Pacific FC selected forward Michael Maslanka from the University of Toronto in the first round with the 6th overall pick and defender Ibrahem Saadi from Western University in the second round with the 14th overall pick of the 2024 CPL – U Sports Draft.
Maslanka, a second year, played in all 11 regular season matches and both playoff matches for the Varsity Blues, leading them in scoring with 7 goals and 1 assist during the regular season with an additional 1 goal and 2 assists in the playoffs. The 5-foot-eight attacker from Mississauga, Ontario native was recognized as the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) East Rookie of the Year and was named to the OUA East All-Star First Team and U SPORTS All-Rookie Team. At 18 years old, Maslanka would qualify as a U-21 Canadian Player if signed to the Pacific FC roster for the 2024 Season.
“Michael is a young attacking player, a goal scorer with good potential,” said James Merriman, Head Coach, Pacific FC. “He’s got great character and he’s hungry to prove himself.”
Saadi, a second year, played and started in 11 matches for the Western Mustangs, scoring in a 4-1 win against the Laurier Golden Hawks. The defender from London, Ontario was recognized as the OUA West Rookie of the Year and was named to the OUA West All-Star First Team. A 19 year old, Saadi would qualify as a U-21 Canadian Player if signed to the Pacific FC roster for the 2024 Season.
“Ibrahem is a technically strong centre back who can play with both feet,” said Jamar Dixon, Manager of Football, Pacific FC. “He has a deceiving change of pace in possession which allows him to play out of a difficult situation and he’s calm on the ball.”
Maslanka and Saadi can be invited to Pacific FC’s preseason training where they will be eligible to compete for a roster spot for the 2024 CPL season.
Pacific FC have a history of finding first team players through the CPL-U Sports Draft, signing midfielder Zach Verhoven (2018 Draft), defender Chris Lee (2020 Draft), midfielder Luca Ricci (2022 Draft) and defender Eric Lajeunesse (2023 Draft) to playing contracts in previous years.
