By: Adam Kostanuick, January 15, 2019
VICTORIA, BC – Pacific FC of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) have announced the signing of three players with roots in both the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy program as well as the Canadian Under-17 (U17) squad.
Matthew Baldisimo, Terran Campbell, and Alessandro Hojabrpour all join the Vancouver Island-based club after recent stints internationally.
Speaking about the new signings, Pacific FC CEO Rob Friend stated, “We are fortunate to be (in) a position to be bringing young players like this back to BC where they can become the future stars of the game on Canadian soil.”
Baldisimo and Campbell, both 20 years old and raised in Burnaby, arrive at Pacific FC after playing the 2018 season at the Whitecaps’ USL affiliate, Fresno FC.
Comfortable playing as either a defender or in midfield, Baldisimo captained Canada at the 2015 CONCACAF U17 Championships. He notably made 43 appearances for Whitecaps FC II from 2015-2017 before the club ceased operations.
Attacking player Terran Campbell featured for Canada at the 2015 CONCACAF U17 Championships as well, appearing in five matches, all as a substitute.
At 19 years old, Hojabrpour is the youngest of the three new additions. He returns to Canada after having played most recently in Bulgaria for Lokomotiv Plovdiv’s U19 side.
An attacking midfielder known for his versatility as a utility player, Hojabrpour has also represented Canada at the CONCACAF U17 Championships, playing in three matches at the 2017 tournament. He scored Canada’s lone goal against Cuba in a 2-1 loss.
“These three are solid young players in their age group and we are glad to have them join us to continue their careers back in Canada,” said head coach Michael Silberbauer. “They bring energy and excitement to our growing team.”
The trio of players join Kadin Chung and Marcus Haber on the Pacific FC roster ahead of the CPL regular season, beginning in April 2019.
