Kekuta Manneh

PROFILE
A quick and agile winger, Kekuta Manneh joined Whitecaps FC after being selected fourth overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, the Gambian striker played for Austin Aztex of the USL PDL. Manneh scored his first MLS goal for Whitecaps FC on April 27, 2013 versus FC Dallas. He is the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat trick, accomplishing the feat as an 18 year old. Manneh has been selected thrice to the MLS 24 under 24 list, debuting at 12th in 2014, then jumping 10 spots to rank second in 2015, and landing at fifth in 2016.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
2016: Manneh finished the regular season tied for second on the team with five goals, in addition to his two assists, despite missing the second half of the year with a right foot injury suffered on July 9. He started 13 of his 17 regular season appearances. Manneh was honoured as the MLS Player of the Week after notching his first assist of the year in the Week 11 win over Chicago Fire, then recording a first-half brace and an assist in the 4-3 win over Toronto FC three days later. Manneh brought his goal total to five in Week 15, a 3-2 win over Philadelphia Union, earning him a spot on the MLS Team of the Week. Manneh was named to the MLS 24 Under 24 for the third consecutive season, ranking fifth. 2015: Manneh finished the season with six assists (team-high) and seven goals, while completing 70 dribbles, third-most in the league. He ranked second in the MLS 24 under 24 list and earned two MLS Team of the Week selections - for his match-winning goal versus LA Galaxy in Week 6, and for his first-half brace at Sporting Kansas City in Week 24. He also was selected to the bench of the MLS Team of the Week for his Decision Day match-winner versus Houston in Week 34. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, he started both legs of the Conference Semifinal versus Portland Timbers, leading the team in shots taken with four, despite having to leave due to injury midway through the first half of the second leg. 2014: Manneh was named to the MLS 24 under 24 list, ranking 12th among the league’s finest young talent. He appeared in 29 contests in 2014, starting 13 (both career highs). The mercurial forward bagged four goals and two assists on the season, including the Cascadia Cup-clinching goal in a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders FC on October 10. 2013: Manneh had a memorable rookie season with Whitecaps FC, scoring six goals and recording two assists in 20 appearances. The Gambian made his first start for the club on opening day, playing the first 45 minutes against Toronto FC on March 2 at BC Place. His first goal for the club came on April 27 when he ignited the ‘Caps comeback in a 2-2 draw against FC Dallas, scoring the first goal before assisting on Camilo’s equalizer. His second goal came on July 14, as he came off the bench to seal a 3-1 win over Chicago Fire. The biggest moment of the season for Manneh was a hat-trick versus Seattle Sounders FC on October 9. At 18-years-old at the time, Manneh became the youngest player in MLS history to record a hat-trick. The young striker went on to make a second consecutive start away at Colorado Rapids on October 19, scoring a sublime goal on 32 minutes. 

AMWAY CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
2016: Manneh was one of only four Whitecaps FC players to appear in all four ACC matches, making one start against Toronto FC in the second leg of the final series. 2015: Manneh appeared in all four ACC matches, including one start - the second leg of the final series versus Montreal Impact - to help the ‘Caps win their first-ever Voyageurs Cup. 2014: Manneh appeared in both ACC matches in their semifinal series versus Toronto FC. 2013: Manneh made one substitute appearance in the ACC, coming on against FC Edmonton on May 1.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
2015: Manneh made one substitute appearance in CCL action, at Seattle Sounders FC on September 23. 

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER RESERVES LEAGUE
2013: Manneh started 11 of his 12 appearances, scoring six goals and recording four assists. The Gambian bagged a goal and assisted on another in the 'Caps 6-1 win over Trinity Western University on April 2. He then opened the scoring in a thrilling 3-3 with Chivas USA Reserves on June 5. Manneh ended the year by scoring versus Richmond Kickers in both meetings this year against the USL pro side, on June 22 and July 23, while squeezing in a goal in between in a 3-2 defeat at Real Salt Lake Reserves on July 16. 

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
2012: In his first and only season with Austin Aztex, Manneh made 12 regular season appearances, starting in 10 matches and scoring seven goals. This included a four-goal performance in a 7-0 win against the Texas Dutch Lions, after which he was named PDL Player of the Week. In the 2012 USL PDL postseason, Manneh appeared in 2 matches and registered three goals.

UNITED STATES SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
2011: In his second year in the USSDA, Manneh registered 24 goals in 23 matches for Lonestar SC U-17/18. 2010: In his debut season in the USSDA, Manneh registered 35 goals and three assists in 23 matches for Texas Rush U-15/16. As a result of his great 2010 campaign, Manneh was named to the 2010 Disney’s Soccer Showcase All-Star Team and received a one-week training stint with Premier League side Chelsea FC.

GAMBIA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION
2009-10: Manneh played his first season of professional soccer for Steve Biko FC of the GFA League First Division. In 12 matches, Manneh registered 17 goals before continuing his soccer career in North America.

INTERNATIONAL
Manneh has been a member of the Gambian U-20 men’s national team. He is working on his US citizenship application.