Valour FC has signed attacking midfielder Keven Aleman, loaning him to Guadalupe FC of the Costa Rican league until May.
The Canadian Premier League is targeting the Victoria Day long weekend (May 22-24) as the kickoff for its third season.
A former Canada U-17, U-20 and U-23 international, the 26-year-old from Brampton, Ont., has won four caps with the senior side — most recently in an October 2017 friendly against El Salvador.
York United FC. meanwhile, signed midfielder Noah Verhoeven to a two-year contract, with an option for a further year. The 21-year-old from Surrey, B.C., spent the last two seasons with Pacific FC, making 30 appearances in all competitions including 24 starts.
Aleman was born in Costa Rica, moving to Canada with his family when he was 10. He spent time in the Toronto FC academy before moving to Spain to join the Real Valladolid youth ranks.
He played for FC Edmonton last season, scoring one goal in seven appearances. He was with the USL's Sacramento Republic FC before moving to the CPL.
He has also played in Costa Rica for CS Herediano, Belen and Saprissa.
“Keven has a vast amount of experience in the CONCACAF region,” Valour head coach and GM Rob Gale said in a statement. “He’s an exciting and dynamic No. 10. Fans can get excited about his ability to unlock defences with his creativity and goal-scoring threat.”
Prior to coming to the CPL, Verhoeven played for the USL's Fresno FC in 2018. He spent several years with the Vancouver Whitecaps academy, making his pro debut for Whitecaps FC 2 in October 2017.
A dual citizen, he was called into U.S. camps at the U-18 and U-20 level but went on represent Canada at the U-20 and U-23 level.
“Noah is one of the most exciting young Canadian talents about," York president and GM Angus McNab said in a statement. "He's the perfect fit for us given his age profile and he also aligns with the club’s strategy of having as many players with links to the Canadian setup as possible, be that underage or senior level."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 4, 2021
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
