OSHAWA, Ont. – Ontario Tech's Christopher Campoli was drafted third overall in the CPL-U SPORTS draft on Thursday night by Halifax Wanderers FC.
 
This is the second year Campoli has had the opportunity to join the professional ranks in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) after being drafted fourth overall in 2021 by York United FC. With the pandemic restrictions and start of the CPL season being played in a bubble, it limited the opportunity with York. Campoli hopes to have a positive showing with Halifax this spring and summer.

"Being drafted again this year means a lot to me especially when it's a club like Halifax," he said. "I have only heard great things about the city and club. They have a great stadium and the fans love the club and are very passionate about their football. Last year I saw what it meant to be a professional and what it's like to be in a professional environment so I'm taking those experiences with me and going into preseason fit and ready to work hard to be a part of the winning culture that is being built at HFX. I'm super excited and grateful for this opportunity that I have been given in Halifax."
 
Campoli had an outstanding 2021 OUA season, finishing third in scoring with 12 goals in 11 games played. He also had two assists in his second season of university soccer with the Ridgebacks.
 
In his rookie campaign in 2019-20, Campoli was named an OUA first team all-star, finishing second in the OUA for assists with seven and eighth in goals with six. The midfielder was a steady presence on the pitch, earning him the men's soccer MVP award at Ontario Tech.

"We are thrilled to have seen Christopher taken third overall in this year's draft," said Ridgeback head coach Ramin Mohammadi. "His hard work, commitment, and resilience has led to this opportunity again for him. We wish him all the best and know he will have a positive impact for the Halifax Wanderers."
 
Alongside Campoli, six other Ontario Tech men's soccer players were draft-eligible, with three others on the CPL's top 40 list. Jacob Begley, Campoli, Danial Rafisamii and Justin Yarde were included on the list of the 40 top prospects to look for, while Elijah Lorenc-Clarke, Mateo Marques and Matthew Mattila were also draft-eligible.
 
This is the fourth CPL-U SPORTS draft in advance of the league's fourth season. The 2021 season concluded with Pacific FC defeating Forge FC (Hamilton) to win their first title.
 
The CPL is Canada's professional men's soccer league that debuted on April 27, 2019. Playing in world-class and unique venues, and partnering with strong community-led ownership groups, the CPL is a league for Canadians by Canadians that brings professional soccer to communities coast-to-coast.