York United’s L1ON Squad Adds Local Forward Joshua Lopez

York United’s new League1 Ontario team has announced the signing of 16-year-old forward Joshua Lopez.

The Toronto native had previously signed a developmental deal with the first team last season, coming off the bench in the closing moments against league rivals Forge FC under Benjamin Mora for his professional debut.

Before that he had spent time with both Vaughan Azzurri and the TFC Academy, where he carved out some minutes in MLS Next U-15 action. At that point, he was described as a midfielder, with YUFC establishing the youngster as a forward.

This is the first year that the Canadian Premier League side will field a side in the League1 Ontario umbrella, with the club having purchased a championship division license following the departure of the Toronto FC Academy.

“My favourite thing about being part of the York United FC Academy is the experience I get from training with players who hold a high standard for themselves on and off the field,” says Lopez. “I also love the energy that is held at York United.”

York United’s first six seasons in Canada’s top flight saw the club sign 36 players who had playing experience from League1 Ontario pastures, and that’s a figure that has only grown with new first team signings like Riley Ferrazzo and Cameron DaSilva, amongst others.

York United recently named Silviu Butnaru, who had joined the club last year in a scouting and development role, as the academy’s technical director.

If remains to be seen if any other youth talent who had signed developmental deals with the club last year – like Lukas Pareja or Finn Raible – will also land with York United’s League1 Ontario academy squad, which will be focused on U-20 talent.

Header Image Photo Credit: York United FC