HALLAM AND ESSOUSSI SELECTED IN CPL-U SPORTS DRAFT – University of Toronto Athletics

During the Canadian Premiere League (CPL) U SPORTS Draft, presented by Degree, on Thursday (Dec. 5), both University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s soccer players Niklas Hallam and Mehdi Essoussi had their names announced as selections in the annual draft event.

Hallam was selected fourth overall by Pacific FC, while Essoussi was taken 10th overall by Vancouver FC.

In his first season with the Blues, Hallam appeared in all 12 regular season games. The Victoria, B.C. native tied for the team-high and finished second in the conference with 10 goals, while also adding two assists. Hallam impressed right out of the gate, putting together a five-game scoring streak between Aug. 31-Sept. 15. This included two games with hat-tricks in 8-0 home-and-away wins versus the RMC Paladins this season. Hallam earned  U SPORTS all-rookie honours, along with being named both OUA rookie of the year and an OUA second team-all-star. 

 

A U of T engineering student from Ottawa, Ont., Essoussi showcased defensive prowess and incredible leadership throughout the Varsity Blues 2024 fall campaign. Wearing the captain’s band in 13 contests this season, Essoussi orchestrated U of T’s back line from his defensive midfield position, while also kick-starting Toronto’s offensive counter-attacks which saw the Blues lead the province in total goals. Additionally, he served as the team’s primary set-piece taker, resulting in two goals and three assists for the TFC FC and Alliance United alum. Essoussi earned OUA first team all-star honours as one of three midfielders selected from across the OUA east division.

The pair continue a consecutive streak of Varsity Blues men’s soccer players being chosen in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft, following the selection of Michael Maslanka sixth overall by Pacific FC in 2023 and Anthony White first overall by Vancouver FC in 2022.