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Pacific FC re-signs fan favourite Dada-Luke

Fullback/midfielder will suit up again for PFC
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Kunle Dada-Luke is returning for another season with Pacific FC. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

Players with non-stop motors who hustle hardest on pitches, floors and rinks usually don’t lack for supporters in the stands. Kunle Dada-Luke has become that guy for Pacific FC with the Canadian Premier League club re-signing the fan favourite for the 2023 season.

Dada-Luke’s drive was never more evident than in the 2021 CPL playoff semifinal game in Calgary when he refused to give up on a ball that looked to be rolling over the Cavalry FC end line, getting to it just in time, to direct it off the goaltender and into the net for the winning goal in overtime. PFC advanced and won the CPL championship. In the 2022 season, Dada-Luke was an energizing presence in 30 appearances and 2,384 minutes played, and was named to the CPL team of the week on three occasions.

Dada-Luke has been signed to a new one-year contract with a club option for 2024.

“This club took a chance on me three years ago [when] I went from being without a club to a champion in that time span,” Dada-Luke said in a statement.

“The Island has become a ­second home for me and playing at Starlight Stadium in front of our fans always gives me that spark I need to go the extra mile.”

The 22-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., was a youth international and represented Canada in the 2017 CONCACAF U-17 championship in Panama.

“I believe KDL can be the most dynamic right back in the CPL and can also play as a wing-back or wide forward,” said PFC head coach James Merriman.

“He is developing into a very versatile modern full-back and is incredibly hungry to build off his 2022 performances.”

PFC now has 14 players under contract for the 2023 season.

cdheensaw@timescolonist.com