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Vancouver FC select Henri Godbout and Medhi Essoussi in the 2025 CPL U-SPORTS Draft from UBC and UofT respectively
Vancouver FC select Henri Godbout and Mehdi Essoussi in 2025 CPL U-SPORTS Draft
December 5, 2024

Langley, BC – December 5 2024 — Vancouver FC made strategic moves today in the 2025 CPL U-SPORTS Draft, selecting two promising talents to join their preseason camp, further cementing their commitment to developing the next generation of Canadian soccer stars. The CPL U-SPORTS Draft, an annual showcase of top collegiate players, offers U-SPORTS athletes the chance to earn professional development contracts while continuing their university education.

 

Vancouver FC’s 2025 CPL U-SPORTS Draft Picks

Henri Godbout – Round 1, Pick 2

Henri Godbout won Canada West’s Rookie of the Year with UBC Thunderbirds after scoring ten goals and notching eight assists in 20 games played // Photo Credit: UBC Athletics

A versatile winger from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Godbout’s 2024 U SPORTS season was stellar. Starting 20 of 21 matches, he notched 10 goals and 8 assists, demonstrating his dual-threat capability as a scorer and creator. A dual American-Canadian citizen, Godbout last played club soccer for Crossfire Premier SC in Redmond, Washington. Known for his pace, athleticism, and precise crosses with both feet, Godbout adds dynamic width and energy to Vancouver FC’s roster.

Godbout becomes the second ever player to be drafted by the Eagles from the UBC Thunderbirds via the CPL U-SPORTS Draft. Vancouver FC selected Luke Norman second overall in 2024, before eventually deciding to sign Thunderbirds striker Sebastian Dzikowski to a U-SPORTS contract through the 2024 Canadian Premier League Season.

Mehdi Essoussi – Round 2, Pick 2

Essoussi is a central midfielder with significant experience playing in USL League One with Toronto FC II, as well as League1 Ontario with Alliance United // Photo Credit: University of Toronto Athletics

A technical and versatile midfielder from the University of Toronto (U of T), Essoussi brings professional experience as a former Toronto FC II player and a key contributor for Alliance United in League 1 Ontario. During the 2024 U SPORTS season, he appeared in 12 matches, starting 9, and contributed 2 goals and 2 assists. His close control, tactical awareness, and adaptability across midfield roles make him a valuable addition to Vancouver FC. The midfielder was called up to Toronto FC’s first time on a short-term loan agreement in 2022 from Toronto FC II.

Essoussi becomes the second ever Varsity Blues player to be drafted by Vancouver FC from the CPL U-SPORTS Draft after the Eagles selected centre-back Anthony White 1st overall in the 2023 CPL U-SPORTS Draft.

Godbout and Essoussi will certainly be two players to keep an eye on during Eagles preseason as Vancouver FC look to build a squad fit for playoff contention in 2025. Vancouver FC will be announcing more roster moves in the coming weeks, fans can secure their spot at Willoughby Community Park to watch some new Eagles take the pitch in 2025 with our recently launched Season Memberships.

Don’t wait our early bird prices are only available before January 1st.