In one calendar year, Ivan Mejia went from the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades men’s soccer team to the pros and made his debut with the Canadian Premier League’s Vancouver FC on Aug. 6
The midfielder entered the game in the 79th minute for the Langley-based club against Valour FC in a scoreless draw.
“It’s been a crazy experience for me since I have been waiting for this for so long, ” said Mejia on making his debut. “I was so excited, and I just felt a bit free since this is what I wanted for so long. What really came to mind was that my family was watching.”
Congratulations to Ivan Mejia on signing a professional contract! 🔥
— UFV Cascades (@UFVCascades) August 5, 2023
Good luck with Vancouver! https://t.co/cLYWTyt7ls pic.twitter.com/eyZLk351D3
Mejia had a solid season at UFV in his first year last fall notching two goals and two assists, while playing 15 games and helping the squad to a Canada West quarterfinal berth.
“It was a huge opportunity for me to taste what the university level is like, and it really helped me prepare physically and mentally,” noted Mejia on his season with UFV. “The way I see it, I wouldn’t have gotten noticed if it wasn’t for everyone around this community, so me going to school played a big part in it. For everyone that was involved I’m super thankful for everything.”
Prior to his time at UFV, Mejia played for the Burnaby-based TSS Rovers of League1 BC. He made 12 total appearances for the Rovers, including one playoff appearance, and registered six goals in 2023.
.@TSSRovers are having a debut to remember! Ivan Mejia doubles their lead! 🍁#CanChamppic.twitter.com/ETyWsvfnjV
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) April 20, 2023
Mejia was also a part of the Rovers squad who made history in the Canadian Championship this year. He started in both CanChamp matches for the League1 team and scored the eventual game-winning goal against Valour FC in the preliminary round of the tournament to advance the Rovers into the next stage.
UFV head coach Tom Lowndes noted that the Cascades will keep an eye out for their former teammate with Vancouver.
“We are really happy for Ivan reaching his goal of becoming a professional player,” said Cascades head coach Tom Lowndes. “To be able to play a small part in his development last fall was great for our program and for current and future players to see a pathway to the CPL while gaining a quality education here at UFV.”
Mejia is now the second UFV alumni to be a part of VFC, after Mark Village who currently serves as goalkeeper coach for the squad.
The CW regular season is fast approaching for the Cascades, as they open the campaign by hosting the UBC-O Heat at MRC Sports Complex on Aug. 25.
Meanwhile, VFC next hosts Pacific FC on Aug. 19.