The 2025 Canadian Premier League (CPL) U-Sports Draft will take place on Thursday, December 5th. The success of the draft has been seen in America with countless players going through the process with the MLS SuperDraft from NCAA Soccer. In the sixth edition of the CPL Draft, each team will receive two picks for a total of 16 players to be selected. The previous five CPL drafts have seen 57 players go on to sign contracts in the CPL.
We’ll be highlighting 30 of the top players in U-Sports who have made a significant impact in university soccer this year who are ready to make the jump to the professional level in Canada.
- Henri Kim Godbout
- Position: Forward
- School: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Henri is a strong, athletic, two-footed winger that won ‘Rookie of the Year’ in the CanadaWest division. With 18 goals & assists in 21 games played, he is a very direct player who is able to create goal scoring chances from wide areas as well as finish chances in and around the box. Henri will have no issue translating his game to the professional level given his physical presence in tackles and aerial duels. Henri led the frontline for the UBC Thunderbirds, going on to win CanadaWest Gold as well as the U-Sport National Gold medal. At 19-years-old, Henri seems primed to make an immediate impact at the pro level and still qualify for U21 minutes in the CPL.
2. Luke Norman
- Position: Midfielder
- School: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- After being drafted by Vancouver FC last year, Luke Norman has returned with the same drive and talent that he showed in his rookie year. In two years with the UBC Thunderbirds, Luke Norman has a combined 23 goals and assists in 33 games played. Primarily an attacking midfielder, this year saw Luke move further up the field to play similar to a false 9. A product of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy, Luke is a shifty and unpredictable player that combines well when paired next to a second striker. A highlight of his 2024 season was his ‘Man of the Match’ performance in the National Semifinal against McGill where he scored two goals in a 3-0 win to book UBC’s spot in the championship match.
3. Christian Zeppieri
- Position: Midfielder
- School: York University
- Highlight Video
- A Set piece specialist, Christian is a very intelligent player on and off the ball. He has the ability to hit the ball from range which he has displayed on numerous occasions, notching 18 goals and assists in 18 matches this year. The U-Sports ‘Player of the Year’ led a very strong York Lions team to National bronze and OUA silver medals. Christian possesses very good vision to pick out through balls for forwards to run on to. Prior to the York Lions’ season, Christian played 8 matches in the CPL with York United and we are confident that we’ll see him wearing the green colours of York United at the professional level again.
4. Kairo Coore
- Position: Striker
- School: Ontario Tech University
- Kairo Coore is a standout forward in U Sports, well-known for his goal-scoring abilities. His speed and strength make him a challenging matchup for defenders, allowing him to break past lines with ease. Beyond his physical attributes, Kairo’s instinctive positioning within the box sets him apart. He has a knack for finding the right spaces to capitalize on scoring chances, making him a reliable threat near goal. Kairo has previous experience in the CPL with FC Edmonton and is now looking to make a return, leveraging his strong season and goal-scoring form to secure another opportunity in the league.
5. Jevontae Layne
- Position: Striker
- School: Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
- Highlight Video
- Jevontae has the ability to put himself into poacher positions to score around the goal. A very athletic player, he can dribble at defenders at a fast pace while also threatening with runs in behind the backline. Jevontae has the ability to pull up acrobatic goals and possesses a 90-minute work rate with a pressing engine and physicality.
6. Max Piepgrass
- Position: Central Midfielder
- School: Cape Breton University
- Highlight Video
- Max Piepgrass is a highly regarded prospect within CPL circles, having developed through the Cavalry FC system. This versatile midfielder can operate effectively as a No. 6, 8, or 10, bringing a dynamic and adaptable style to the field. Max is known for his exceptional technical skills, vision, and the precision of his long passes, which make him a crucial playmaker in any lineup. He’s also a set-piece specialist, consistently dangerous on free kicks and corners. Fresh off a U Sports championship win last year, Max is a prime U21 talent and an attractive option for CPL teams seeking a young, skillful midfielder with a high soccer IQ.
7. Eric Lajeunesse
- Position: Centre Back
- School: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Highlight Video
- Eric Lajeunesse is at the top of the list for best defenders in U-Sports. After being named U-Sports ‘Rookie of the Year’ and being drafted by Pacific FC in 2022, Eric has spent two years with the Vancouver Island CPL side while still continuing his studies with UBC. A leader on the UBC Thunderbirds, Eric is a left-footed center-back that not only excels on the defensive side, but contributes a significant amount in the National Champions’ attack as well. During his time with Pacific FC, he has pushed himself into their starting lineup. Pacific FC will surely retain Lajeunesse’s rights to bring him back for the 2025 season.
8. Yigal Bruk
- Position: Midfielder
- School: York University
- At 22-years-old, Yigal Bruk has a very interesting background for a CPL side that is looking for a striker to make an immediate impact. With experience at Schalke 04 of the German Bundesliga and appearances for the Ukrainian Youth National Team, Yigal played his rookie year for the York Lions where he led their frontline with 14 goals and assists in 18 matches. A strong and physical number 9, Yigal has excellent finishing ability and a knack for finding dangerous areas in and around the goal.
9. Sebastian Cobuzzi
- Position: Midfielder
- School: University of Montreal
- Cobuzzzi was a vital player this season for the Montreal Carabins, as he played his midfield role to the best of his abilities. He was the engine of the team and was omnipresent on the pitch with his unmatched ball-recoveries and his ground covered. An important player in the Carabins’ possession, Sebastian consistently found pockets of space in midfield to start attacks and connect the backline to the forwards.
10. Miguel De Rocha
- Position: Midfielder
- School: Mount Royal University
- Highlight Video
- Fifth year Venezuelan midfielder Miguel De Rocha had a breakout season for Mount Royal in 2023 and has continued that form into 2024. The powerful midfielder was a catalyst in Mount Royal’s midfield and played a versatile role to at times lead MRU’s attack. The midfielder’s main attributes are his play-making, physical strength, vision and technical ability. Miguel is one of the top international players to watch in the draft.
11. Mehdi Essoussi:
- Position: Midfielder
- School: University of Toronto
- Highlight Video
- Mehdi Essousi is a unique and exciting midfield prospect, standing out with his 6’3″ frame, left-footed precision, and natural style on the ball. Known for his flair and elegance in play, Mehdi combines physical presence with technical finesse, bringing both “swag” and composure to the field. With professional experience from his time at Toronto FC and as the captain of the University of Toronto, Mehdi demonstrates leadership, consistency, and creativity at a high level. A dynamic midfielder, he’s comfortable in the 6, 8, or 10 role, contributing both defensively and offensively. Mehdi excels in breaking lines and adding an attacking dimension from midfield, making him a highly promising CPL candidate with a well-rounded, versatile game.
12. Kyle Cordeiro
- Position: Midfielder
- School: St. Francis Xavier University (St. FX)
- Highlight Video
- A set piece specialist with a very direct style of play, Kyle has a strong ability to drive forwards with the ball. A leader on and off the field, Kyle is a technical and composed player that plays well in tight spaces and can finish with both feet. A naturally attacking-minded player, Kyle has featured as a false 9 or attacking midfielder. also play false 9 or attacking mid.
13. Luke Green
- Position: Defender
- School: St. Francis Xavier University (St. FX)
- Highlight Video
- One of several versatile defenders on this list, Luke Green had another stand out season at St. FX this year. Luke has exceptional defending qualities which makes him one of the most well regarded defenders in U-Sports. One of the top players in the AUS, his scouting report notes his composed passing out of the back, vision to consistently find forward passes, and leadership as his main qualities.
14. Logan Rieck
- Position: Midfielder
- School: St. Francis Xavier University (St. FX)
- Highlight Video
- Starting nearly every game and producing 14 goals and assists this season, Logan Rieck played a key role in St. Fx’s season, leading them to a birth at the National Championship. Logan is best described as a dynamic, technical midfielder with an eye for goal.
15. Samir Djeha
- Position: Forward
- School: University of Montreal
- Highlight Video
- Samir won Freshman of the Year for RSEQ, while being on RSEQ First Team All-Star, and Freshman First Team All-Star (RSEQ & U-Sport). Samir combines his natural eye for goal with his great finishing ability. He is a great counter-attacking player due to his technical skills to build up play quickly and his quick pace, which helps him make effective runs. Samir finished top scorer for U de M and third in the RSEQ conference with 7 goals in 10 games
16. Mateo Brazinha
- Position: Forward
- School: University of the Fraser Valley
- Highlight Video
- Mateo Brazinha had a remarkable breakout season for UFV earning him CanadaWest ‘Player of the Year’ and a spot on the U-Sports ‘All-Canadian First-Team’. With 18 goals and assists in 17 games, Mateo produced some jaw-dropping finishes from outside the box that could not go unnoticed. A quick and shifty forward, Mateo is capable of playing anywhere in the front three and is capable of creating goal scoring chances from nothing in any game that he plays.
17. Luca Accettola
- Position: Midfielder
- School: York University
- Luca Accettola won the prestigious Lou Bilek Award for U-Sports Rookie of the Year after finishing the season with 7 goals and 6 assists as a rookie. The former Toronto FC product has the ability to be impactful by consistently creating chances for his team or being on the end of chances to bury them. He combines very well in midfield from the buildup into the attacking third like a true Midfield Maestro.
18. Caden Tomy
- Position: Midfielder
- School: Carleton University
- Caden Tomy previously played for Valour FC before joining the Carleton Ravens. A product out of FC Manitoba, Caden is a box-to-box midfielder with extremely good ball control. Technically astute, Caden has the ability to ping balls from deep lying positions and find line-breaking passes. Carleton’s captain, Caden is a leader on and off the field.
19. Manveer Gill
- Position: Midfielder
- School: York University
- Manveer plays with a combination of relentless work rate and composure on the ball. The midfield is calm in possession but also excels off the ball in reading the play to cause interceptions and play as an excellent tackler in defensive duels. Manveer has a very strong engine and covers huge distances in midfield, playing a crucial role for York Lions all season as they finished the year with a bronze medal at the National Championship.
20. Charles Nana
- Position: Forward
- School: Trinity Western University (TWU)
- Highlight Video
- A direct and pacy winger, Chales is a constant threat on the ball and making runs in behind the defense. Capable of scoring jaw-dropping finishes, Charles has excellent striking ability. In 14 games, Charles produced 13 goals/assists this season for Trinity Western. A dynamic player that is capable of playing any of the front three positions.
21. Owen Antoniuk
- Position: Forward
- School: University of Calgary
- Highlight Video
- Owen Antoniuk, a First Team Canadian West All-Star and standout with the University of Calgary carried his excellent form from 2023 into this season. With 8 goals and 5 assists in 12 games, Owen’s pace, trickery and finishing ability were on display all year. His attacking flare, 1v1 ability and shooting ability are all at the next level. Already with CPL pedigree, Owen is a name to watch as a potential player to make a return to the league.
22. Matthew Paiva
- Position: Centre Back
- School: McMaster University
- Highlight Video
- A League One Ontario Champion with Scrosoppi, Paiva was nominated for best young player of the year, alongside being named a U-Sports Rookie Team of the Year. Very two footed, Paiva is a versatile defender that can play LCB, RCB, RB, and LB. He has quick pace and is composed on the ball allowing him to use his strengths to break lines with his passing and dribbling.
23. Joven Mann
- Position: Midfielder
- School: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Highlight Video
- Joven Mann’s name will be remembered as the player who scored the 91’ minute winner in the National Championship game, but his impact on the UBC Thunderbirds’ season extends far beyond his ‘Player of the Tournament’ performance that he displayed. A natural midfielder, Joven is versatile to play anywhere in the spine of his team, and this season saw him lead UBC’s front line for an extended period. The Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy product had 9 goals and assists in 17 matches for UBC this year and his impact on the team’s success was profound. A very technical midfielder, Joven excels with his line-breaking ball distribution.
24. Jason Hartill
- Position: Midfielder
- School: Cape Breton University (CBU)
- Highlight Video
- Jason Hartil is a steady and reliable player, known for his consistency and versatility on the field. Having come through the Toronto FC Academy system and previously drafted by York, Jason has already shown promise at the pro level. His ability to play both as a left back and a central midfielder makes him a valuable asset for any CPL club, especially as a U21 player. Jason is a high-percentage passer and a clean, efficient player who rarely makes mistakes. He excels at handling the “dirty work” on the pitch, bringing stability and work ethic to his team. With his solid, dependable play style, he’s a strong, well-rounded prospect for the CPL.
25. Niklas Hallam
- Position: Midfielder
- School: University of Toronto
- Highlight Video
- The Rookie from Victoria, BC recorded 10 goals and 2 assists in 13 games this season, with most of his appearances coming off the bench. With very good shooting ability, Niklas is not a player you want to give space around or outside the penalty area. An impact player, he has the ability to be direct and beat players 1v1 in isolated situations. An offensive-minded player, he has a relentless workrate on the defensive side as well.
26. Quentin Paumier
- Position: Midfielder
- School: University of Montreal
- Highlight Video
- The French player from Marseille has been a key player for U de M year after year, and this season was no different. Quentin led Montreal to the national finals with his consistent top class performances. The set piece specialist scored numerous freekicks and dominated U-Sports with his technical ability and experience. Since his freshman year in 2019, he has won numerous individual awards and has been a catalyst for Montreal’s national success in each season.
27. Amir Shirazi
- Position: Forward
- School: McMaster University
- Highlight Video
- Amir had an outstanding season with his natural goal scoring ability. A shifty player that is very crafty around the box, Amir is able to create goal scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates through his creativity and technical ability on the ball. Very good at picking a pass and putting the right weight on the ball, Amir excels in both tight spaces and exploiting large spaces that he can dribble and drive into to progress the ball forward.
28. Luke Rosettani
- Position: Striker
- School: University of New Brunswick (UNB)
- Highlight Video
- Luke is a talented striker that combines his height and physicality with pace. Luke uses his frame to hold up the ball as he leads the line but is also capable of using his speed to play in behind the backline. A natural striker with an eye for goal, Luke has great understanding of timing to attack crosses and loose balls in the box to finish off attacks.
29. Brady Curkovic
- Position: Center Back
- School: Carleton University
- A ball-playing center back, Brady is very calm on the call and has the ability to step in as a defender and also find and break multiple passing lines. Good temperament throughout all the matches he plays, Brady has a lot of room for growth in strength and become a more dominant center back.
30. Adam Ngoran
- Position: Defender
- School: Carleton University
- Highlight Video
- Adam is a versatile player that can play anywhere across the backline at a very high level. Adam constantly stays ahead of the game with his speed of play while simultaneously reading the game very well allowing him to consistently make intelligent decisions.
