Canadian attacker joins VFC out of NCAA Division I after breakout season
Langley, BC – (January 13, 2023) – Vancouver Football Club today announced the signing of forward Nathaniel St. Louis, who becomes the fifth player to be added to the club’s roster ahead of its inaugural season.
St. Louis, 23, most recently represented the University of Alabama at Birmingham in NCAA Division I play.
The native of Toronto led the squad in nearly all attacking categories in 2022, including goals, points, shots, and shots on goal. St. Louis’ numbers in 2022 were nearly identical to the stats he put up for the Blazers over the course of the 2021 season, after which he was named Second Team All-Conference USA.
St. Louis spent four seasons with the Blazers overall, after beginning his collegiate career at Syracuse University as a freshman, where he competed alongside future Canadian Men’s National Team stars Tajon Buchanan and Kamal Miler. Before graduating to college-level soccer, St. Louis represented Vaughan Soccer Club and Markham Soccer Club in Ontario as a youth player.
“Nathaniel is an exciting young left-footed attacker who is goal dangerous with or without the ball thanks to his vertical movement,” said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. “He has a bright future in the Canadian Premier League and beyond.”
St. Louis has previously trialed with Portugal’s S.L. Benfica and England’s West Ham United, but his new deal with Vancouver FC is his first as a professional.
“Signing with Vancouver FC is a dream come true,” said St. Louis. “I am eager to get started with my new club and learn what it takes to compete and excel at the professional level. I can’t wait to see what we can do as a team in the club’s first season in the Canadian Premier League.”
By adding St. Louis to the roster, Vancouver FC has now announced five signings to its first Canadian Premier League squad. St. Louis joins striker Mamadou Kane as an option up front, to complement the additions of midfielder Elliot Simmons, left-back/wingback Kahlil John-Wentworth and goalkeeper Callum Irving.
“We are confident in the team we are building and are pleased to add Nathaniel to that mix,” said Rob Friend, CEO, Vancouver FC. “We look forward to playing a part in Nathaniel’s future development, as we are committed to doing with all our young Canadian players in an effort to play our part in furthering the professional careers of the talented athletes in this country.”
