Vancouver FC announced the signing of Canadian midfielder Mehdi Essoussi and 19 year-old American-Canadian attacker Henri Godbout to the squad on CPL-U SPORTS contracts for the 2025 CPL Season. Essoussi and Godbout join the Eagles from UofT Varsity Blues and UBC Thunderbirds respectively after being drafted in the 2025 CPL-U Sports Draft this past December.

Essoussi becomes the second-ever Varsity Blues player to be drafted by Vancouver FC from the CPL U-SPORTS Draft after the Eagles selected centre-back Anthony White 1st overall in the 2023 CPL U-SPORTS Draft.

A technical and versatile midfielder from the University of Toronto (U of T), Essoussi brings professional experience as a former Toronto FC II player and a key contributor for Alliance United in League 1 Ontario. During the 2024 U SPORTS season, he appeared in 12 matches, starting 9, and contributed 2 goals and 2 assists. His close control, tactical awareness, and adaptability across midfield roles make him a valuable addition to Vancouver FC. The midfielder was called up to Toronto FC’s first time on a short-term loan agreement in 2022 from Toronto FC II.

“I’m very excited to join Vancouver FC and looking forward to getting the opportunity to help the team succeed,” said Essoussi. The staff and team have been very welcoming from the first day I joined and I can’t wait to work with them more this season. The goal for the year is to be very successful as a team and I will give everything on the field to make it happen.”

The 2025 CPL-U SPORTS Draft second overall pick, Godbout is a dynamic attacker with a stellar record of performances with the UBC Thunderbirds that saw him awarded Canada West’s Rookie of the Year in 2024, after scoring ten goals and notching eight assists in 20 matches. His move to Vancouver FC marks an exciting new chapter for the talented 19-year-old, who has showcased his remarkable skills as a goal-scorer and playmaker.