Name: Kyle Bekker
Born: Sept. 2, 1990, in Oakville, Ont.
Position: Midfielder
Pro club: Toronto FC
The young Canadian was considered one of the best playmaking midfielders of this year’s Major League Soccer draft class after a successful four-year stint at Boston College. Little wonder that Toronto FC used its third overall pick in this week’s MLS SuperDraft to scoop him up.
He’s special because
Bekker isn’t the biggest player, as he stands five-feet-ten-inches and weighs 165 pounds. But what he lacks in size he makes up for with his playmaking skills, passing ability and vision on the field. Toronto GM Kevin Payne said Bekker has a high “soccer IQ,” and that he shows keen awareness when he’s on the field, and has superb movement off the ball. He’s also versatile: a central midfielder by trade, Bekker also played on the right wing during his time at Boston College.
College career
Bekker played in 80 games over four years at Boston College, scoring 17 goals and registering 22 assists for the Eagles. He earned ACC All-Freshman Team honours and was the only player at Boston College to start in every match in his rookie season. He was named to the All-ACC First Team in 2011 and 2012, and ranks second all-time in assists at Boston College. His stock shot up last week when he was the MVP of the MLS combine in Florida.
International career
Bekker made his debut as a 15-year-old with the Canadian national youth program.
He earned four caps for Canada’s under-23 team at last year’s CONCACAF Men’s Olympic qualifying tournament. Although he hasn’t been capped by the senior team, interim Canadian manager Colin Miller has called him up to play in friendlies later this month against Denmark and the United States.
Here’s a few interesting facts
He trained with English Championship side Crystal Palace last December… He also trained with Toronto FC in the summer of 2011… He counts Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen of Denmark as his current favourite player, but his all-time soccer idol is former Arsenal and Dutch international Dennis Bergkamp… He previously played alongside forward Emery Welshman, selected 16th overall by TFC in this week’s draft, at Mississauga-based youth team Sigma FC.
His most famous moment
Being selected third overall in this week’s MLS SuperDraft in Indianapolis, one of four Canadians selected in the two-round draft.
He said it
On being taken third in the draft by Toronto: “Being a Canadian, it’s an honour. And with it being my hometown club, it adds a little bit more special feeling to it.”
What they’re saying about him
“We believed going in that Kyle was by far the best footballer out of the draft, and the player really most ready to become a pro. He demonstrated that down at the combine. He was the most impressive player there.” Kevin Payne, Toronto FC president and GM.