Vancouver FC announced the signing of striker Emmanuel Robe on Friday, the eve of the club’s inaugural match in the Canadian Premier League. 

Robe, 20, brings his nose for goal to Vancouver from South London, where he lived from the age of three after his family immigrated from his birthplace, Sèvres, France. He played his youth soccer with several well-known English clubs in and around London, including Crystal Palace F.C., Hayes and Yeading United F.C., Aveley F.C. and Romford F.C. 

The striker, who can also play on the wing, has an innate instinct in front of net, the aptitude and touch for working under pressure and is touted for his speed. A former track athlete, Robe previously competed in the 100-metre dash, including at the national level in the United Kingdom. 

“I am excited to be here just in time to get the CPL season underway with my teammates,” said Robe. “I look forward to getting to know the Canadian game and can’t wait to get started with a derby against Pacific FC on Saturday.” 

Robe will be available for selection for the club’s inaugural match on Saturday, April 15, a battle of British Columbia against west coast rival Pacific FC at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C. The match kicks off at 4 p.m. PT on OneSoccer, the home of Canadian soccer. Robe will wear the number 13 for Vancouver.

“We are thrilled to improve our selection with the signing of Emmanuel,” said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. “He is a natural goal scorer who combines his athleticism with a decisive final touch. He can combine in the smallest spaces and beat most of his opponents with his world-class pace.”

Robe join strikers Mamadou Kane, Nathanial St. Louis, Shaan Hundal and Ameer Kinani; midfielders Gael Sandoval, Elliot Simmons, Gabriel Bitar, Maël Henry, Nicky Gyimah, Min-jae Kwak and Nima Moazeni Zadeh; defenders Kadin Chung, Ibrahim Bakare, Pele Martinez, Rocco Romeo, Marcus Simmons, Kahlil John-Wentworth, Tyler Crawford and Anthony White; and goalkeepers Callum Irving and Jeremy Zielinski on Vancouver’s roster. Vancouver and Cristian Mares, who previously signed with VFC on loan from Puebla FC in Liga MX, have mutually terminated the midfielder’s contract. He is no longer included on Vancouver’s roster.