This past week was a historic one in the Canadian Premier League, as for the second straight year, Vancouver FC set a league record for the youngest signing as they put pen to paper with 15-year-old Irish youth international Grady McDonnell.
It also saw a number of high-profile signings and departures as some of the biggest questions surrounding the future of a few key out-of-contract CPL players were answered. Plus, the league’s eight clubs all revealed their home openers for 2024, with the full schedule set to be revealed on Tuesday.
Here are the biggest stories from another enthralling week in the league’s off-season:
Vancouver FC break their own league record by signing 15-year-old Grady McDonnell
Just one season into their existence, Vancouver FC have already shown an impressive ability to identify, recruit and develop young talent.
The 2023 expansion side led the league in domestic U-21 minutes this past season, with 5,203. That included 16-year-old TJ Tahid who became the league’s youngest-ever goalscorer, was at the time the league’s youngest signing and has since gone on to represent Canada at the U-17 World Cup.
The distinction of youngest ever signing now belongs to 15-year-old Grady McDonnell, whom Vancouver announced they had signed to a three-year deal on Wednesday. McDonnell, who is from Surrey B.C., was previously part of the Vancouver Whitecaps academy setup and has represented Ireland as a youth international — including with the U-17 side during European Championship qualifiers.
The highly touted youngster’s decision to join Vancouver is another example of the early professional opportunities that the league can provide for ambitious young players. It is also part of Vancouver FC’s continued mission to create a platform for the country’s best youth players.
Cavalry FC add attacker Tobias Warschewski
Ahead of their first-ever foray into continental football, Cavalry FC added some serious firepower with the acquisition of 25-year-old forward Tobias Warschewski.
The German will be well known to Canadian Premier League fans, having spent two incredibly successful seasons with Cavalry’s former provincial rivals, FC Edmonton, in 2021 and 2022. He found the back of the net 12 times and also had 14 assists during that time.
He adds to an already dynamic Cavs attack that includes the likes of Golden Boot winner Myer Bevan, Players’ Player of the Year Ali Musse, William Akio and newly acquired Australian youth international Lleyton Brooks.
He is perhaps best remembered for this bicycle kick goal against Valour, which is worth watching again every opportunity you get.
Forge FC pick up options on Castello, Duncan and Kalongo as Rama departs
The 2023 North Star Cup winners have been busy early on in this off-season ahead of their February 7 Concacaf Champions Cup opener against Chivas Guadalajara. This past week, Forge announced they had picked up the options on three young players: goalkeeper Chris Kalongo (22 years of age), defender Malcolm Duncan (24) and midfielder Sebastian Castello (20).
Forge also announced this week that fullback Rezart Rama has left the club and signed with KF Egnatia in the Albanian top division. Rama is the second confirmed departure for Forge this off-season, as Defender of the Year nominee Manjrekar James was transferred to Costa Rican club Alajuelense.
Pacific FC pick up option on Thomas Meilleur-Giguère, announce departures of Didić and Ongaro
More major moves were announced on the Island this week as Pacific FC confirmed a pair high profile departures. Canadian international Amer Didić, widely considered one of the best central defenders in the league, will be leaving the club and is now a free agent.
Pacific also transferred forward Easton Ongaro to Italian Serie C club Novara FC. Ongaro, who had five goals and two assists for Pacific in 2023, has previously spent time in Europe with UTA Arad in Romania and Vendsyssel FF in Denmark.
The Tridents did, however, secure a key piece of their backline as they picked up the contract option on Thomas Meilleur-Giguère for 2024.
Atlético Ottawa appearance leader Miguel Acosta departs the club
It was the end of an era at Atleti this week, as the club’s all-time appearance leader, Spanish defender Miguel Acosta, is departing the club following the expiration of his contract.
Acosta joined the club in 2021 and would go on to make 85 appearances for Atlético Ottawa in all competitions. He was a key member of the 2022 team that won the CPL regular season, and hosted the 2022 CPL Final.
The 25-year-old is the ninth confirmed departure for Ottawa this off-season, as they look to retool after a disappointing 2023 campaign.
CPL 2024 Home Openers announced, with full schedule coming soon
This past week, the league announced the home openers for all eight clubs ahead of the 2024 campaign — which will begin on Saturday, April 13 with a triple header.
The season begins in Ottawa, where Atleti will host provincial rivals York United at TD Place, followed by a 2023 CPL Final rematch between Forge FC and Cavalry FC at Tim Hortons Field, and concluding at Starlight Stadium where Pacific FC host Halifax Wanderers. The next day, Vancouver FC host Valour FC in Langley to wrap up the league’s opening weekend.
Notably, Valour FC will have to wait until Sunday, June 2 to open the home portion of their season as the playing surface IG Field is undergoing upgrades.
The full 2024 regular season schedule, presented by WestJet, will be announced on Tuesday.