Vancouver FC today announced the return of three of its Under-21 stars: defenders Tyler Crawford, James Cameron and Matteo Campagna.
Crawford signed a new contract with Vancouver guaranteed through 2025 with an option for 2026, while Cameron and Campagna will both return for the upcoming Canadian Premier League (CPL) season after the club exercised the options on their respective contracts.
The trio combined with defender Elage Bah, midfielder Grady McDonnell and forward TJ Tahid in making up a significant domestic Under-21 contingent on Vancouver’s current 2025 roster, once again showcasing the club’s commitment to providing opportunities for young talent to gain professional experience.
Defender – James Cameron
Having initially joined VFC on a Development Contract in 2023 after being scouted at Vancouver FC’s Open Trials, James Cameron has had his option picked up for the 2025 CPL Season, which will be his third as an Eagle. Cameron currently holds the most appearances for any Vancouver FC U-21 player, playing 37 matches for the Eagles over two seasons, scoring one goal.
Cameron took another step in his overall development in 2024, when he represented Canada Soccer’s U-20 Men’s National Team at the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship Qualifiers and the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship.
Defender – Matteo Campagna
Campagna otherwise known as VFC’s “Closer” returns for a second year with the Eagles after making 11 appearances for Vancouver FC in his debut season with the Langley based club last season.
The Surrey-native was not only a contributor defensively for the Eagles in 2024, but also notched two assists, including a game winner for Ayman Sellouf’s 97th minute goal away to Valour on August 25th. Occasionally being deployed at fullback and even in defensive midfield, VFC made sure to pick up Campagna’s option for the 2025 CPL season hoping he can build on his impressive performances last campaign.
Having only started 2 matches in 2024 Matteo will look to assert himself as a regular presence in the VFC backline this season given the recent departures of fellow centrebacks Rocco Romeo, Allan Enyou, and Anthony White.
Defender – Tyler Crawford
Having been with the Eagles since their inaugural CPL season in 2023, Crawford is back for 2025 after signing a new contract with Vancouver FC. In his two years out West he made 31 appearances for VFC, including 8 last season before his campaign was cut short by injury.
Crawford suffered a long-term leg injury at training last Fall that would sideline him for the remainder of the 2024 CPL season. The young fullback will continue his recovery for the initial stage of the upcoming season as the club look to help him bounce back in 2025. As well as being signed though the 2025 CPL season, Vancouver FC hold an option for 2026 as well.
What’s Next?
Vancouver FC now has 15 players signed to its 2025 roster.
Vancouver FC Roster as of Jan. 15, 2025:
Goalkeepers: Niko Giantsopoulos, Callum Irving
Defenders: Elage Bah, Matteo Campagna, Paris Gee, David Norman Jr.
Midfielders: James Cameron, Tyler Crawford, Ben Fisk, Vasco Fry, Grady McDonnell, TJ Tahid
Forwards: Mikaël Cantave, Alejandro Dìaz, José Navarro
The club will announce further roster updates in the coming weeks. The Eagles recently launched Season Memberships for the upcoming 2025 Canadian Premier League Season.
