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Pacific FC Selects a Pair of Defenders in 2023 CPL-U SPORTS Draft

December 15, 2022 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Pacific FC News Release


Langford, BC - Pacific FC today selected a pair of defenders as part of the 2023 Canadian Premier League - U SPORTS Draft presented by Degree.

Pacific selected centre back Eric Lajeunesse, 19, with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 draft. Lajeunesse is a first-year student athlete with the University of British Columbia, where he was a key contributor on the Thunderbirds' road to the 2022 U SPORTS Men's Soccer Championship. The six-foot-two native of Ottawa is comfortable on the ball and in possession, with good passing range and ability to work with fullbacks around him.

"Eric is a left-footed central defender with good size at six-foot-two. He plays with composure, plays simple on the ball and has good potential," said James Merriman, Head Coach, Pacific FC. "Eric started in all 22 matches for UBC this season in his first year. This shows his consistency and importance to the team."

With its second pick of the draft (13th overall) Pacific selected Brandon Torresan, 19, of Trinity Western University. Torresan, of North Vancouver, B.C., can play both as a centre back and left back. He is comfortable on the ball in tight spaces and boasts the pace to cross or carry the ball forward in attack.

"Brandon is a player I know very well. He has good versatility, can play in multiple positions and has good technique. He's left footed and can also play left back, which is a position we are looking at for him," said Merriman. "I coached Brandon for many years in Vancouver and know he is very competitive and will come and fight for his opportunities."

Both Lajeunesse and Torresan previously spent time with the Vancouver Whitecaps academy.

Lajeunesse and Torresan may now be invited to Pacific's pre-season training, where they can compete for a roster spot for the 2023 CPL season

The CPL-U SPORTS draft plays a key role in the player development pathway in Canada, serving as a critical link between the Canadian university and professional games since its inaugural iteration in 2018. The draft provides a unique opportunity for student athletes to earn professional experience while maintaining their eligibility to return to U SPORTS competition.

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