When free agent midfielder Elliot Simmons became the second player to sign with the fledgling Vancouver FC in December of 2022, both he and head coach Afshin Ghotbi were effusive.

Ghotbi said he expected Simmons to play a 鈥渒ey role in our squad this season, thanks to his familiarity with the competition and his proven growth each year since he returned to Canada.鈥�

Ghotbi described Simmons as 鈥渁 well-regarded player around the league,鈥�

Simmons was 鈥渆xcited鈥� to join VFC for its first season in the Canadian Premier League, saying 鈥淚 believe in what Afshin and [owner] Rob Friend are building here and I can鈥檛 wait to help the team make an impact in the league from the get-go.鈥�

Simmons made 26 appearances and registered one assist for the Eagles during their first season, but had yet to make an appearance for VFC in 2024.

In an online interview posted to the website in February of this year, Simmons said he was looking forward to his second season with the team, saying 鈥淚鈥檓 learning new stuff, and always trying to add stuff to my game. I鈥檓 really excited for the season coming up.鈥�

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On Tuesday, May 28, an announcement by the team said 鈥渢he club has parted ways with midfielder Elliot Simmons by means of mutual termination effective immediately.鈥�

鈥淥n behalf of everyone at VFC, we would like to thank Elliot for all of his contributions to the club over our historic inaugural season,鈥� Ghotbi said.

鈥淓lliot was a key feature in our midfield with his work ethic, passion, and experience in the CPL bringing a positive impact every day.鈥�

Simmons, 26, is one of the founding players of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), initially representing Halifax Wanderers FC in 2019 before joining the Calgary-area Cavalry from 2020 to 2022.

On Aug. 19, 2023, Simmons joined the CPL鈥檚 Centurion Club by making his 100th career appearance across all competitions in VFC鈥檚 3-2 home derby victory against Pacific FC.

鈥淲e wish Elliot all the best for his family and his future endeavours,鈥� said Ghotbi.

Simmons, the team said, has returned to England 鈥渢o be with his family at this time.鈥�

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