Ajax, Ont. native graduates from League1 Ontario’s Simcoe County Rovers to VFC
Vancouver FC today announces Kahlil John-Wentworth as the fourth player to sign with the club ahead of its inaugural season in the Canadian Premier League.
John-Wentworth, 21, most recently represented Simcoe County Rovers in League1 Ontario’s Men’s Premier Division, where he logged 1140 minutes over the course of the 2022 regular season and competed in the first two playoff matches in club history. John-Wentworth scored one goal for Rovers in 2022 and was named to the League1 Ontario Team of the Week in Week 14.
He possesses the versatility to play all over the field, including as a left-back, at wingback or in midfield.
“I am very excited to begin my professional career with Vancouver FC,” said John-Wentworth. “I look forward to learning from Afshin and the players around me as I get a feel for this next level of soccer, and to participate in the special experience that is playing for a club in its first season.”
Prior to his time with Simcoe County, John-Wentworth represented Vaughan Azzurri in League1 Ontario in 2021. He played collegiate soccer with Durham College in Oshawa, Ont. in 2019-2020, one of the most successful seasons in program history that culminated in the program’s first Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national championship banner.
John-Wentworth later transferred to Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where he represented the Aggies in National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 play in his sophomore season in 2021. He was named first team all-region that May, after scoring six goals and adding five assists.
“Kahlil is an up-and-coming talent, who possesses great pace and a skilled left foot to go with his ability to create action on the field,” said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. “I am looking forward to seeing him develop at this level and believe he has the skills necessary for a bright future in the league and for his country.”
John-Wentworth joins goalkeeper Callum Irving, midfielder Elliot Simmons and striker Mamadou Kane on Vancouver’s ever-expanding roster, becoming the first player to sign with the club in 2023.
“Kahlil is another exciting youngaddition to our roster, with huge potential as an emerging player,” said Rob Friend, CEO, Vancouver FC. “We are just getting started when it comes to expanding our roster this year and are looking forward to sharing in the excitement of each and every announcement with our fans as we eagerly prepare for our first season in the league.”
