Today, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
announced that midfielder Ben McKendry has been signed
as the club’s eighth current Homegrown Player – the most of any MLS team. The Vancouver native spent the past three seasons playing NCAA soccer at the University of New Mexico. Below we look at six additional Whitecaps FC Homegrown prospects currently playing college soccer in the NCAA.
Do you want to be scouted into a top college soccer program? Register today for the 2015 Whitecaps FC Showcase presented by Sport Chek. 89 players from the EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League went on to play university or college soccer last year.
Callum Irving
Hometown:
Vancouver, BC
School:
University of Kentucky
Position:
Goalkeeper
Year graduated Residency program:
2012
Irving, 21, was terrific during his time in the ‘Caps Residency program. Notably, the Vancouver native led the Blue and White to the 2011-12 United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) Championship final in the club’s inaugural season in the league.
Since beginning his college career, Irving has been equally strong for the University of Kentucky Wildcats. This past season, the young goalkeeper was named Conference USA Player of the Year, Defensive MVP, and Golden Glove Award winner, while also being named to the NSCAA All-Region team and NSCAA All-America Third team.
Sean Melvin
Hometown:
Victoria, BC
School:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Position:
Goalkeeper
Year graduated Residency program:
2013
Melvin, 20, is another standout from the Whitecaps FC goalkeeper union. During his final season with the U-18 Residency squad, the Victoria native finished with a record of 16W-1L-3D while recording eight clean sheets and finishing with a goals-against average of 0.85.
During the 2014 NCAA season, Melvin made 14 starts in net for the UNCW Seahawks, finishing with a 10W-3L-1D record and a 0.95 goals-against-average, including five shutouts. In the process, Melvin helped UNCW to their first NCAA tournament win in program history, a 2-0 victory against Bucknell.
A highlight for the young goalkeeper came recently, as he was called into camp with the Canadian senior men’s national team this month.
Nolan Wirth
Hometown:
Comox, BC
School:
Oregon State University
Position:
Goalkeeper
Year graduated Residency program:
2014
Sensing a trend? Yet another talented goalkeeper to come through the ‘Caps system, Wirth spent three years in the Residency program, playing in 30 matches with the U-18 squad over his last two seasons with two big runs through the USSDA playoffs.
In his freshman season at Oregon State, Wirth started four of his five appearances and posted an impressive 0.67 goals-against-average. A top prospect for his country, Wirth was in net for three of five matches for Canada at the recent CONCACAF U-20 men’s championship tournament.
Brody Huitema
Hometown:
Chilliwack, BC
School:
Duke University
Position:
Striker
Year graduated Residency program:
2013
A natural striker with a nose for goal, Huitema was the highest scorer in the entire USSDA in the 2012-13 season, netting 30 goals in 29 appearances with the U-18 Residency squad.
The native of Chilliwack carried that production into his NCAA career at Duke University, leading the Blue Devils with six goals and four assists in his freshman season. That production saw him named to the ACC All-Freshman Team and All-ACC Third Team. During his sophomore season, Huitema again led Duke with five goals and was second on the team with five assists, being named once more to the All-ACC Third Team.
Alex Rowley
Hometown:
Maple Ridge, BC
School:
Simon Fraser University
Position:
Midfielder
Year graduated Residency program:
2012
Another member of the ‘Caps inaugural USSDA U-18 squad that made it to the championship final. Started 25 of his 31 appearances during that final season with the Residency program.
Rowley has led the Clan with 26 assists over the past three seasons. During his sophomore season in 2013 he showed his versatility in midfield, being named Great Northern Athletic Conference (GNAC) Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the All-Conference First Team.
Aymar Sigue
Hometown:
St. Albert, AB
School:
University of Tulsa
Position:
Striker
Year graduated Residency program:
2014
A 6-foot-2 attacking talent who joined the 'Caps Residency program by way of FC Edmonton, Sigue showed his potential during two seasons in Vanocuver. Recorded 10 goals and five assists in his final season in the Residency program. During his young career, Sigue has been called up to Canadian men's national team camps at the U-15, U-16, and U-18 levels.
Started 14 of 19 appearances during his freshman season at the University of Tulsa. Scored his first goal for the Golden Hurricane, a game winner, in a 4-3 victory against South Florida on October 8, also adding an assist.
Participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver! The 2015 Whitecaps FC season kicks off on March 7 versus Toronto FC at BC Place. Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, Student Half-Season Tickets, and a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket. For more information on 2015 Season Tickets, visit
whitecapsfc.com/tickets
.
