York9 FC is bringing back its captain for 2020.

Y9 announced on Monday that it has re-signed midfielder Manny Aparicio for next year, a move that sees the club retain one of its key starters and performers from its 2019 CPL campaign.

“We’re extremely excited to have Manny who is a leader on and off the field, back next year. He was tremendous for us on the field this year and his experience is invaluable,” York coach Jim Brennan said.

Indeed, Aparicio played starring roles for Y9 this past season, helping Brennan’s side finish third in the overall table.

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Aparicio, 24, signed with Y9 in January after spending the past several years with a trio of lower-league clubs in Spain, as well as being on the books at Toronto FC.

The diminutive midfielder was named York’s captain and played in the CPL’s inaugural game, a 1-1 draw with Forge FC on April 27 at Tim Hortons Field.

Born in Buenos Aires, but raised in East York, he went on to make 31 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and tallying a pair of assists along the way. One of his goals was even mentioned on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays of the Night for July 17 when he scored off a rocket of shot vs. Pacific FC.

“It’s probably the best goal I’ve ever scored,” Aparicio said after the game.

Aparicio won plaudits for his quickness with the ball at his feet, creativity in midfield and playmaking ability, while at the same time causing problems for CPL defenders with his fleet-footed turn of pace.

The re-signing of Aparicio comes on the heels of York locking up starting goalkeeper Nathan Ingham last month.

The club also added two players at the CPL-U SPORTS Draft with the selections of Carleton University striker Stefan Karajovanovic (fifth overall) and Cape Breton midfielder Isaiah Johnston (10th overall).

Previously, Y9 cut loose six players, including defender Daniel Gogarty.