York United FC on Wednesday announced the signing of Canadian Carson Buschman-Dormond to a standard player contract through the end of 2023, with a club option for the 2024 season.

“Carson is a very athletic and versatile winger who has already gained some experience in Europe playing senior football,” said Angus McNab, York United FC’s CEO/President and GM. “He’s returning to Canada as he sees the platform the Canadian Premier League gives young Canadian talent. We feel he can make a big contribution this year.”

The 20-year-old, who plays on the left wing or at wing-back, joins the Nine Stripes after most recently representing FC Zürich U21 in the Swiss Promotion League. He joined FC Zurich in the summer of 2021, on a two-year loan from JK Viljandi Tulevik in the highest division of Estonian soccer.

Buschman-Dormond, who got his start in his native Vancouver’s local soccer system, where he clubs such as Fusion FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps academy, has also previously trialed with teams around Europe, including German sides Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hertha Berlin.

“I am looking forward to returning to Canada and playing on home soil with York United,” said Buschman-Dormond. “I’m excited to get started with the team and feel confident I can play my part in helping the squad enjoy a successful second half of the season.”

Buschman-Dormond’s playing time will contribute to York United’s under-21 minutes tally, as will the recent signing of Trivine Esprit to a U SPORTS contract.

“We’ve been unlucky with injuries to Theo Afework, Noah Abatneh and Marki Voytsekhovskyy,” said McNab. “Although they have very different levels of severity, the injuries have impacted the minutes played by under-21 players so far. Carson and Trivine coming in, plus Noah getting healthy and Theo progressing and working his way back will see us add to our under-21 minutes quota every game we play now.”

Buschman-Dormond will be eligible for selection for York United’s next match, away at Valour FC on Sunday, July 23.