Morey Doner AMA Recap

25-year-old York9 FC full-back Morey Doner held an Ask Me Anything on Instagram last week, fielding questions about his professional career and even the musical tastes of his teammates. Here’s a recap for those who missed the limited time event from Collingwood’s first professional soccer player.

Since this was taken from social media, Northern Tribune has converted emojis and shorthand into full sentences, along with providing some additional commentary.

What’s it like to play and represent your home region and town?

My home is Collingwood, but it feels amazing to play professionally so close to home. To represent York Region means a lot to me, and to have the amazing support from Generation IX and our fans.

As previously stated, Morey is the first professional soccer player to come from Collingwood. The Ontario-based town has a population of just over 20,000, with most of the town’s notable athletes tending to be hockey players.

Morey is breaking the mold in this regard, and he’s doing it by force: the player wasn’t known to Jim Brennan at all back when the former TFC Captain coached Aurora FC, and Morey had to do plenty of asking for the gaffer to even grant him an audience to trial. He surprised Brennan, and broke into the Aurora squad in the tail end of 2016, commuting regularly from Collingwood to do so. He’s been a regular selection of Brennan’s ever since.

Best music taste on the team?

I listen to my headphones a lot, but I think Emilio Estevez has the best gameday vibes. Austin Ricci an honourable mention.

Favourite moment thus far with the team?

Away to Impact.

When Montreal Impact traveled to York Lions Stadium in the Canadian Championship quarter-finals, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding how a CPL club would fare against MLS opposition. The Nine Stripes put on a show, racking up two late goals in a match that finished 2-2. It meant that it was all left to play for at Stade Saputo in the second leg.

That away trip would see a penalty from Ignacio Piatti put a definitive end to the York Region club’s first foray into Voyageurs Cup action, but it evidently left a lasting impression for Doner. After all, it’s not often one gets to play against the likes of Ignacio Piatti or Bacary Sagna, whom Arsene Wenger once hailed as the best right back in the world.

Curve, power, or knuckle?

Power.

This answer comes as no surprise, as Morey Doner’s sole professional goal so far came in the form of an absolute rocket against Valour FC. Gareth Wheeler hailed him the Collingwood Cannon after that, and with good reason.

Who is your role model in football?

Daniel Alves.

Did you always play at the right back position? If not, what made you change?

No. I used to play right midfield. Our right back got injured one game and we had no subs, so I played there for half a game. I fell in love with the ability to effect the game on both sides of the pitch.

While Doner has proven that he’s a versatile full-back capable of making bursting runs and delivering crosses while also keeping up with his defensive duties, it wasn’t until the York Region club’s eighth-ever game that he made his professional debut. After impressing against FC Edmonton, he’s been a mainstay in the side ever since.

Who inspired you as a kid?

Dad.

Who is your best mate on the team?

Wataru Murofushi.

The Japanese midfielder was the second-ever international signing made by Jim Brennan, coming in off of an invincible season in Singapore: his team never tasted defeat in 2018 as Murofushi claimed the Singapore Premier League, Singapore Cup, Singapore League Cup, and the Singapore Community Shield with Albirex Niigata. He also won the 2018 Player of the Year award for his contribution to the club’s highly-successful campaign.

Things haven’t been quite as flawless in York9 FC’s inaugural season, though Murofushi has proven that he’s both capable and consistent at the pro level.

How old are you? And what’s your biggest dream?

25 years old, and to play in the UEFA Champions League.

I’m a kid from Collingwood trying to make it. Do you have any tips for success?

Doesn’t matter where you are from. The only person who has to believe in yourself is you. If you want something, you work hard and you don’t give up no matter what the obstacle. The journey is as important as the destination. But more important, love what you are doing and be happy!

Why did you pick so wrong when it comes to EPL teams?

I didn’t.

Morey replied to the banter with a photo of himself in a recognizable red kit: he’s a fan of Manchester United, so he’ll no doubt be pleased with how the Red Devils kicked off the 2019-2020 season. The club handed Chelsea a hefty 4-0 defeat, with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Daniel James getting on the scoresheet.

What team did you grow up playing for, like what city?

Collingwood United SC.

Hi, I used to play for Aurora. What league were you in before you joined York?

I played for Aurora for two years in League1 Ontario.

Morey didn’t just play for the L1O outfit: he eventually captained for them, too.

Do you think Aurora is a good club to play for if you’re trying to get better and go pro like you?

Of course! I think it has a great foundation from OPDL to League1 Ontario. For me, the most important thing was being in the best environment where I could improve everyday, and putting yourself in the best situation to get exposure. Being at Aurora gave me that. There is always someone watching and if you play consistently well at these levels, good things will come.

Did you play in Brazil?

For a short time in 2016, yes.

It’s true: in 2016, Doner pursued a trial in Brazil as he sought to establish his professional career. When that didn’t pan out, he signed with a USL2 (then called the PDL) club named Palm Beach Suns, who are based in Florida. He made seven appearances for the club before returning to Canada and, as luck would have it, eventually convinced Jim Brennan that he deserved a spot on the Aurora FC roster.

What is your ethnicity?

Jamaican, Italian, Canadian.

Doner is one of many former League1 Ontario players who are consistently showing that they have what it takes to play at the professional level in the Canadian Premier League. In fact, the fall season for Forge FC will likely be shaped around former L1O golden boot winner Anthony Novak after the departures of both Emery Welshman and Jace Kotsopoulos.

Morey isn’t afraid of making bold statements, either: earlier last month, he said that York9 FC were going for the league, full stop. If the Nine Stripes are going to book a spot for themselves in the Canadian Premier League Championship, they’ll need to win the fall season to do it – and that’s a task easier said that done. After two rough home results against Valour FC and Pacific FC, there’ll be doubters.

Luckily for Doner, it seems to be that proving people wrong is what he does best.