Monday, March 18, 2024

Pacific FC signs Canadian international Marcel De Jong from Whitecaps

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Pacific FC has added another member of Canada’s national squad to its roster, signing left back Marcel de Jong from Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

The 32-year old played for Sporting Kansas City and Ottawa Fury before spending the last 3 seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Born in Newmarket, Ontario, de Jong holds dual Canadian-Dutch citizenship, and is a veteran of over 250 appearances with top-tier clubs in Europe and North America.

“I’m coming to Pacific FC to be successful, achieve my goals, and win,” said de Jong. “I’m still hungry and fit, and I have the drive to be a leader and role model for the younger players.”

The 5’9″ defender is considered one of the best left backs Canada has to offer, with 56 appearances for his nation, meaning he will be relied upon not only to patrol his side of the pitch, but to mentor Pacific FC’s younger, less experienced players. In a clubhouse where no one will walk into previously established rituals, routines, or expectations, it will be critical for the team’s experienced players to establish what it truly means to play for the club.

“I want to be there for the younger players and help and guide them,” de Jong explained. “[Not all of them] will have dealt with the pressure, the media, or the fans before.”

The opportunity to be a part of a movement — a new era in Canadian soccer — was also too good to pass up. Despite opportunities to play elsewhere, it was of critical importance for de Jong to be a part of the inaugural season.

“I just wanted to be here from the beginning,” he said. “I want to have an impact and I want to be important for the club and the younger players.”

De Jong joins 10 other players who have been named to Pacific FC’s roster, including Marcus Haber, Kadin Chung, Mark Village, Ben Fisk, Victor Blasco, José Hernandez, Matthew Baldisimo, Terran Campbell, Noah Verhoeven, and Alessandro Hojabrpour.

Pacific FC will begin its inaugural season in April at Westhills Stadium.

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Jeremy Weeres
Jeremy Weeres
Victoria Royals and hockey writer at Victoria Buzz

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