Help is on the way to Vancouver in the form of a young and enigmatic striker named David Egbo. The University of Akron forward was recently selected ninth overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
Egbo registered 21 goals and 13 assists in 35 starts and 56 appearances in three seasons with the Zips. Unsurprisingly he led the MAC in goals and shots per game, and placed second in assists per game in 2019. He helped the Zips to a MAC Tournament title and College Cup runner-up finish in 2018. For his efforts he would receive All-MAC First Team honors in both 2018 and 2019 along with USC All-America Third Team honors in 2018.
University of Akron is no stranger to the player development scene, having built an incredible pipeline to the pro thanks to 28 players being selected in the SuperDraft. The likes of Darlington Nagbe, Darren Mattocks, DeAndre Yedlin, Richie Laryea, and Wil Trapp were all products of the expert tutelage provided by Jared Embick and his predecessor Caleb Porter.
Meanwhile the Whitecaps are coming off a 9-14-0 record in 2020. A sluggish attack (27 GF) and a porous defense (44 GA) led to an underwhelming -17 goal differential. Explosive Colombian winger Déiber Caicedo has already signed to bolster the offense that included forwards Lucas Cavallini (6 goals), Fredy Montero (5 goals, 5 assists), Cristian Dájome (3 goals, 4 assists), and Tosaint Ricketts (2 goals) in 2020. Yordy Reyna, who splits time between midfielder and forward, finished with just one goal and one assist last season.
Egbo brings something the Whitecaps desperately need.
“He’s a guy that’s built on skill and power,” Embick said. “I think what attracts MLS teams is that he can hold off guys, link up the attack, and be able to match physically with the center backs that he may be going up against. He has a little bit more to his game as he can be a playmaker. I think Vancouver is looking at possibly playing a 4-4-2, and I think his ability to also drop off the line, find good spots, and make plays is another reason why they really liked him.”
Embick saw Egbo grow as a player and person during his time in Akron.
“It gave him the chance to play in a structured environment,” Embick added. “He came over and played high school and not high-level club. I think being in a high environment, very structured, the daily responsibilities, day in day out, will help him in his transition to becoming a pro. Obviously, I think the chance to showcase himself in terms of what he can do, being able to play in big games, help us win a lot of games, and compete for championships. I think college can really help guys in terms of maturity, socially and emotionally. They grow up and have to deal with a lot of stress, not only in our environment, the expectations of winning and performing at a high level, but also “what am I going to do with my life” type of stress. Like I don’t have anybody holding my hand on every decision. I think those things were important for Dave to go through. He’s a great kid, no problems off the field. I think we really were able to guide him through and help him develop and prepare for this opportunity.”
Embick pointed out that Egbo is a talented player that ranks among the best in the program’s prestigious history.
“I think what makes him unique here in Akron is he is his own,” Embick concluded. “He wasn’t really modeled after any of the players. He was probably our strongest kind of target that we’ve had in my time. He also has skill level that that’s on par with our five best guys. He’s up there with pure raw talent like a Darlington (Nagbe), and players like Richie Laryea. I think what made him unique is the strength and power that he brought to us in the position was probably unlike anybody we had. I mean Teal (Bunbury) maybe being the closest but Teal’s more north, south while Dave is more of a true target guy.”
Being compared to some of the top players in MLS and beyond is quite the compliment. And we’re confident we’ll be reporting on this incredible player for years to come.
