Vancouver FC adds Elliot Simmons, Mamadou Kane to 2023 squad

New Canadian Premier League expansion side Vancouver FC has added a pair of well-known faces to its inaugural roster alongside first signing Callum Irving, bringing on Elliot Simmons out of Cavalry FC and Mamadou Kane from York United at midfield and forward, respectively.

Simmons, 24, joins the new B.C.-based CPL outfit as a free agent, becoming the second player to sign with Vancouver FC. Like Irving, Simmons joins the club with considerable experience in the league, having previously represented both Halifax Wanderers and Cavalry FC, and figures to be another anchoring part of head coach Afshin Ghotbi’s side.

Simmons had previously accumulated 82 appearances between HFX Wanderers FC – where he spent the 2019 season – and Cavalry, where he played over the past three years. He has developed a reputation across the league as a consistent and reliable presence in midfield, who offers a team creativity through his passing from the middle of the park. He has scored one goal and added two assists during his time in the Canadian Premier League, and the 1,858 minutes he logged in 2022 was sixth highest among Cavalry FC players. He led the team with 131 recoveries last year and ranked in the top five among Cavalry players for tackles (56), interceptions (27) and total passes (774) in 2022.

"I am excited to join Vancouver FC for its first season in the Canadian Premier League," Simmons said in a club-issued statement. "I believe in what Afshin and Rob Friend are building here and I can’t wait to help the team make an impact in the league from the get-go. The opportunity to play a part in introducing the fans in this market to our club and league is one I couldn’t pass up."

Kane, 19, joins Vancouver FC on a transfer from York United, after signing with the Nine Stripes last December. A highly-rated young attacker, Kane will look to continue his development as a member of Vancouver FC.

The teenage attacker was born in Mbaké, Senegal but grew up in Montréal after a move overseas at the age of nine. His Canadian soccer playing days began at FS Salaberry in Montréal, and Kane later moved on to the Club de Foot Montréal academy. It was during his time in the academy that Kane represented Canada at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he featured in all three of the team’s matches.

Kane made 11 appearances in all competitions for York United last year as an 18-year-old, accumulating 291 league minutes and featuring in two Canadian Championship matches. He provided an assist in York's Canadian Championship defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps, setting up an exciting end to what was a closely contested do-or-die match.

"I would like to thank York United for bringing me into the Canadian Premier League," Kane said via press release. "I am excited to take this next step in my career with Vancouver FC. I am eager to get started with our new team and compete for my place on the field."

Club CEO Rob Friend added his thoughts on the moves, offering: "By adding Elliot to our squad, we are bringing in another player with a keen understanding of what it takes to win in this league,” said Rob Friend, CEO, Vancouver FC. “I am already impressed by the way Elliot can helm a team and expect even more out of him once he puts on a VFC jersey."

He added: "We are excited to see what kind of impact Mamadou can make on the field for us this year. As a club, we are committed to playing our part in developing young Canadian players, and we believe Mamadou has all the tools necessary for a bright future in our league, and in the game in this country."