The 2022 Canadian Premier League (CPL) – U Sports Draft took place virtually on Thursday evening, and three of the top four players selected came out of Cape Breton University (CBU) in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Centre Back José Maria Ribeiro da Cunha (Cascais, Portugal) was the first overall pick to Atlético Ottawa, who finished last place in the 2021 CPL Season. Along with HFX Wanderers FC Cory Bent, that marks the second time a student-athlete from CBU was the first pick.
“José is a player that will provide a lot of flexibility for us. What stood out to us was his ability with the ball. We’re excited to get the preseason started and welcome him to Ottawa.”
Fernado López, CEO, Atlético Ottawa
The defender started in all 12 games he played for the Capers this season, scoring two goals on nine shots, one being a game winner, and adding three assists. Cunha was a nominee for the Lou Bilek Award (Rookie of the Year) and his team won the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Championship and Bronze Medal at the National Championships.
Cunha went through the draft a year ago, being selected by Forge FC in the second round before landing in the nations capital this year.
FC Edmonton made it two-for-two out of Cape Breton to kick off the draft, selecting Kairo Coore (Whitby, ON). With 15 goals, Coore was the U Sports Men’s Soccer leading scorer during the 2021 season. Through 12 games, his stat line also included one assist, 49 shots and three game winners.
Like his teammate, Cunha, Coore won an AUS Championship and Bronze at the U Sports Championship.
Prior to returning to Canada, Coore spent time at Saginaw Valley State University with their men’s soccer program in University Center, Michigan.
With the third pick in the top four, CBU was called to the stage again as Midfielder Raine Lyn (Burlington, ON) was selected Winnipeg’s Valour FC.
Lyn started all 11 games he dressed for, taking nine shots and tallying one assist in an AUS Championship and U Sports Bronze Medal season.
“Raine is a dynamic midfielder who likes to be on the ball and helps in the build-up phase. He’s also someone that has some bite, the capacity to recover balls and cover ground. He’s still a young player, and someone that will grow because this will be his first time in a professional environment.”
Phillip Dos Santos, General Manager, Valour FC
North Atlantic Football 