Valour Adds Former L1O Youth Standout Erik Pop

Canadian Premier League side Valour FC is bringing 19-year-old Canadian striker Erik Pop into the fold on a two-year deal that includes a club option for 2027.

If that name rings a bell, it’s because the striker made waves with a move to German second division side Karlsruher SC following a strong League1 Ontario youth season back in 2022.

Back then, Pop had a stellar campaign for the U-19 side of League1 Ontario club ProStars SC, contributing thirteen goals in eighteen appearances in the League1 Ontario Men’s U-21 Reserve division before his move to Germany.

His development drew interest at the national stage, with Pop representing Canada at both the Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship and FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2023.

Romania is also interested in the youngster, with Pop more recently representing their U-18 national team.

“Erik is a talented young Striker with excellent pedigree,” says Valour boss Phillip Dos Santos, who recently moved on from Australian striker Jordan Swibel. “We like the way he moves and creates space for himself, the way he holds the ball and brings his teammates into play and he’s also quite mature physically.”

Winnipeg’s Canadian Premier League side will be hoping a retooled roster will help them crack a playoff spot for the first time in team history. Dos Santos will be back for another season in charge after signing a new contract, with club ownership happy with his long-term roster building thus far.

While Pop clocks in as one of three required domestic U-21 players on the books, Valour still has to sign more youth talent to meet the CPL’s roster requirements.