David Norman is back in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and showed off the leadership and skill he can offer as a known champion now with his hometown soccer team.
The 25-year-old New Westminster-born athlete scored Vancouver FC's fourth and final marker in the club's 2024 season home opener on Sunday, April 14, securing a 4-1 win for the Eagles over Valour FC.
Norman, now in his third stint in the CPL, was in the box on a corner-kick set piece in the 67th minute.
The 6'2" defender booted in his second career CPL goal on a low shot off a header pass from teammate Alejandro Díaz after the initial corner kick sailed long.
Norman is one of nine B.C. born-and-raised athletes on its roster for its sophomore year in the CPL.
He returns home to the lower mainland after claiming the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Cup last year with St. Patrick's Athletics FC.
"Football has taken me across the globe and provided me with incredible opportunities and experiences that I’ll cherish forever," Norman explained in an earlier Vancouver FC statement, "but there is something very special about getting to do what I love in front of my friends and family that I couldn’t get anywhere else but here."
Norman is the son of David Norman Sr., a Canadian national men's soccer team alum of 55 international matches that included the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
Norman Jr. has suited up 16 times for Canada, including in the 2020 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship starting in three of four matches.
Vancouver FC will look to build on its early 1-0 record on Thursday, April 18, when they host HFX Wanderers FC at Willoughby Community Park Stadium — located at 7782 200 St. in Langley.
