West Coast CPL Sides Both Bring In New Goalkeepers

The west coast Canadian Premier League sides may be rivals, but the lead-up to tonight’s Salish Sea Derby has seen some similar transfer movement from both sides.

Both Pacific and Vancouver FC have seen their second-choice goalkeepers depart, with both clubs quickly bringing in youth prospects to keep in alignment with league roster regulations.

The Eagles just loaned 17-year-old goalkeeper Felipe Jaramillo to Toronto FC II for the remainder of the season, giving the Colombia U-17 prospect a chance to shine in the MLS pipeline. The six-foot-two, Bogota-born prospect remains under contract with VFC through to 2026, and is still awaiting his pro debut after riding the bench 22 times this season.

While the club had used 20-year-old Matheus de Souza for a few occasions when Jaramillo couldn’t fill the bench this season, they’ve instead signed 19-year-old Jakob Frank as his replacement. The youngster clocks in from the club’s U-19 program once led by Todd May. He had previously played with BB5 United and now takes a big step up to the pro ranks.

Over on the Island, another second-string goalkeeper change has just taken place: with Whitecaps FC youngster Max Anchor not having played since June, his parent club has formally recalled him. The 21-year-old had made ten appearances throughout all competitions, with his return to the ‘Caps fold giving way for the return of Daniel Zadravec.

If the name rings a bell for the PFC faithful, that’s because the 25-year-old has had spells training with the team over the last two years, including a period when he signed a short-term replacement contract when Melvin was injured, featuring in three matches during that time.

Zadravec came through the Vancouver Island Wave program and is a veteran UNBC Timberwolves shotstopper, where he earned the Top Defensive Player Award and was named Team MVP in 2023. The transfer marks Zadravec’s first-ever professional contract, which will run through the remainder of the season with a club option for 2026.

“We are excited to add Danny to the roster for the remainder of the season,” says Pacific goalkeeper coach Cam Griffin. “He has proved his quality consistently throughout his time with the club and he is another excellent example of the pathway that exists on the island for local players.”

Both sides will face eachother in Victoria tonight, with Pacific hosting Vancouver in the first-ever downtown derby at Royal Athletic Park.