In a tightly contested match on Saturday against York United FC, it looked as though Vancouver FC might come up short handed at Willoughby Park. Enter midfielder Grady McDonnell with some fresh legs and link up with former Canadian Premier League (CPL) Golden Boot winner, and magic happens. The efforts by the CPL’s youngest signing in history not only helped VFC snag a point from York, but it also earned McDonnell his first Team of the Week (TOTW) recognition for Matchweek 15.

McDonnell, 16, made the club’s game day roster for the seventh time in his inaugural professional season on Saturday and previously made an appearance in all six of the matches he’d been rostered for until then. As the clock continued to tick closer to 90 minutes in the scorching Saturday afternoon game, head coach Afshin Ghotbi made the call to substitute McDonnell’s fresh legs for VFC’s newest signing Olivier Rommens in the 87th minute.

The native of Surrey got to work immediately, challenging York’s players and stepping up where he could but the moment to remember came in the 90+3’ minute. It began with Renan Garcia switching the play to find Matteo Campagna on the far side. The fellow Surrey-boy made a quick pass to McDonnell who deflected the ball over the head of York’s Kadin Martin-Pereux and battled shoulder to shoulder to win the ball. McDonnell looked up to see Alejandro ‘Wero’ Díaz waiting right in front of the keeper and the 16-year-old played an assist to the Mexican-striker for the equalizer.

McDonnell’s first professional goal contribution came off his single touch in the opponent’s box, making use of his time in dangerous areas. Additionally, for only playing about eight minutes including injury time, the young midfielder registered a team high of two chances created, one duel won, and one clearance.

Now, McDonnell and the Eagles get right back to work as they close out their three-game July homestand with a visit from Cavalry FC. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. PT for a Friday night under the lights game on July 26. Tickets to the match, and VFC’s remaining home games, can be purchased online here.