MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced Tuesday that it signed Homegrown defender Karifa Yao to his first professional contract, a two-year deal with three option years.
“Karifa Yao is a young defender who has developed well thanks to the Montreal Impact Academy,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “We would like to welcome him to the pros, where he will have the opportunity to prove his potential through his work in training.”
Yao, 18, joined the Academy in 2017, starting with the U17 team before playing two seasons with the Impact U19 in the Development Academy. His former amateur club before joining the Impact was Étoiles de l’Est.
“It’s a source of pride and the best reward after all the sacrifices I’ve made,” said defender Karifa Yao. “I’ve always dreamt of wearing this jersey, and I’m very proud to have this dream come true.”
Born in Montreal to an Ivorian father and a Senegalese mother, Yao is the 17th homegrown player to sign a contract with the first team.
The Montreal Impact will host the Seattle Sounders FC at Stade Saputo on Wednesday, June 5, at 7:30pm (TICKETS – TVA Sports, TSN, 98.5, TSN 690).
Transaction: The Montreal Impact signs Homegrown defender Karifa Yao on Tuesday, June 4.
KARIFA YAO
Position: Centre-back
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 178 lbs
Date of birth: September 28, 2000, in Montreal
Place of residence: Laval, Quebec
Previous team: Impact U19
Date acquired: June 4, 2019
