Vancouver FC Signs Former Whitecap Matteo Campagna

Vancouver FC has announced the club’s twelfth BC-born player to sign this season in Matteo Campagna – someone we highlighted as a likely MLS-to-CPL move.

The 19-year-old has signed on a one-year deal through 2024 with club options that could extend his stay in the lower mainland until 2026.

“We are very excited to have another promising young local player who will add more depth and quality to our selection,” said Afshin Ghotbi, head coach of Vancouver FC

“Matteo, a central defender, can defend well on the ground and in the air. He also shows composure and comfort on the ball allowing him to play an important role in starting attacking sequences. We look forward to his contributions and development in 2024.”

Campagna is the third ex-Vancouver Whitecaps player to join the Eagles this offseason, following in the footsteps of Vasco Fry and Elage Bah after leaving WFC2.

The Surrey, BC native spent three seasons with the Whitecaps, mostly featuring for the second team but made one lone senior appearence in a second-half substitute stint against Real Espana in the then-named Concacaf Champions League.

During this time, he also underwent a loan move to fellow CPL side York United, where Campagna made three starts in five appearances, ultimately registering 288 minutes for the Nine Stripes.

Now, the Canada U-20 international rejoins the league with new colours as he joins up with his local club.

“I am very happy to sign with Vancouver FC,” said Campagna on his signing. “There is an amazing group of people here who are all dedicated to this project and to our success. I am very excited to be a part of what is being built and I’m looking forward to getting this season started.”

Another young prospect that aligns with the club’s philosophy, he will join the likes of Elage Bah, James Cameron, TJ Tahid, Anthony White, Tyler Crawford and Grady McDonnell as U-21 players that will fight to make up for those required 2,000 U-21 minutes in this upcoming season.