Centre-Back and Impact Academy Product Karifa Yao Signs with the First Team

June 4, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club de Foot Montreal News Release

MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact announced Tuesday that it signed Homegrown defender Karifa Yao to his first professional contract, a two-year deal with three option years.

"Karifa Yao is a young defender who has developed well thanks to the Montreal Impact Academy," said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. "We would like to welcome him to the pros, where he will have the opportunity to prove his potential through his work in training."

Yao, 18, joined the Academy in 2017, starting with the U17 team before playing two seasons with the Impact U19 in the Development Academy. His former amateur club before joining the Impact was Étoiles de l'Est.

"It's a source of pride and the best reward after all the sacrifices I've made," said defender Karifa Yao. "I've always dreamt of wearing this jersey, and I'm very proud to have this dream come true."

Born in Montreal to an Ivorian father and a Senegalese mother, Yao is the 17th homegrown player to sign a contract with the first team.

The Montreal Impact will host the Seattle Sounders FC at Stade Saputo on Wednesday, June 5, at 7:30pm (TICKETS - TVA Sports, TSN, 98.5, TSN 690).

Transaction: The Montreal Impact signs Homegrown defender Karifa Yao on Tuesday, June 4.

KARIFA YAO

Position: Centre-back

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 178 lbs

Date of birth: September 28, 2000, in Montreal

Place of residence: Laval, Quebec

Previous team: Impact U19

Date acquired: June 4, 2019

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Major League Soccer Stories from June 4, 2019

• Centre-Back and Impact Academy Product Karifa Yao Signs with the First Team - Club de Foot Montreal
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