When asked what fans can expect from him, Austin Ricci answered confidently: 鈥淚鈥檓 going to bring quality, pace, athleticism, and most importantly, goals to help the team get into the playoffs.鈥�

On Friday, Sept. 13, Vancouver FC announced it has acquired the Canadian forward on a permanent transfer from York United FC. 

Ricci, one of the CPL鈥檚 founding players, is joining a new club with only five games left and a playoff spot on the line.

His new agreement with the Eagles is guaranteed through the end of the 2024 season.

鈥淲e are excited to bring Austin Ricci to our selection for our final push towards the playoffs,鈥� said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC.

鈥淎ustin鈥檚 veteran experience, quality, and sharpness in the danger area will give us the edge in the final league fixtures and playoff contention."

Ricci鈥檚 signing was executed prior to the CPL鈥檚 Roster Freeze Deadline on Friday, after which CPL clubs are no longer able to sign additional players to their master rosters through the 2024 CPL Final, except in the case of extreme hardship, as approved by the League. 

Ricci, a native of Richmond Hill, Ont., signed his first professional contract with York ahead of the League鈥檚 inaugural season in 2019. He went on to make 11 overall appearances for the side in his debut season, logging one assist.

After signing with Valour FC in July 2020, Ricci made 24 appearances for the Winnipeg-based club over two seasons. His most fruitful year in front of the net came in 2021, when he scored eight goals in all competitions, though his season ended prematurely after suffered an ACL tear that required surgery. 

He returned to the Nine Stripes in April 2022 but would suffer a second ACL injury that limited him to just four games that season. After his return to play in 2023, Ricci made 45 appearances in all competitions for York, scoring eight goals and adding three assists.

VFC has two more regular season home matches at Willoughby Park. VFC will first take on Forge FC on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. PT for the club鈥檚 Back to School match before hosting a Fan Appreciation match on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. for the final regular season home game of 2024.