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‘Captain’ joins the Cavalry: Former UNBC soccer star debuts in Canadian Premier League

Tofa Fakunle played five seasons with the T-Wolves, holds four team records
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer

A UNBC Timberwolves’ superstar that lit up the Prince George pitch has made it to the nation’s highest level of professional soccer.

Tofa Fakunle, after graduating from Canada West and playing three seasons three steps down from Major League Soccer (MLS), has caught the eye of his new hometown team in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).

Cavalry FC decided to sign the 24-year-old attacker after captaining Calgary Foothills FC this past season and posting a USL2 League career-high 11 points and a team-high 22 shots on goal in 13 appearances.

“This means a lot to me,” said Fakunle in a Cavalry FC release. “I believe I have worked very hard to earn my opportunity. As a kid and till this day all I ever wanted to do was to play professional football. I am a person of faith, and I want to thank God for giving me the ability to persevere through tough times, shine through the good times and now be able to fulfill such a dream.”

Fakunle, a native of Calgary, also got to make his CPL debut the same day, taking the field in the 84th minute of Cavalry’s clash with Pacific FC that ended in a 1-1 draw.

He had six touches in his six minutes of playing time in front of over 3,000 people.

“Thank you to everyone who reached out to me yesterday (Aug. 28),” said Fakunle on social media following the contest. “I appreciate your support. It is a dream come true to sign my first professional contract with Cavalry FC and make my professional debut at home. The hard work of being a pro starts now and I am ready for this journey.”

The UNBC graduate of 2018 currently holds four school records in men’s soccer, including:

  • Shots on goal = 71
  • Points = 26
  • Assists = 14
  • Game-winning goals = 4

He’s also second in school history for goals (12) and fifth in games played (67) while wearing the captain’s armband for three seasons.

In his UNBC collegiate career, Fakunle was awarded Rookie of the Year, Male Athlete of the Year, Academic All-Canadian, Most Valuable Player, and three Golden Boot Awards. 

While playing with Calgary Foothills FC, he was part of the 2018 national championship-winning squad.

Cavalry FC plays in the seven-team CPL and is in its inaugural season.

The team placed first in the Spring Competition with an 8-2 record and currently sits tied for first in the Fall Competition.