Born and raised in Edmonton, it doesn’t get much sweeter than the story told by Saah T-Boy Fayia this season.

A former product of the FCE academy and Vancouver Whitecaps’ youth system, the 20-year-old was added late in the pre-season by Alan Koch’s Eddies side. An explosive fullback with significant defensive qualities, Fayia proved to be more than a bit-part player. After easing into the squad this Summer after an injury, T-Boy played six-straight league matches, swapping left back and right back duties and looked solid as an extra piece in Koch’s tool chest.

His best appearance came in October in a 1-1 draw away to Cavalry FC. Fayia helped set up the Al Classico’s opening goal with a mesmerizing run, catching CPL standout Mo Farsi off guard, and sending a neat cross to fellow Edmontonian Marcus Velado-Tsegaye for an opener after 15 minutes.

The first goal in today’s game goes to @FCEdmontonNow via Marcus Velado-Tsegaye #CanPL l ?:@onesoccerpic.twitter.com/KyMi3z1NDN

— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) October 9, 2021

Defensively, he led FCE in tackles with five and shared the team lead for interceptions with three in that match – earning Gatorade Team of the Week honours in the process.

“Just to play in this derby, we know how important it is to us as Edmontonians,” Fayia said after the game. “As youngsters growing up, you always want to play in these big games, so it meant a lot for all of us. We had to prove something for us, and the team, so it was good.”

Fayia’s passion to represent his hometown was evident in 2021 – as was his future in the game.