Forward Ameer Kinani will remain a Vancouver FC player through to the end of the 2023 Canadian Premier League season. The 22-year-old was selected second overall in the CPL-U SPORTS draft from Toronto Metropolitan University in December of 2022 and has been with Vancouver FC since pre-season training.
“I’m very thankful to everyone [at VFC] for giving me this opportunity to continue my dream and to keep fighting with the boys until the end of the season,” said Kinani. “I’m focusing on the season…to just take it one game at a time and keep working hard.”
Since signing his U SPORTS contract in March, Kinani has had a season of firsts alongside Vancouver FC. He has made two starts in 16 regular season appearances for VFC, including his professional debut in Vancouver’s inaugural match against Pacific FC as a halftime substitute. Kinani also made his first professional start for Vancouver’s lone Canadian Championship match in April, playing for 60 minutes and registering two shots.
Kinani’s most impactful match to date has been the 2-0 home victory against the reigning champions, Forge FC, on June 20. The forward not only registered his first professional assist on TJ Tahid’s opening goal but he also sealed the win with his first professional goal in the 39th minute.
Another one for @vanfootballclub! 🦅
Ameer Kinani secures a second goal to give them a 2-0 lead against @ForgeFCHamilton only a few minutes after Tj Tahid secured the first.
Oh how the tables have turned 👀#CanPL | 📺 @onesoccer
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) June 21, 2023
Before joining Vancouver FC, Kinani represented multiple international and domestic clubs including Cartagena FC in Spain and ProStars FC in League1 Ontario. The native of Iraq also represented his country of birth at the 2019 U19 Asian Cup.
Kinani agreed to remain with VFC as of August 15, 2023, and most recently played as an added-time substitute in Vancouver’s 3-2 derby win over Pacific FC. He continues to be eligible to play in the remainder of Vancouver FC’s seven regular season matches and any potential post-season games for the B.C. side.