Last August Ivan Mejia was breaking into the men's soccer lineup as a rookie with the UFV Cascades, and just one year later the 22-year-old made his first professional appearance after signing a contract with Vancouver FC of the Canadian Premier League.

Mejia made his professional debut for Vancouver FC in the 79^th minute against Valour FC, helping his team to a 0-0 draw on August 6 at the Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre.

"It's been a crazy experience for me since I have been waiting for this for so long, " said Mejia on making his debut. "I was so excited, and I just felt a bit free since this is what I wanted for so long. What really came to mind was that my family was watching."

Mejia had a solid season at UFV in his first-year last fall notching two goals and two assists, while playing 15 games and helping the squad to a Canada West quarterfinal berth.
 
"It was a huge opportunity for me to taste what the university level is like, and it really helped me prepare physically and mentally," noted Mejia on his season with UFV. "The way I see it, I wouldn't have gotten noticed if it wasn't for everyone around this community, so me going to school played a big part in it. For everyone that was involved I'm super thankful for everything."

UFV head coach Tom Lowndes noted that the Cascades will keep an eye out for their former teammate with Vancouver.

"We are really happy for Ivan reaching his goal of becoming a professional player," said Cascades head coach Tom Lowndes. "To be able to play a small part in his development last fall was great for our program and for current and future players to see a pathway to the CPL while gaining a quality education here at UFV."

"We are excited to cheer on Ivan and Vancouver FC for the remainder of their inaugural season in the Canadian Premier League."

Building on a solid Canada West campaign with UFV, Mejia was a part of history alongside UFV defender Nicolas Burret and former Cascades attackers Taylor Richardson and Connor MacMillan in the Canadian Championship. Playing for the League 1 side TSS Rovers, Mejia scored the eventual game-winning goal to knock out that same Valour FC squad that he would play in his professional debut, to advance into the second round of the tournament.
 
Mejia becomes the second former UFV player to be involved with Vancouver FC, joining Mark Village who currently serves as goalkeeper coach for the squad. Mejia explained that the UFV connection has become a bit of an inside joke between the two.

"We have joked around about how we both made it through UFV. Last time I talked to him in training he gave me a ball and said it was the UFV connection, so it's been pretty funny."

While Mejia looks to finish the season strong for Vancouver FC, the Cascades are preparing for their 2023 Canada West season. UFV opens their schedule at home against the UBC Okanagan Heat on August 25. Watch the game live at 6pm at the MRC Sports Complex, or on canadawest.tv.