Langford, BC – April 12, 2024 – Pacific FC today signed defender Eric Lajeunesse to a U SPORTS contract for the 2024 CPL season. Lajeunesse, a second year University of British Columbia student, played 522 minutes for the Tridents last season after being chosen as the sixth overall pick in the 2023 draft.

Lajeunesse, 21, played centre and left back for Pacific, started in four matches. He was instrumental as a part of the UBC Thunderbirds’ backline, clocking in 1710 minutes of play in the season that saw them lose in the Canada West final to Mount Royal University. A native of Ottawa, Lajeunesse spent time with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy before university.

“Eric showed his potential last season, we put him into difficult games, and he quickly adapted to the level,” said James Merriman, Head Coach, Pacific FC. “He’s physical, has a strong mentality and great character.”

Pacific FC has a history of finding first team players through the CPL-U Sports Draft, signing midfielder Zach Verhoven (2018 draft), defender Chris Lee (2020 draft), midfielder Luca Ricci (2022 draft) in addition to Lajeunesse.

U SPORTS FACTS:

• U SPORTS drafted players have played 1,099 CPL matches in total, 839 of which were with the
  club that drafted them
• Cape Breton University leads the way in both total players selected (12) and total CPL games
  played (176)
• Zach Verhoven (Atlético Ottawa, drafted in 2019 by Pacific) has the most games played by a U
  SPORTS pick with 91

ABOUT U SPORTS

U SPORTS is the national brand for university sports in Canada. Every year, over 15,500 student-athletes and 700 coaches vie for 21 national championships in 12 different sports. U SPORTS also provides high performance international opportunities at FISU Winter and Summer World University Games, World University Championships, University World Cups and various educational initiatives. U SPORTS works in collaboration with 57 members and four conferences as well as the Canadian sport system and Corporate Canada on the growth and delivery of university sport to student-athletes across the country.

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