Moses Dyer returns to the CPL with Vancouver FC

It could be considered a kind of homecoming for attacking forward Moses Dyer in signing with Vancouver FC. Although he has yet to play in Vancouver, Dyer spent three years making himself a household name in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and now he is coming back to where his career took off.

“I am very excited to return to the CPL with Vancouver FC,” said Dyer.

The nearly 27-year-old forward, who will be celebrating his birthday tomorrow, Mar. 21, spent last season away from Canada, competing for Tulsa FC in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship. He scored four goals and registered five assists in 30 appearances which is an impressive feat for most, but could be considered small potatoes for Dyer’s recent career.

“Moses is a proven goalscorer in the CPL,” said Vancouver’s Head Coach, Afshin Ghotbi. “[He] combines all the qualities of a top striker including pace, power, timing, and a nose for the goal.”

The New Zealand native first came to the CPL in 2020 with Valour FC in the league’s bubble year where Dyer made six appearances and scored one goal. It was in the off-season that year where Dyer really seemed to find his groove when he returned home on loan to Manukau United FC. He only played four matches for the team but scored three goals which started a trend for the next few years.

Dyer proceeded to have back-to-back career high seasons with Valour in 2021 and 2022, leading the squad in goals with nine apiece. In 2022, Dyer also set a career high four-game scoring streak where he capped off the run with a brace against Cavalry in August of that year. His scoring ways, for a total of 19 goals in all competitions with Valour, left a lasting legacy with the Winnipeg-based team, as Dyer still holds the club record as the all-time leading goalscorer, while also having an impact on the player himself. 

“Canada quickly became like a second home during my previous three years here,” said Dyer. “It was a place where I flourished into the player that I have become today.”

The return to the North is made more familiar for Dyer by reuniting with VFC defender Rocco Romeo, who were teammates at Valour in 2021 and 2022. Dyer made 57 all-time appearances in the CPL and registered seven assists in addition to all 19 goals, but the international attacker is ready to set new records with his new club.

“I can’t wait to test myself at this new level with a very competitive and exciting squad.”

Dyer is not only proven in the CPL but he also brings international experience with New Zealand’s senior national team, making his debut in 2015 and scoring his first international goal in 2018. He made a total of 11 caps for the senior team and 17 appearances for New Zealand at the youth levels from 2015 to 2017.

Ghotbi also adds, “[Moses] will add more fire power to our already exciting front line.”

In addition to signing Dyer, VFC announced the mutual termination of forward Mouhamadou ‘Mamadou’ Kane’s contract. Vancouver wishes Kane all the best in his future endeavours.

VFC fans can catch their first glimpse of Dyer in action at Vancouver’s pre-season friendly match against Vancouver Metro Soccer League (VMSL) Stars this evening at 7 p.m. PT. The game will be contested at Newton Athletic Park in Surrey, B.C. 

Vancouver will kick off their second season in the CPL on Sunday, Apr. 14 at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET when the club hosts Dyer’s former team, Valour FC. Tickets to the season opener can be purchased here.