Vancouver FC Sign U-21 Canadian Defender Elage Bah

February 20, 2024 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Vancouver FC News Release

Langley, BC – Vancouver FC today announced the signing of another Canadian talent, defender Elage Bah, to the Eagles’ 2024 roster, on a two-year contract with a club option for the 2026 season.

Bah, 19, becomes the seventh domestic U-21 player to join Vancouver for the 2024 season, earning his chance to develop in a professional environment alongside seasoned veterans of the game. He joins defenders Tyler Crawford, Anthony White, and James Cameron; midfielder Grady McDonnell; and forwards Mouhamadou ‘Mamadou’ Kane and Taryck ‘TJ’ Tahid on the growing list of players who will help Vancouver achieve its league-mandated 2,000 minutes played by domestic under-21 players in 2024.

“Bah is a ball of fire, full of personality, pace, and energy,” said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. “I foresee a bright future for a young player with the technical and physical speed who can play both sides of the game.”

Bah was born in Ottawa, Ont. but has called Vancouver home for the last three years. He joined the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy program in August 2020 at the age of 16, where he received consistent reps with the Whitecaps U-23 squad.

Bah signed his first professional contract with Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) of MLS Next Pro in March 2022, ahead of the league’s inaugural season. He has spent the last two seasons at WFC2, at times playing alongside now-VFC teammate Vasco Fry. Bah made 12 starts in 19 appearances in 2022, scoring one goal and registering three assists. In his second season with WFC2, Bah made 20 starts in 26 appearances and registered 1,861 minutes, the third most within the squad.

“I am very excited to take the next step in my career with Vancouver FC,” said Bah. “I am thankful for and have enjoyed playing football in this province, which I consider a second home, and the fact that I get to continue my football path here is very special to me. I’m looking forward to proving what I’m capable of in Canada’s top league.”

For his country, Bah was previously named to Canada’s 60-player Provisional List for the 2022 Concacaf Men’s U-20 Championship.

Bah is Vancouver’s second roster addition in the last week following the announcement of international striker José Navarro on Friday, Feb. 16.

Further roster announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Vancouver FC current roster as of Feb. 20, 2024:

Goalkeepers: Callum Irving

Defenders: Kadin Chung, Rocco Romeo, Tyler Crawford,…