The Montreal Impact announced on Thursday that the club has acquired Canadian international midfielder Kyle Bekker from FC Dallas, in return for defender Bakary Soumare. As per MLS policy, further terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Bakary had asked us to be traded because he was not happy with his playing time. I accepted his request and I am happy that we could find a quick solution which is also positive for the club,” said Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Frank Klopas.
“We are happy to bring a young Canadian player to our team who has a lot of potential. We look forward to having him integrate with our group,” said Impact Technical Director Adam Braz. "We thank Bakary for his services and wish him all the best with his new club.”
Bekker, 24, is currently playing his third MLS season after being drafted third overall by Toronto FC in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. He has played eight games, including two starts, with FC Dallas this season, recording his first career assist last June 19 in a 1-1 tie in Colorado. He has played 37 career regular season games for 1,765 minutes of play, including 18 starts, since making his MLS debut in 2013.
He also took part in six Amway Canadian Championship games and one Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game in his career.
At the international level, Bekker has played 16 games with the Canadian National Team, including 10 starts, participating in the 2013 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He recorded his first career assist last March 27 in a 1-0 win against Guatemala. He made his debut with the Reds on January 26, 2013, against Denmark.
KYLE BEKKER
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 160 lbs
Birthdate: September 2, 1990, Oakville, ON
Nationality: Canadian
Previous club: FC Dallas
Acquired: July 15, 2015
