Pacific FC announced Thursday the club has made its first international signing in German defender Hendrik Starostzik and also added Canadian defender Lukas MacNaughton to the team’s inaugural roster, pending the approval of their International Transfer Certificates (ITC) .

Starostzik, 27, has played professionally in Germany since 2010, including a stint with Dynamo Dresden (2016-17) in 2. Bundesliga, Germany’s second division. The 6-foot-2 centreback arrives from Hallescher FC of 3. Liga, where he made 15 appearances.

MacNaughton, 23, was born in New York but was raised in Brussels, Belgium. Standing at 6-foot-1, the centre back carries Canadian citizenship from his father. He came to play for the University of Toronto Blues from 2013 to 2017 and was the team’s top scorer in 2016. MacNaughton represented Canada at the 2015 FISU Games in South Korea and the 2017 FISU Games in Taipei. Most recently, he was named a League1 Ontario All-Star as a member of Alliance United in 2018, where he made 10 appearances.

“With Hendrik we have added a player that has already been in an extremely competitive environment in Germany and we expect a lot from him. Lukas has been one of the best defenders in League1 Ontario and we feel he is a perfect match for our group,” said Pacific FC head coach Michael Silberbauer. “I couldn’t be happier that they both have decided to join Pacific FC.”

Starostzik becomes Pacific FC’s first international signing and expressed his excitement for playing in a new league.

“This is a big adventure for me,” Starostzik said. “My goal was to play in another country and Canada is a great place to play – particularly Vancouver Island. I’m excited to play in the Canadian Premier League.”

MacNaughton said, of his move: “Everyone has been talking about the Canadian Premier League, so when it became a reality it is where I wanted to be. This is a great opportunity for Canadians to play at home.”

Pacific FC kicks off its inaugural season on April 28 against the HFX Wanderers at Westhills Stadium.