Left-back Tyler Crawford signs with Vancouver FC

Langley, BC – (January 30, 2023) – Vancouver FC today announced Tyler Crawford as the milestone tenth player to sign for the club’s roster ahead of its inaugural 2023 season.

Crawford, 19, joins Vancouver out of Michigan State University, where he played NCAA Division I collegiate soccer in 2022. The teenage standout represented the Spartans in 16 games, starting 12 of those matches and adding an assist. His 1,152 minutes were the most logged by any freshman in Michigan’s squad that season.

Prior to committing to Michigan, Crawford played in the Columbus Crew academy. He was named Academy Player of the Year in November 2021 as a 17-year-old, earning praise from the Major League Soccer club for his play on the field with the Under-18/Under-19 Academy Team, as well as for his volunteer work with the Crew Academy’s Pre-Academy Program. 

His contract with Vancouver is his first as a professional player.

“I am thrilled to begin my professional career with Vancouver,” said Crawford. “I look forward to building relationships with my teammates, the club staff and the community and to learn what is required to make an impact on the field in the Canadian Premier League.”

Crawford was born in Burlington, Ont. but grew up in Lutz, Fla. He attended a United States Soccer Federation Youth National Team Identification Center in the spring of 2021, and more recently represented the Canadian Men’s Under-20 National Team in two games against Costa Rica in April 2022.

“We are excited to welcome one of the most exciting young left backs in North America to Vancouver FC,” said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. “Tyler has all the qualities, ambition, and potential to reach the highest level of football. We look forward to helping him reach his football dreams.”

Crawford joins strikers Mamadou Kane, Nathanial St. Louis and Shaan Hundal, midfielders Elliot Simmons and Gabriel Bitar, defenders Rocco Romeo, Marcus Simmons and Kahlil John-Wentworth, and goalkeeper Callum Irving on Vancouver’s roster. 

“As we continue to build our roster, we are excited to add another young Canadian like Tyler into the mix,” said Rob Friend, President, Vancouver FC. “This League is all about introducing soccer fans in this country to the talented players in our midst, and we believe supporters in the Lower Mainland will enjoy getting to watch and know Tyler this season.”