PHILADELPHIA, PA – Vancouver Whitecaps FC today selected striker Kay Banjo with the club’s second-round pick (38th overall) in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.
Whitecaps FC striker Kay Banjo
- Led America East conference in points and assists this past season
- 2014 America East Striker of the Year
- Led UMBC to the College Cup Final Four for the first time in program history
- Scored 23 goals over four seasons in the NCAA
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<b>Robinson talks about the selections of Banjo and Parker</b> |
Banjo, 22, joins Whitecaps FC after four seasons in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). He spent his first three seasons with the Towson Tigers before transferring to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Retrievers (UMBC) for his senior year – Towson’s men’s soccer team was discontinued at the end of 2012. In total, Banjo started 62 of 65 of his appearances in the NCAA, totalling 23 goals and 17 assists.
This past season, Banjo led the Retrievers to the College Cup Final Four for the first time in the program’s history after starting all 22 of his appearances and recording a team-high eight goals and six assists.The 6-foot, 186-pound striker finished atop the America East conference in total points, assists, and game-winning goals (four) and as a result was named the America East Striker of the Year by unanimous vote. He was also named to the All-America East and NCSAA All-East Region first teams.
- WATCH: Must-see: Banjo back heel
Prior to joining UMBC in 2014, Banjo recorded 15 goals and 11 assists in 43 total appearances with the Towson Tigers. Accolades during his time at Towson include All-CAA honours (first team, second team, and third team) in each of his three years and a CAA All-Rookie Team nod in 2010.
Banjo, who completed his degree in sports management at Towson before transferring to UMBC, is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Nigeria. Both his parents are Nigerian but he was born in Washington, DC.
Kay Banjo
Position: Striker
Height: 6-0
Weight: 186 pounds
Date of Birth: December 3, 1992 in Washington, DC
Hometown: Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Citizenship: American, Nigerian
Status: Domestic
Last Club: University of Maryland, Baltimore County Retrievers (UMBC)
How Acquired: Selected 38th overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Whitecaps FC
Participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver! The 2015 Whitecaps FC season kicks off on March 7 versus Toronto FC at BC Place. Season Tickets are now on sale, starting at $397. 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.
