Former York United Midfielder Brian Lopez, 24, Has Passed Away

Former York United midfielder Brian Lopez passed away last month at the young age of 24.

The Santa Fe, Argentina-born midfielder had hoped to kickstart his professional career on Canadian soil in 2020, but saw closed borders due to the pandemic ultimately nix the move.

The central midfielder got his start as a forward with local side Rosario Central, eventually joining Adiur de Rosario and, later, converting to a midfield role as a reserve with fabled Argentinian side Racing Club.

After that, Lopez was poised to arrive as a unique signing of opportunity York United: he had trialed with the Colorado Rapids but wasn’t ultimately a fit there, with York United moving swiftly to sign him.

He joined the club in Florida for preseason, but after the COVID-19 pandemic cut York United’s stay short he found himself closed to Canada’s borders, too.

Unable to enter the country, he returned to his native Argentina. Months later his contract, which was pending a work permit and ITC, was terminated by York United and Lowell Wright was added instead.

At the time of his death, Lopez was playing in the Casildense League with Huracan de Chabas, who released a statement regarding his passing:

“We have to go through a very hard moment. We have to say goodbye to Brian Lopez. It is really very difficult to find words to be able to give to the family, the friends, the group that he was a member of our institution. Now we just have to face this moment, all together, to be able to move forward as the big family we are, supporting each other. We are all trying to fall, to process what happened.”

“From Huracan, we send our deepest respects to Brian’s family and friends. Thank you for what you gave us and for defending our shirt with such nobility.”

While there was some speculation on his cause of death given his age, we will make no comment – rather, we simply recognize the tragedy that is a young life taken far, far too soon.

We would like to send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Brian Lopez.

Source: Archy Sport