VANCOUVER – Three UBC Thunderbirds men's soccer players have been picked in the inaugural Canadian Premier League-U SPORTS draft, which was held on campus after the 2018 U SPORTS Men's Soccer Championship.
 
Thomas Gardner, Zach Verhoven and Nick Fussell were all selected by Pacific FC of Langford, B.C.

Twenty-one players in total were taken over three rounds, and each player has received an invitation to their respective club's preseason camp in early 2019.

There, the drafted student-athletes can work to earn a contract for the inaugural 2019 CPL campaign, whether under the Standard Development Agreement for non-graduating players wishing to preserve their eligibility, or a standard Pro Contract for graduating seniors.

"We are all very pleased for Tommy, Zach and Nick to be chosen in the inaugural CPL draft," said UBC head coach Mike Mosher. "I think it is great that this league will provide opportunities for good young Canadian players like these three to develop and aspire to a higher level of play. I think it is also fantastic that we have been able to come up with this concept whereby young Canadian players can pursue their dreams as a player, but also perhaps maintain eligibility to play in university -  a chance for the best of both worlds that is in the best interests of the player/student-athlete."
 

Huge congratulations to our 3 Thunderbirds who were drafted by CPL team @Pacificfccpl!! We know you guys will be an amazing fit there!! #gobirdsgo #UBC pic.twitter.com/alcfgdEnRQ

— UBC Men's Soccer (@ubcmsoc) November 13, 2018

Leading the UBC group is U SPORTS Rookie of the Year, and Canada West Player and Rookie of the Year Thomas Gardner, who went in the first round, sixth overall.
 
Gardner, from North Vancouver, made Canada West history this season by becoming the first player to win the league's Player and Rookie of the Year awards in the same campaign.
 

With the ninth pick (second round), Pacific FC tabbed third-year attacking midfielder Zach Verhoven of Surrey, who led UBC this season in assists with five and shots with 44. He scored two goals during the regular season, and then scored twice more in three Canada West playoff games, while recording three assists.

Pacific FC added Fussell, a first-year midfielder from Surrey, with the 20th pick, making it 3-for-3 from UBC. He was named to the 2018 Canada West All-Rookie Team after scoring a goal and three assists in 14 regular season matches.
 

The CPL-U SPORTS Draft was announced back in October, and will provide the unique opportunity for student-athletes to compete at the pro level, while not losing their eligibility to compete at the university level. The CPL is set to open play in the spring of 2019, with seven teams competing in the inaugural season.

- with files from Pacific FC, Canadian Premier League, and Canada West