Vancouver FC has signed Canadian right-back Kadin Chung for the club’s inaugural Canadian Premier League season.
The 24-year-old returns to his home province after spending time with Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC and its reserve side Toronto FC II. He made nine appearances for TFC, and nine for the reserve squad.
“I am proud to sign with my hometown club,” said Chung in a club statement Monday. “It means a lot to me to be back playing professionally where I grew up and where my love of the game began.
“The staff here at Vancouver FC is bringing fresh new ideas and experience to the League, and I am excited to play my part not only in launching this club but in making it successful on the field in its first season.”
Chung expected to bring leadership to Vancouver FC
Chung spent three seasons with CPL side Pacific FC before moving to Toronto. He made 63 appearances for the Vancouver Island side between 2019 and 2021, and was a key figure in the club’s 2021 CPL championship win.
“Winning the League in 2021 has only made me hungrier to do it again, and I want to bring Vancouver to the playoffs and win it all,” said Chung. “I think we have a group that can push for that.”
And Vancouver FC’s head coach hopes his new signings’ experience will rub off on his new team.
“I am personally thrilled to bring Kadin, a fan favourite in the Canadian Premier League, back to his hometown with Vancouver,” said Vancouver FC head coach Afshin Ghotbi. “His ability to get forward, combine and provide service into danger areas will add an exciting dimension to our attack. We will also count on Kadin to provide leadership both on and off the field to our young squad.”
Vancouver FC kicks off the Canadian Premier League season away to Pacific FC April 15. And Vancouver FC hosts Cavalry FC in its first-ever home game May 7 at Willoughby Community Park in Langley BC.