Surrey’s Matheus De Souza has capped off an outstanding 2025 season by becoming the first-ever men’s soccer player from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Cascades to be selected in the Canadian Premier League (CPL)–U Sports Draft.
The 6’4 goalkeeper was picked in the first round, fifth overall by Vancouver FC during the draft held Friday morning (Nov. 28). The selection allows De Souza to train and potentially play professionally for the Langley-based club in 2026, while still retaining his university eligibility.
De Souza made waves in his rookie season at UFV, earning spots on both the Canada West First Team All-Star and All-Rookie Team in October. He posted an 8-4-4 record and set a program record with six shutouts in a single season, adding another clean sheet during playoffs.
CPL Draft Show co-host Gareth Wheeler praised the Surrey athlete, calling him “a big body, strong shot stopper, clean long passer — and maybe the heir apparent to Callum Irving.”
This isn’t De Souza’s first connection with Vancouver FC. Earlier this year, he joined the team on a short-term replacement contract, giving both sides familiarity ahead of draft day. Before his breakout university season, he developed through Surrey United, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC MLS Academy, and played in League1 BC with Langley United.
Teammate and Canada West Player of the Year Mateo Brazinha described De Souza as a rare talent:
“Some of the saves he made this season were unbelievable. Everyone respects him — he’s the guy you trust for a crucial save.”
The CPL season runs from April to October. Vancouver FC, which finished eighth last season with a 4-15-9 record, will look to strengthen its squad with emerging talent like De Souza.
Friday’s event marked the eighth edition of the CPL–U Sports Draft, with 16 players selected over two rounds. Since its launch, 42 drafted players have signed CPL-U Sports contracts, and 28 have gone on to sign standard CPL deals.
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