing himself as a leader
in the locker room, Mourdoukoutas is a technical and commanding defender and brings a strong
foundation to the Nine Stripes' backline.
Favourite TV show right now: Breaking Bad.foundation to the Nine Stripes' backline.
Most played song on Spotify: We Both Know by Bryson Tiller.
Earliest soccer memory: Playing soccer on the cement backyard of my grandparents' house barefoot with my Dad.
Favourite player, past or present: Ronaldinho or Sergio Busquets.
Ambitions for 2023: Win the league (and be the best player in it).
6 ROGER THOMPSON
Age: 31
Hometown: Clarendon, Jam/ Brampton, Ont.
Position: Centre-back
Previous clubs: Ljungskile, Trelleborg, KSV Baunatal, IFK Mariehamn, Vaasa IFK
York United appearances: 44
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 189
Bio: The club's longest-serving player is back for another season: his fifth. Having made his CPL debut
in a home clash with Cavalry FC in June 2019, Thompson is fresh from completing his most consistent
campaign since 2020, when he was an ever-present during The Island Games. In total there were
15 appearances, while the centre-back also managed to find the net for the very first time
in a Canadian Championship clash with Pacific FC. A commanding presence at the back, Thompson
is a crucial ingredient both on and off the pitch and his comfort on the ball was well documented
during the 2022 season when his vision and passing abilities led to goals in home games with
Cavalry FC and Pacific FC.
Favourite TV show right now: Power or BMF.
Most played song on Spotify: On Me by Lil Baby.
Earliest soccer memory: Moving to Canada at 10 years old and playing in a team for the very first time.
Favourite player, past or present: Favourite player would have to be Cristiano Ronaldo but favourite
player in my position would be Sergio Ramos.
Ambitions for 2023: Personally, the goals are to stay fit and play as many games as possible. For the
team, the aim is to get to the championship game and win it.
7 JONATHAN GRANT
Age: 29
Hometown: Scarborough, Ont.
Position: Full-back/centre-back
Previous clubs: Forge FC, Nyköping, Sporting Kansas City II, FC Montreal
York United appearances: 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 87
Bio: A three-time CPL champion, Grant brings substantial experience and a winning mentality to the
York United squad. An imposing defender who has traditionally played as a right-back but
who can easily drop into the heart of defence if needed, Grant joins from local rivals Forge FC
where he enjoyed plenty of success across four seasons. Along with the abundance of CPL minutes
he brings to the table, Grant also spent time in the United Soccer League (USL) with Sporting
Kansas City II and FC Montreal respectively.
Favourite TV show right now: Game Of Thrones.
Most played song on Spotify: North Carolina by Valiant.
Earliest soccer memory: Playing indoor soccer for Wexford in basketball shoes with the felt neon match ball.
Favourite player, past or present: Neymar.
Ambitions for 2023: I want to be the difference.
8 ELIJAH ADEKUGBE
Age: 26
Hometown: Born London, UK & raised Calgary, AB.
Previous clubs: Cavalry FC,
York United appearances: 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 55
Bio: This is the midfielder's first campaign with The Nine Stripes, having signed a two-year deal back
in December. Adekugbe spent four seasons in Calgary with Cavalry FC and made 50 appearances in the
Canadian Premier League, adding five more in the Canadian Championship. In total, he racked up
over 3,500 minutes of action, scored three goals and added five assists. Born in London and with
his early years spent in Manchester, England, Adekugbe moved to Canada with his family when he was
eight and his formative soccer education was developed while playing underage with Calgary Foothills.
He later joined the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy before returning to the Foothills for their inaugural
season in the Premier Development League (PDL). In 2018, he was an instrumental part of a side that
finished the season as champions. At the end of that year, he was signed by Cavalry FC ahead of what
proved an impressive debut CPL campaign that saw them finish as Fall season champions before losing
narrowly to Forge FC in the championship decider.
Favourite TV show right now: I watch YouTube more than Netflix, but Baldi put me on Dragon Slayer and
I’m enjoying that.
Most played song on Spotify: What's Real by Elijah (me!)
Earliest soccer memory: One of my faves that sticks out is when we used to use chalk to draw a net on the
concrete wall with my friends in my neighbourhood in Manchester.
Favourite player, past or present: Xavi, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Scholes, Sergio Busquets. No particular
order besides Xavi number 1!
Ambitions for 2023: To be the best version of myself and help the team win.
9 BRIAN WRIGHT
Age: 28
Hometown: Ajax, Ont
Previous clubs: Atletico Ottawa, Birmingham Legion, New England Revolution, FC Tulsa
York United appearances: 0
Overall professional appearances: 118
Bio: A consistent goalscorer wherever he's been, Wright was most recently with provincial rivals
Atletico Ottawa where he struck 14 times in 53 appearances across two seasons. A born
target-man, the striker brings tons of experience to the table having been based in the
United States since 2013. Spending four superb years at the University of Vermont (where he
managed 39 goals in 66 starts, second in the all-time list), Wright was part of the MLS
SuperDraft in 2017 and signed for the New England Revolution. He ended up making 18 appearances
in all competitions and scored twice, memorably netting on his very first MLS start in a win
over New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. In 2019, he signed a loan deal with USL side
Birmingham Legion and signed a permanent deal the following year. In total, he netted nine
goals in 44 appearances for the club, adding a further five assists.
Favourite TV show right now: Suits.
Most played song on Spotify: I Need It by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
Earliest soccer memory: Playing soccer at recess when I was maybe 3/4 years old and my best friend
at the time saying he played. So I went home and asked my parents if I could play too.
Favourite player, past or present: Lionel Messi.
Ambitions for 2023: To qualify for CCL and to win the North Star Shield.
FOOTNOTES
All information correct as of March 30, 2023. All photography by David Chant.
© 2023 YORK UNITED FC
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SQUAD GOALS (PART 2): GET TO KNOW THE 2023 YORK UNITED FC ROSTER In the second part of our series,
we dig a little deeper into our players to see what makes them tick.
DUTCH GOLD
10 OUSSAMA ALOU
Age: 21
Hometown: Utrecht, NED
Position: Midfielder
Previous clubs: FC Utrecht, USV Elinkwijk
York United appearances (all competitions): 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 84
Bio: A sniping attacking midfielder who is always looking for the eye of the needle with his passing,
Alou began playing at a small club in his Dutch hometown of Utrecht - USV Elinkwijk - where
a certain Dutch legend Marco van Basten also started his career. Later, Alou joined Utrecht's
underage setup, eventually starring for the Under-17 side during the 2017/18 season. He was
rewarded for his performances with a first professional contract at 16 years of age. He continued
to progress across 2018 and 2019 before he was handed a first ever league appearance for
Jong FC Utrecht (the senior team's reserve side) in August 2020 for an Eerste Divisie
(Dutch second-tier) clash with FC Eindhoven. He went on to make 19 appearances that season
and scored three times. In 2021/22, Alou featured on a further 17 occasions in the Eerste Divisie,
scoring once and adding three assists.
Favourite TV show right now: Game of Thrones
Most played song on Spotify: Zayed Al Wafa (extended version)
Earliest soccer memory: When I first had a trial at my favourite club in the Netherlands at seven years
of age.
Favourite player, past or present: The one and only Leo Messi.
Ambitions for 2023: To become champions with this great team and to help the club and myself grow
and be better.
11 KEVIN DOS SANTOS
Age: 23
Hometown: Alverca do Ribatejo, POR
Position: Forward
Previous clubs: Darlington FC, Tadcaster Albion, Vitória Setúbal, UD Vilafranquense
York United appearances (all competitions): 14
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
Overall professional appearances: 53
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
Bio: A fan favourite despite only arriving at the club midway through the 2022 season, Dos Santos
immediately brought an abundance of energy to the attacking third. Usually deployed on the left side,
the Portugal native was a constant thorn for defences given his ability to twist and turn and make
the most of his ambidexterity. Only appearing for the final 14 games of the season, Dos Santos
quickly made his presence felt and was named in the starting lineup on 11 occasions, tallying
an assist in the thumping 4-2 away win over Halifax Wanderers. Prior to arriving in the Canadian
Premier League, the man with the million dollar smile enjoyed an impressive time with English side
Darlington in the National League North where he made 38 appearances. He joined the club after
impressing in an FA Cup game against them while playing for Tadcaster Albion. Dos Santos arrived
in the UK in 2019 after spending his underage career in his home country.
Favourite TV show right now: Suits
Most played song on Spotify: Asiwaju by Ruger
Earliest soccer memory: An early memory is me following my older brother whenever he went out to play
football. I just wanted to join and show that I was better than him!
Favourite player, past or present: Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.
Ambitions for 2023: Win every title and be the best player in the league.
12 CLÉMENT BAYIHA
Age: 24
Hometown: Born in Yaoundé, CAM & moved to Canada in 2010.
Position: Midfielder
Previous clubs: Hamarkameratene, CF Montreal, Ottawa Fury, AS Blainville
York United appearances (all competitions): 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 43
BAY WATCH
Bio: The 24-year-old signed a two-year deal to join The Nine Stripes in the off-season after a spell
with Norwegian top-flight club Hamarkameratene. An explosive player with plenty of experience
on the right side of midfield, he can also drop deeper if required and is an intriguing
proposition for Martin Nash. A native of Cameroon, Bayiha moved to Canada with his family
at 10 years of age after a number of years in France. Settling in Montreal, he started playing
with PLSQ side AS Blainville. In 2016, he joined the CF Montreal Academy and - with the exception
of a loan stint with the Ottawa Fury in 2018 - Bayiha remained at the club until the end of 2021.
Part of various underage Canada squads, he made his debut for John Herdman's Under-21s in a
friendly against Japan during the Toulon Tournament in June 2018. Four days later, he featured
again in a clash with hosts France. Finally, he made his Major League Soccer debut for
CF Montreal in March 2019 under boss Remi Garde. In all competitions, he racked up 16 appearances
that season and registered one assist. His 2020 campaign was affected by a preseason injury and
when the league restarted after a hiatus caused by the pandemic, Bayiha struggled for minutes
under new coach Thierry Henry. However, 2021 was a return to fitness and form for him and he
managed 12 appearances with Wilfried Nancy in charge before he moved to Norway at the end
of the year.
Favourite TV show right now: The Last Kingdom
Most played song on Spotify: Last Last by Burna Boy
Earliest soccer memory: When I was 8 years old and we just won a tournament. I scored a lot of goals
and I just remember being so happy.
Favourite player, past or present: Messi. The G.O.A.T.
Ambitions for 2023: To play my best football and enjoy our team winning the championship!
16 MAX FERRARI
Age: 22
Hometown: Newmarket, Ont
Position: Midfielder
Previous clubs: Aurora FC
York United appearances (all competitions): 51
Goals: 3
Assists: 5
Overall professional appearances: 51
MAXIMUM EFFORT
Bio: With only Roger Thompson having been at the club for longer, the wing wizard is certainly
a mainstay of the group. A proud local kid, Ferrari signed ahead of the 2020 season from Aurora FC
and despite having to wait for his chance because of the cancelled league campaign, the pandemic
- and the various logistical difficulties in getting international players into the country
- certainly helped him lock down a crucial place in the Nine Stripes squad. And when The Island Games
began in Charlottetown, PEI in August 2020, Ferrari grabbed his opportunity with both hands. With
his team trailing 2-0 to Atletico Ottawa in their opening game of the 'bubble' tournament, he was
introduced from the bench on 53 minutes. Seven minutes later, after a scorching run down the right
side, he teed up Lowell Wright who cut the deficit and made history as the youngest ever CPL
goalscorer. York eventually drew 2-2 and Ferrari's professional career was up and running.
The following year, he was even better and proved himself an integral part of the lineup. In total,
he made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring three times and adding four assists. Inevitably,
he was one of three shortlisted for the Under-21 Player of the Year award. However, 2022 was
a difficult time for Ferrari as he dealt with a number of injury issues that greatly disrupted
his contributions. Overall, there were 15 appearances but only seven starts and he was still
building up his fitness when he appeared off the bench for five of the team's final six fixtures.
Favourite TV show right now: Ted Lasso
Most played song on Spotify: Pon De Replay (remix) by Ed Marquis
Earliest soccer memory: Being coached by my dad in the Newmarket house league at four years old.
Favourite player, past or present: Eden Hazard (the Chelsea years)
Ambitions for 2023: My personal ambition is to get back playing consistent minutes like it was before
my injuries while helping the team out the best I can. For the team, I want us to get back into
the playoffs and go on a run to win it all.
18 MO BABOULI
Age: 30
Hometown: Born Al-Ain, SYR & raised in Mississauga, Ont.
Position: Forward
Previous clubs: Muaither SC, Forge FC, Toronto FC II, Toronto FC
York United appearances (all competitions): 8
Goals: 5
Assists: 2
Overall professional appearances: 98
MO THAN WORDS
Bio: An inspirational figure, despite only arriving at the club in August of 2022, Babouli's impact cannot
be exaggerated. In just eight appearances, he scored five times and assisted on two more goals
as The Nine Stripes won five and drew two - putting together a sensational run of form as the finish
line approached. Ultimately, it wasn't enough for the team to make the playoffs but Babouli's influence
was so impressive that he finished sixth in the race for the Players' Player of the Year award - voted
for by his peers. It can be argued that just stepping onto the field for his debut at home
to FC Edmonton gave his team-mates a seismic lift, because in his 27-minute contribution York rallied
to score twice, come from behind and win the game 3-2. But perhaps the greatest display of Babouli's
talent came at his old stomping ground - Tim Hortons Field - against his former employers Forge FC.
Not only did he put on a masterclass of how to deal with pressure and should responsibility, his guile
and vision led to a stunning go-ahead goal from Chrisnovic N'sa while his anticipation, positioning
and finishing skills saw him expertly grab the third goal in a statement 3-1 victory. Babouli brings
plenty of pedigree to the club, having been crowned a CPL champion with Forge in 2019 and getting
so close to a successive title in 2020. Having joined the Toronto FC Academy in 2014, Babouli
blossomed for TFC II in the United Soccer League (USL) and earned himself a spot in Greg Vanney's
legendary MLS roster, rubbing shoulders with Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley
and Jonathan Osorio. In total, he made 20 appearances for the side and was a crucial part of the
side that claimed the Canadian Championship title after a magnificent two-legged battle with
Vancouver Whitecaps in the final. Prior to signing with The Nine Stripes, Babouli was with
Muaither FC in Qatar. Having been a part of Canada's underage squads, he has made a number
of appearances for Syria in the last number of years.
Favourite TV show right now: I'm not watching any shows right now but Full Swing on Netflix was the last
one I properly got through.
Most played song on Spotify: I'm not a Spotify guy and there's no real track of choice. I just kinda let
the playlist take over and let the music run.
Earliest soccer memory: Kicking about with my brother and his friends.
Favourite player, past or present: Ronaldinho
Ambitions for 2023: Be able to take this team to the playoffs and put ourselves in a good position to win
the whole thing.
21 MICHAEL PETRASSO
Age: 27
Hometown: Woodbridge, Ont
Position: Forward
Previous clubs: Barnet FC (loan), Valour FC, CF Montreal,
York United appearances (all competitions): 40
Goals: 3
Assists: 7
Overall professional appearances: 157
PET SMART
Bio: A gifted, swashbuckling attacker, Petrasso re-signed with the club during the off-season after
injury greatly hampered his ability to contribute meaningful minutes across 2022. Given how
impressive he was in the opening fixture against Halifax Wanderers, it was a case of what might
have been. He tried to push through the pain barrier but surrendered at half-time in the team's
next game in Edmonton and didn't play again for two months - returning in mid-July. But there
was another injury issue the following month and Petrasso made only a handful of cameo
appearances from the bench until delivering three successive right at the end of the campaign.
A vastly experienced player with over 150 pro games to his name, Petrasso was central to York's
playoff run in 2021, scoring three times and assisting on a further seven occasions in all
competitions. Immediately prior to that campaign, he travelled to London and enjoyed a superb
loan stint with Barnet FC of the National League where he scored eight times in 30 appearances
and was crowned Player of the Year by the club’s supporters. He boasts excellent pedigree,
having spent a large chunk of his underage years in England. Six of them were spent
at Queens Park Rangers, and included plenty of Championship experience. He also enjoyed loan
spells with Oldham Athletic, Coventry City, Leyton Orient and Notts County before playing
Major League Soccer with CF Montreal. He spent the inaugural CPL season with Valour FC
in Winnipeg, helping himself to six goals and five assists. Petrasso signed with York United
in 2020 and has featured 40 times overall.
Favourite TV show right now: Love Island
Most played song on Spotify: Forget Me by Lewis Capaldi
Earliest soccer memory: Mom and Dad coaching me in Kleinburg.
Favourite player, past or present: Wayne Rooney
Ambitions for 2023: To win the league
22 AUSTIN RICCI
Age: 26
Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ont
Position: Forward
Previous clubs: Valour FC, York United FC
York United appearances (all competitions): 15
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
Overall professional appearances: 40
AUSTIN POWER
Bio: The striker showed immense courage and resilience throughout 2022. Having returned to the club
during the offseason, Ricci was continuing his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury picked up
while playing for Valour FC in a Canadian Championship game against Forge FC in September, 2021.
His application and dedication were on show daily during his prolonged rehab with The Nine Stripes,
which stood out to Martin Nash. The grit, mental toughness and desire led to him being offered
a contract for the campaign. Nash was careful not to push Ricci too early so there were limited
minutes at home to Cavalry FC in the third fixture of the new season. It increased for the next
game against Atletico Ottawa before Ricci played almost an entire half in the superb home win over
Forge FC. And then, disaster happened. Away to Atletico in the preliminary round of the Canadian
Championship, Ricci was introduced on 65 minutes. And just as the clock ticked towards the
90th minute, an innocuous incident close to the touchline led to him hitting the ground
in agonizing pain. Another cruciate ligament, another season gone, another long and winding path
to recovery. But, Ricci rolled his sleeves up and followed the plan. Incredible mental resolve.
Now he's back once again. Motivated, hungry and eager to deliver. In 2021, he showed everyone
across the league just how good he is by scoring eight times in 18 appearances for Valour FC.
Previously, Ricci spent the 2019 season with York and made 11 appearances in total. Prior to that,
he enjoyed stints with League1 Ontario's Vaughan Azzurri and Premier Development League side
Michigan Bucks. From 2014 - 2017, Ricci attended Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan and was
a crucial part of the Golden Grizzlies Men's Soccer program.
Favourite TV show right now: Peaky Blinders
Most played song on Spotify: Major Distribution by Drake and 21 Savage
Earliest soccer memory: Playing for Richmond Hill and being crowned inaugural Ontario Cup champions.
Favourite player, past or present: Kaka
Ambitions for 2023: Personally, to win the Golden Boot. But also for the team to win the championship.
24 OSAZE DE ROSARIO
Age: 21
Hometown: Born San Jose, USA & raised in Toronto.
Position: Forward
Previous clubs: Rukh Lviv, New York City FC (Academy), Toronto FC (Academy)
York United appearances (all competitions): 30
Goals: 13
Assists: 4
Overall professional appearances: 32
OH-SAZE! OH, BABY!
Bio: Sometimes, necessity is the mother of all invention. When Osaze De Rosario was forced to leave
Ukraine - just nine days before the Russian invasion of the country - he had to pivot and think
on his feet. At top-flight club Rukh Lviv, who he joined in September 2021, he featured twice,
and also made the bench for a high-profile fixture with heavyweights Shakhtar Donetsk. He'd got
a taste of his pro dream and was eager to not let it slip from his grasp. He was ready, those
days at the Toronto FC and New York City FC academies preparing him for the next step. And it
was time to make a name for himself. He arrived into a York United squad deep in preparations
for a new CPL season but knew there were still some roster spots up for grabs. And he was
rewarded for his contributions with a contract, right on the eve of the new campaign. He got
14 minutes off the bench in the opening fixture against Halifax Wanderers, and from that point
onwards he never looked back. He started the next game - away in Edmonton - and scored
a magnificent goal that would have earned the team a win but for a sloppy leaked equalizer
moments afterwards. However, De Rosario was on a streak. There were goals in the next two
games - in brilliant home victory over Cavalry FC - and a 2-2 draw with Atletico Ottawa.
In total, he struck 12 times in the league, adding another goal in a Canadian Championship
clash with Pacific FC. There was a personal tally of 2,089 minutes - beating the Under-21
minutes mandate (2,000) all by himself. There probably should have been a Golden Boot award too,
with De Rosario denied a brace in the final fixture of the season by an extremely contentious
offside decision. He was also nominated for Best Canadian Under-21 Player.
Favourite TV show right now: Wu-Tang: An American Saga
Most played song on Spotify: St Mary by Valiant
Earliest soccer memory: Playing Under-9s soccer with Erin Mills Eagles.
Favourite player, past or present: Ronaldo Nazario
Ambitions for 2023: Win the league and become the top goal scorer.
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SQUAD GOALS (PART 3): GET TO KNOW THE 2023 YORK UNITED FC ROSTER In the third and final part of our series,
we go a little deeper with our players.
OH, I SAY! LAPARÉ!
28 JÉRÉMY GAGNON-LAPARÉ
Age: 28
Hometown: Sherbrooke, QC
Position: Midfielder
Previous clubs: Halifax Wanderers, St Louis FC, Ottawa Fury, AS Vitré, FC Montreal, Ottawa Fury (loan),
CF Montreal.
York United appearances (all competitions): 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 194
JERRY BOMB
Bio: The man with the mercurial left foot, JGL has been a CPL standout for the past two seasons while
with Halifax Wanderers. With ten years of professional experience under his belt and almost 200 pro
appearances, the central midfielder is an extremely experienced acquisition. He brings control,
poise and purpose to the middle of the park and is another exciting off-season signing. A native
of Sherbrooke, QC, Gagnon-Laparé started out with CF Montreal's reserve side and got some early
opportunities as a teenager playing in USL (United Soccer League) Pro. He graduated to the first
team under Frank Klopas and made his bow in a Canadian Championship semi final first-leg encounter
with FC Edmonton in May 2014. Later that summer, he made his Major League Soccer debut in an away
clash with Real Salt Lake and went on to rack up a further four appearances that season. He also
competed in the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time, featuring in a pair of group games
against New York Red Bulls. In 2015, he signed a loan deal with the Ottawa Fury, then plying their
trade in the NASL (North American Soccer League) and was a part of their memorable run to
the Championship final. In the decider against New York Cosmos - who boasted Spanish legends
Raul and Marcos Senna - Gagnon-Laparé came off the bench and played the last 18 minutes as the
Fury narrowly lost 3-2. Across 2015 and 2016, he was an integral part of FC Montreal's two seasons
in the USL and following an impressive stint in France with lower league side AS Vitre, he returned
to the league and to the Ottawa Fury, this time on a permanent deal. After two seasons in the
capital, he stayed in the USL Championship and moved to Saint Louis FC but Canada came calling
once again in 2021 and he signed with CPL side HFX Wanderers. In his two years there, Gagnon-Laparé
made 44 appearances and was a standout midfielder in the league, his mercurial left foot
consistently setting the tone for the team. Overall, he managed over 3,500 minutes of action
and added four assists while he has five senior Canadian caps to his name.
Favourite TV show right now: Sherlock (British version)
Most played song on Spotify: I Already Forgot Everything You Said by The Dig
Earliest soccer memory: Kicking the ball in a hockey net in my backyard.
Favourite player, past or present: Cesc Fabregas.
Ambitions for 2023: To have the best season in York’s history.
32 BREM SOUMAORO
Age: 26
Hometown: Born in Nzérékoré, Guinea and raised in Enschede, NED.
Position: Midfielder
Previous clubs: PAEEK, MVV Maastricht, FC Den Bosch, FC Twente (U21), AS Livorno, Go Ahead Eagles,
......FC Twente Academy
York United appearances (all competitions): 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 162
THE SOUM OF ALL FEARS
Bio: A commanding presence in the midfield of the pitch, Soumaoro provides some flexibility to Martin Nash
as he can easily drop deeper to centre-back if required. The 26-year-old moved to the Netherlands when
he was 8 and began his football education in the Dutch city of Enschede, joining FC Twente's academy when
he was just 10 years of age. After many years in the club's underage system, he finally graduated and made
his professional debut in a Jupiler League clash for Jong Twente against RKC Waalwijk in August 2014
before going on to make a further eleven appearances. Continuing his development, Soumaoro was included
in the senior squad for a litany of Eredivisie games in 2016 before signing with Go Ahead Eagles the
following year, making 20 appearances for the side. By 2018, Soumaoro had impressed sufficiently to sign
with Italian club US Livorno in Serie B and he ended the season with four appearances to his name. He made
his debut for the side in a cup clash with Crotone and went on to appear in fixtures against the likes
of Brescia, Padova and Spezia. He briefly returned to Jong Twente in 2020, before his switch
to FC Den Bosch. After one season and 14 appearances, he moved to MVV Maastricht in the Dutch second-tier
and - once again - was a consistent presence at the back, racking up 19 games in league and cup action.
Most recently he was with PAEEK in the Cypriot top-flight where he made 26 appearances in all competitions
during the 2021/22 campaign. Qualifying to represent Liberia through his parents, Soumaoro was called into
their squad for the first time in August 2021 for a pair of World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria
and Central African Republic. He played 90 minutes in both games and has subsequently captained the side
in a friendly with Benin and a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against eventual 2022 World Cup
semi-finalists Morocco. Overall, he's made 10 appearances for the team.
Favourite TV show right now: Young Sheldon.
Most played song on Spotify: Soso by Omah Lay.
Earliest soccer memory: I remember when I started in my club's academy as a little boy and training
.....with the first team.
Favourite player, past or present: Yaya Toure.
Ambitions for 2023: To win the league.
33 MATTHEW BALDISIMO
Age: 25
Hometown: Vancouver, BC.
Position: Midfielder.
Previous clubs: Pacific FC, Fresno FC, Whitecaps FC 2,
York United appearances (all competitions): 3
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 110
BALDI BEAUTY
Bio: A combative and powerful midfielder, Baldisimo initially joined The Nine Stripes on loan during
the 2022 campaign but an early injury ensured he couldn't properly contribute until late in the season.
Even then, he was limited to cameo appearances. There was 14 minutes off the bench in the 3-1 home
win over Valour FC, 17 minutes as a substitute away to Forge FC and then finally a start in the 2-2
draw away to Atletico Ottawa in the final fixture. In the off-season, he signed a permanent deal.
Martin Nash has described him as "one of the top holding midfielders in the CPL" and he brings
a wealth of experience and league nous. With over 100 professional appearances across various
competitions in Canada and the United States to his name, Baldisimo began with the Vancouver
Whitecaps Academy before spending two seasons in the United Soccer League (USL) with Whitecaps
FC 2. In 2018, he remained in the USL and signed for Fresno FC, playing a handful of games
in the league and US Open Cup. He joined Pacific FC in 2019 and made 56 appearances in all
competitions, winning the Canadian Premier League title with the club in 2021.
Favourite TV show right now: Demon Slayer
Most played song on Spotify: Common Person by Burna Boy
Earliest soccer memory: Kicking my brothers!
Favourite player, past or present: Carles Puyol.
Ambitions for 2023: To have fun playing.
43 LASSANA FAYE
Age: 24
Hometown: Rotterdam, NED
Position: Left-back.
Previous clubs: Rukh Lviv, Den Haag, Sparta Rotterdam, Vitesse Arnhem, PSV Eidhoven Academy, Sparta.
York United appearances (all competitions): 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 135
LASS IS CLASS
Bio: A dynamic left-back, Faye boasts some superb pedigree and has appeared frequently in both
the Eredivisie and Uefa Europa League. a native of Rotterdam and his formative years were spent
at local club Sparta, currently plying their trade in the Eredivisie. From there, he spent
a number of seasons playing underage with PSV Eindhoven but his big break came when he signed
for Vitesse as an 18-year-old in 2016. After a number of notable performances for the youth team,
he made his senior debut later that same year in a Dutch Cup clash with Jodan Boys and played the
full 90 minutes, even assisting on their final goal. He didn't have to wait too long for his
top-flight debut either and it came in spectacular circumstances, as he started a home clash
against heavyweights Ajax. His second Eredivisie appearance came against another high-profile
side in Feyenoord, while he was also part of the Vitesse squad that went on to claim a famous
Dutch Cup title at the end of the season: beating AZ Alkmaar 2-0 to qualify for the following
season's UEFA Europa League. In total, Faye appeared in five of Vitesse's six group games and
started two of them, including a 1-1 draw with Lazio at the iconic Olympic Stadium as well
as a 1-0 victory over OGC Nice. Though the team failed to make it through to the knockout
stages of the tournament, they enjoyed an excellent domestic campaign in 2017/18 - spearheaded
by the loan signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea - and finished the season sixth in the table.
In the subsequent European competition play-offs, they beat both Den Haag and Utrecht
to secure a place in the following season's Europa League qualifying round. In 2019, Faye
moved to his hometown club - Sparta Rotterdam - who had just sealed promotion to the top-flight.
He started 23 of his side's 26 league games as they finished comfortably in mid-table.
The following season, he signed a loan deal with Den Haag and started a further 12 Eredivisie
games. Most recently, Faye was with Rukh Lviv in Ukraine.
Favourite TV show right now: Power
Most played song on Spotify: Not a song but Surah Taha is a chapter of the Quran that I listen to the most.
Earliest soccer memory: Watching Ronaldinho in a Champions League game for FC Barcelona.
Favourite player, past or present: Patrice Evra.
Ambitions for 2023: Win every possible trophy.
67 ELEIAS HIMARAS
Age: 21
Hometown: London, Ont.
Position: Goalkeeper.
Previous clubs: Electric City FC, Toronto FC II,
York United appearances (all competitions): 10
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 10
WE LIKE HIM
Bio: Himaras had previously been with York United during the 2021 season and made the bench for
a number of fixtures. At the end of that campaign, he was signed by League1 Ontario side
Electric City but returned to The Nine Stripes in July 2022 as an astonishing injury crisis
ripped through the club. After a collection of games as a substitute, Himaras finally got his
chance after Niko Giantsopoulos picked up an injury during an away clash with Valour FC.
The 21-year-old deputized gamely despite the 2-0 defeat and made nine subsequent starts as the
team closed out the season impressively. He managed to keep one clean sheet in a scoreless home
draw against Halifax Wanderers. A native of London, Ont, Himaras joined the Toronto FC Academy
in 2018 and was named in Canada’s squad for the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in Brazil the following
year, starting the team’s final group game against New Zealand. Previously, he spent time
with TFC II.
Favourite TV show right now: Stranger Things.
Most played song on Spotify: Niagara Falls by Travis Scott.
Earliest soccer memory: Travelling to Portugal for a youth club World Cup (2014 Mundialito).
Favourite player, past or present: My favourite outfield player would have to be Messi
.....and my favourite goalkeeper is Iker Casillas.
Ambitions for 2023: To win the league and playoffs!
70 MARKI VOYTSEKHOVSKYY
Age: 19
Hometown: Born Lviv, UKR & raised in Mississauga, Ont.
Position: Midfielder
Previous clubs: FC Tigers, Prostars FC, Guelph United B, Shakhtar Donetsk Academy.
York United appearances (all competitions): 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 0
MAKE YOUR MARK
Bio: A wiry wing wizard, the teenager is a babyfaced assassin who has all the tools to enjoy an excellent
debut professional campaign. Most recently with League1 Ontario side Prostars FC, the 19-year-old enjoyed
an excellent 2022 campaign and was a standout as the team reached the playoffs. A commanding
and ball-playing presence, he was ever-present across 21 regular season games and found the net 10 times,
finishing as the team’s second-highest goalscorer. Voytsekhovskyy was rewarded for the consistency of his
performances with a couple of notable honours. He was named League1 Ontario’s Young Player of the Year
and was also included in the Team of the Year. In September, Voytsekhovskyy travelled to Vancouver and
spent time with FC Tigers, honing his talents in an elite training environment. The teenager is a native
of Lviv, Ukraine and has previously spent time with the Shakhtar Donetsk academy. Prior to signing with
Prostars, Voytsekhovskyy played a number of games with Guelph United “B” in the L1O Reserve League in 2021
and scored four goals in five regular season appearances.
Favourite TV show right now: The Chosen
Most played song on Spotify: Awesome God by Michael W. Smith.
Earliest soccer memory: The first proper tournament I played in as a kid when I was five years old. I scored
.....a bunch of goals and was top goalscorer.
Favourite player, past or present: Neymar/Fernando Torres.
Ambitions for 2023: Personally, to score and create a bunch of goals. For the team, it's all about winning
.....games. It's about winning the league, the play-offs and the Canadian Championship.
14 THEO AFEWORK
Age: 19
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Position: Striker
Previous clubs: 1.FC Nürnberg Under-19, Vancouver Whitecaps Academy
York United appearances (all competitions): 0
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Overall professional appearances: 10
GET TO WORK
Bio: The teenager has signed a two-year deal with the club after impressing with German side
1.FC Nürnberg Under-19 side in the past few seasons. Afework's journey began with his local side,
Calgary Rangers, when he was just four years old and he also represented local sides Blizzard
and Foothills before making the switch to the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy at 13. While in BC,
he received a call-up to the Canada Under-15 side for the 2019 CONCACAF Championship and appeared
in all five games, scoring once. Seeking a new challenge at club level, Afework headed to Europe
in early 2022 and signed with Nürnberg. Making a handful of immediate appearances for the Under-19 team,
he arrived at the perfect time as the club finished strongly and secured a second place finish in the
table to reach the play-offs. The 2022/23 campaign began brightly for the attacker and along with more
game-time, Afework also grabbed a crucial 89th-minute winner in a last-gasp DFB Pokal Der Junioren
victory over RB Leipzig which secured a subsequent quarter-final clash with Hertha.
Favourite TV show right now: Lupin.
Most played song on Spotify: M3lo by Tiakola.
Earliest soccer memory: Playing with my dad and his friends in the neighbourhood park.
Favourite player, past or present: Fernando Torres.
Ambitions for 2023: To win the league and for me to score a few goals along the way.
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