Kahlil John-Wentworth
On Thursday, Vancouver Football Club announced Kahlil John-Wentworth as the fourth player to sign with the club ahead of its inaugural campaign in the Canadian Premier League.
John-Wentworth, 21, most recently represented the Simcoe County Rovers in League 1 Ontario, where he logged 1,140 minutes and competed in the first two playoff matches in that club's history.
John-Wentworth scored one goal for Rovers in 2022, and was once named to the League 1 Ontario Team of the Week.
He possesses the versatility to play all over the field, including as a left-back, at wingback, or in midfield, said Vancouver FC manager Afshin Ghotbi.
"I am very excited to begin my professional career with Vancouver FC," said John-Wentworth.
"I look forward to learning from Afshin and the players around me as I get a feel for this next level, and to participate in the special experience that is playing for a club in its first season."
Prior to his time with Simcoe County, John-Wentworth represented the Vaughan Azzurri in League 1 Ontario in 2021. He played collegiate soccer with Durham College in 2019-2020, which was one of the most successful seasons in that program's history, culminating in their first Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship.
John-Wentworth later transferred to Murray State College, where he represented the Aggies in National Junior College Athletic Association division 1 play in his sophomore season. He was named First Team All-Region that May, after scoring six goals, and adding five assists.
"Kahlil is an up-and-coming talent, who possesses great pace and a skilled left foot to go with his ability to create action on the field," said Ghotbi.
"I am looking forward to seeing him develop at this level, and believe he has the skills necessary for a bright future in the league and for his country," added the manager.
John-Wentworth joins striker Mamadou Kane, midfielder Elliot Simmons, and goalkeeper Callum Irving.