Former Valour forward Shaan Hundal returns to CPL with Vancouver FC
Langley, BC – (January 31, 2023) – Vancouver FC today announced the addition of forward Shaan Hundal to the club’s roster.
The signing marks the ninth addition to the squad that will represent Vancouver in its inaugural season in the Canadian Premier League in 2023.
Hundal 23, joins Vancouver after mostly recently representing Inter Miami CF II in MLS Next Pro in 2022, where he scored six goals in 21 games, including 15 starts, and added another three assists.
A season earlier, Hundal starred for Inter Miami CF’s now-defunct USL League One side, Fort Lauderdale CF, leading the team with 11 goals. That mark tied him for fourth in the league and helped him earn a spot on the USL League One All-League Second Team. Hundal was also a finalist for the USL League One Young Player of the Year award following that breakout season.
Hundal previously represented Valour FC during The Island Games in 2020, making six appearances for the club.
“I am looking forward to returning to the Canadian Premier League and taking full advantage of this opportunity with Vancouver FC,” said Hundal. “I have grown a lot as a player over the past two seasons and I am excited to put those skills to work to make an impact for this team in this league.”
The native of Brampton, Ont. signed his first professional contract with Toronto FC II in 2016, graduating to the squad after two years in the club’s academy. He spent parts of four seasons with the team, earning nods on the USL‘s 20 under 20 list, which honoured the top 20 standouts under the age of 20 in the USL Championship and USL League One, in 2016 and 2017. A loan stint in 2019 also saw Hundal represent the Ottawa Fury in the USL Championship.
On the international stage, Hundal was named to the Canadian team at the 2017 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship. He has made eight total appearances for Canada’s men’s youth teams.
“Shaan possesses the ability to influence games as a scorer and provider in the danger areas,” said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. “The combination of his power, speed and skill make him an exciting addition to our attack. I look forward to celebrating his goals with our fans during our first season in the Canadian Premier League.”
Hundal joins strikers Mamadou Kane and Nathanial St. Louis, midfielders Elliot Simmons and Gabriel Bitar, defenders Rocco Romeo, Marcus Simmons, Kahlil John-Wentworth and goalkeeper Callum Irving on Vancouver’s roster.
“We are pleased to welcome Shaan back to the Canadian Premier League,” said Rob Friend, President, Vancouver FC. “It is imperative that Canadian players like Shaan have opportunities to advance their careers on home soil and we look forward to providing a platform for his further development here at our club.”
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