Vancouver FC Adds to Attack with Emmanuel Robe Signing
April 14, 2023 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Vancouver FC News Release
Langley, BC - Vancouver FC announced the signing of striker Emmanuel Robe on Friday, the eve of the club's inaugural match in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).
Robe, 20, brings his nose for goal to Vancouver from South London, where he lived from the age of three after his family immigrated from his birthplace, Sèvres, France. He played his youth soccer with several well-known English clubs in and around London, including Crystal Palace F.C., Hayes and Yeading United F.C., Aveley F.C. and Romford F.C.
The striker, who can also play on the wing, has an innate instinct in front of net, the aptitude and touch for working under pressure and is touted for his speed. A former track athlete, Robe previously competed in the 100-metre dash, including at the national level in the United Kingdom.
"I am excited to be here just in time to get the CPL season underway with my teammates," said Robe. "I look forward to getting to know the Canadian game and can't wait to get started with a derby against Pacific FC on Saturday."
Robe will be available for selection for the club's inaugural match on Saturday, April 15, a battle of British Columbia against west coast rival Pacific FC at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C. The match kicks off at 4 p.m. PT on OneSoccer, the home of Canadian soccer. Robe will wear the number 13 for Vancouver.
"We are thrilled to improve our selection with the signing of Emmanuel," said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. "He is a natural goal scorer who combines his athleticism with a decisive final touch. He can combine in the smallest spaces and beat most of his opponents with his world-class pace."
Robe join strikers Mamadou Kane, Nathanial St. Louis, Shaan Hundal and Ameer Kinani;midfielders Gael Sandoval, Elliot Simmons, Gabriel Bitar, Maël Henry, Nicky Gyimah, Min-jae Kwak and Nima Moazeni Zadeh;defenders Kadin Chung, Ibrahim Bakare, Pele Martinez, Rocco Romeo, Marcus Simmons, Kahlil John-Wentworth, Tyler Crawford and Anthony White; and goalkeepers Callum Irving and Jeremy Zielinski on Vancouver's roster. Vancouver and Cristian Mares, who previously signed with VFC on loan from Puebla FC in Liga MX, have mutually terminated the midfielder's contract. He is no longer included on Vancouver's roster.
VFC is scheduled to kick off its home schedule at Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre on Sunday, May 7 against Cavalry FC. Media interested in covering Vancouver FC that didn't apply for full-season credentials will be able to request single-match credentials throughout the season.
Fans eager to secure their tickets for Vancouver's inaugural season can do so. Season tickets for 2023 are now on general release. Stay tuned to canpl.ca/vancouverfc and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and updates.
Canadian Premier League Stories from April 14, 2023
- York United FC Defiant as New CPL Season Approaches - York United FC
- Vancouver FC Adds to Attack with Emmanuel Robe Signing - Vancouver FC
- Atlético Ottawa Signs 2023 U SPORTS Draftee Junior Agyekum - Atletico Ottawa
- Pacific FC Opens Season against Expansion Team Vancouver FC - Pacific FC
- Cavalry FC Signs Four Youth Players to Developmental Contracts - Cavalry FC
- Match Preview: Ottawa vs Halifax Saturday at 1pm at TD Place - Atletico Ottawa
- Forge FC Sign Canadians Khadim Kane and Malcolm Duncan - Forge FC
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