FIU Goalkeeper Drafted to Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Alex Rivera/Staff Writer

Coming off a strong season performance for FIU Soccer, goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi was drafted in second round the MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Gagliardi was able to spend five seasons with the team, redshirting his freshman year and rising through the ranks of the team. Before this year, Gagliardi did not start every game; appearing in six games in both 2016 and 2018 and making only four appearances in the 2017 season. 

In his final season with the Panthers, Gagliardi would play keeper for every minute of the season. Before this season, the goalkeeper role was shared throughout the season, until 2019 when Gagliardi proved that he was able to warrant being the only keeper on the pitch for the entirety of the season.

In 2019, Gagliardi played for 1,734 minutes, allowed 18 goals and made 68 saves and contributed to the five shutouts the Panthers were able to put up. 

Looking toward Gagliardi’s future, he will be joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC, playing their home games at BC Place and competing in the MLS itself, but also for the Cascadia Cup and the Canadian Championship. The Cascadia Cup and Canadian Championship are unique to the Whitecaps, being the only side in both competitions. 

Gagliardi will be joining keepers Maxime Crépeau and Homegrown keeper Thomas Hasal. Crépeau was the keeper for 26 of Vancouver’s 34 games, amassing 2,340 of playing time, 114 saves and allowing 46 goals. Hasal on the other hand has yet to make a start, but has experience playing for Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23. In addition, the Whitecaps saw Zac MacMath and Sean Melvin as goalkeepers, but will be playing for other teams. 

As for the team as a whole, the Whitecaps finished their season last in the MLS Western Conference, having a record of eight wins, 16 losses and 10 draws. 

Daniel Gagliardi’s selection to a professional side is an excellent continuation to his final year as a Panther, but the MLS SuperDraft continues. Gagliardi is one of three FIU players that are eligible to be drafted into the MLS; Andrew Booth and Nick O’Callaghan being the others.