Bold forward Jevontae Layne selected first in CPL-U SPORTS Draft

Burlington, Ont. – Eight OUA students-athletes were selected by the Canadian Premier League's eight member clubs during the during the 2025 CPL-U SPORTS Draft, presented by Degree, on Thursday night, with TMU Bold forward Jevontae Layne going first overall to the Valour FC.  

Jevontae Layne, TMU Bold  
Round 1, Pick 1 – Valour FC  

Layne is the first TMU player to be taken first overall in the CPL Draft.  

He was a powerful force for the Bold this season, leading his team in scoring and finishing second in the OUA in goals scored with 10. He had three multi-goal performances this season to lead the Bold to an 8-1-3 overall record.  

The Brampton, Ont. product helped TMU secure a second-place finish in the OUA East, as well as a semifinal appearance in the OUA playoffs. He was awarded a second-team all-star nod for his efforts this season.  

Matthew Paiva, McMaster Marauders  
Round 1, Pick 3 – Halifax Wanderers FC 

Paiva had a strong rookie season with the Marauders. He started in 11 games and scored two game-winning goals. 

He helped McMaster finish with an 8-2-2 record in the OUA West and an OUA semifinal berth.  The Georgetown, Ont. native's efforts were also honoured in the form of an OUA first team all-star selection.  

Niklas Hallam, Toronto Varsity Blues  
Round 1, Pick 4 – Pacific FC 

The OUA East rookie of the year hit the ground running in his first season. Hallam tied a team-high and sat tied for second in the conference with 10 goals.  

The Victoria, B.C. standout played in all 12 regular season games during his foray onto the varsity field, going on a five-game scoring streak from August 31st to September 15th.  

He was also named an OUA second team all-star.  

Luca Accettola, York Lions  
Round 1, Pick 5 – York United FC 

The OUA West rookie of the year made his presence known in his first season in the OUA.  For the season, Accettola finished with six goals and four assists, with the latter being good enough to tie him for fourth in the conference.   

Despite tempering off a bit in the middle of the season, the midfielder finished his first year strong, scoring goals in four of the Lions' final six games.  

He was also awarded an OUA first team all-star. 

Paul Ekwueme, McMaster Marauders 
Round 1, Pick 7 – Forge FC 

Ekwueme, the second-year standout from Hamilton, Ont., has had a successful two seasons with the Marauders.  

The midfielder started in 21 games over his career and helped his team to an 8-2-2 record in the OUA West and an OUA semifinal appearance.  

Mehdi Essoussi, Toronto Varsity Blues  
Round 2, Pick 2 – Vancouver FC 

Essoussi showed his leadership and defensive skill this season for the Varsity Blues. The Ottawa, Ont. product donned the captain's band in 13 contests.  

His play kickstarted many of Toronto's offensive counterattacks to help the Blues lead the province in total goals. He earned OUA first team all-star honours for his efforts. 

Matthew Fischer, York Lions  
Round 2, Pick 5 – York United FC 

Fischer, from Toronto, Ont. was a main stay in the Lions' lineup, getting playing time in every game of the OUA regular season and all three playoff games.  

He scored twice in the regular season, but his biggest tally of the year was the go-ahead goal in the OUA semifinal to send York to the conference championship.  

Adam N'Goran, Carleton Ravens 
Round 2, Pick 6 – Atlético Ottawa 

N'Goran, the second-year student from Gatineau, Que., quickly became a top defender this season for the Ravens. He was a calming presence for Carleton, leading them to a 8-2-2 overall record and an OUA quarterfinal finish. 

For his efforts, N'Goran was awarded an OUA second team all-star.