Keesean Ferdinand Cracks MLS Next Pro Top Ten List

Former CF Montreal and Atletico Ottawa defender Keesean Ferdinand is making waves in MLS Next Pro.

The 20-year-old centre-back now plies his trade with the Portland Timbers 2, where he leads the team in both minutes played (2,129) and defensive interceptions (35).

This week he becomes the only Canadian to crack a Major League Soccer top ten list of standouts working towards first team call-ups.

Back in the CPL, Keesean’s loan in Ottawa saw him make eighteen appearances across all competitions, with head coach Mista utilizing the teenage defender in both central and right-sided positions.

There were some lessons in physicality learnt as Ferdinand and Atletico Ottawa collectively endured a tough season, but it seems he’s taken them to heart: despite not making it off the bench with CF Montreal the following year, he’s really exploded onto the scene with the Portland Timbers MLS Next Pro side.

Despite the Timbers 2 currently in the bottom half of the table for the league’s second-ever season, we’ve seen big gains from the former Ottleti youngster, with the MLS Website now tipping him as deserving of a first team opportunity before the season wraps up.

Granted, the first team is still chasing a playoff position, resting four points outside of one – and that means there’s less opportunity for interim head coach Miles Joseph to hand an opportunity to a foreign youngster. On the other hand, perhaps an underperforming defensive line in the first team is the best thing for his chances.

In any event, it’s nice to see the Canada U-20 international being recognized for a solid individual season thus far.