BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 8, 2021) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the acquisition of defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele, via trade from San Diego Loyal SC for cash considerations. The club has signed the player to a multi-year deal, pending league and federation approval.
"Thomas is somebody we have tracked since 2018, and we're excited to bring him to Birmingham," said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. "He's a talented player and versatile defender that will be a great addition to our defensive group."
Vancaeyezeele spent the first part of the 2021 season in San Diego with Loyal SC, where he made seven starts in the club’s first eight games of the season, before joining the French Guianan National Team for 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification matches. French Guiana made it to the final round of qualification before falling to Trinidad and Tobago this past Tuesday night in a penalty shootout. Vancaeyezeele started and played the full 90 minutes in the match and scored his penalty kick chance.
Before signing with San Diego, Vancaeyezeele turned in to one of the best defenders in the USL Championship while playing with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds from 2018 to 2020. He earned a spot on the 2019 All-League Second Team, alongside current Legion FC forward Neco Brett, and was named to the 2020 All-League First Team, with Legion FC midfielder Bruno Lapa.
While in Pittsburgh, Vancaeyezeele made 88 total appearances along the back line and in midfield, leading the team in total interceptions, bagging seven goals and one assist, and playing the most minutes for the side in 2018 and 2020. The Riverhounds made the playoffs all three seasons and finished the 2019 season with the best record in the USLC Eastern Conference.
Vancaeyezeele grew up in Caen, France, playing in the youth ranks for Ligue 1 side Stade Malherbe Caen, before coming to the United States in 2015 to play college soccer at the University of Charleston. In two seasons in Charleston, he made 41 appearances, scored five goals, and won the 2017 NCAA Division II National Championship, en route to be named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year. He also made 24 appearances while in college for USL League Two teams SW Florida Adrenaline and Mississippi Brilla.
Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC traded for defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele on July 8, 2021.
Player Profile:
Name: Thomas Vancaeyezeele (VAN-cay-zeal)
Position: Defender, Defensive Midfielder
Number: 27
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 181 lbs.
Birthdate: July 27, 1994 (age: 26)
Birthplace: Caen, France
Citizenship: France, French Guiana
Previous Club: San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Instagram: @vankizi
Twitter: @Vankizii
Facebook: @thomas.vancaeyezeele
Legion FC’s first contest with Vancaeyezeele in town is a rivalry matchup with Memphis 901 FC this Saturday, July 10, at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available HERE or by contacting the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-791-7145 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/bhmlegion.
For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/bhmlegion and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 8, 2021) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the acquisition of defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele, via trade from San Diego Loyal SC for cash considerations. The club has signed the player to a multi-year deal, pending league and federation approval.
“Thomas is somebody we have tracked since 2018, and we’re excited to bring him to Birmingham,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “He’s a talented player and versatile defender that will be a great addition to our defensive group.”
Vancaeyezeele spent the first part of the 2021 season in San Diego with Loyal SC, where he made seven starts in the club’s first eight games of the season, before joining the French Guianan National Team for 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification matches. French Guiana made it to the final round of qualification before falling to Trinidad and Tobago this past Tuesday night in a penalty shootout. Vancaeyezeele started and played the full 90 minutes in the match and scored his penalty kick chance.
Before signing with San Diego, Vancaeyezeele turned in to one of the best defenders in the USL Championship while playing with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds from 2018 to 2020. He earned a spot on the 2019 All-League Second Team, alongside current Legion FC forward Neco Brett, and was named to the 2020 All-League First Team, with Legion FC midfielder Bruno Lapa.
While in Pittsburgh, Vancaeyezeele made 88 total appearances along the back line and in midfield, leading the team in total interceptions, bagging seven goals and one assist, and playing the most minutes for the side in 2018 and 2020. The Riverhounds made the playoffs all three seasons and finished the 2019 season with the best record in the USLC Eastern Conference.
Vancaeyezeele grew up in Caen, France, playing in the youth ranks for Ligue 1 side Stade Malherbe Caen, before coming to the United States in 2015 to play college soccer at the University of Charleston. In two seasons in Charleston, he made 41 appearances, scored five goals, and won the 2017 NCAA Division II National Championship, en route to be named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year. He also made 24 appearances while in college for USL League Two teams SW Florida Adrenaline and Mississippi Brilla.
Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC traded for defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele on July 8, 2021.
Player Profile:
Name: Thomas Vancaeyezeele (VAN-cay-zeal)
Position: Defender, Defensive Midfielder
Number: 27
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 181 lbs.
Birthdate: July 27, 1994 (age: 26)
Birthplace: Caen, France
Citizenship: France, French Guiana
Previous Club: San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Instagram: @vankizi
Twitter: @Vankizii
Facebook: @thomas.vancaeyezeele
Legion FC’s first contest with Vancaeyezeele in town is a rivalry matchup with Memphis 901 FC this Saturday, July 10, at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available HERE or by contacting the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-791-7145 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/bhmlegion.
For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/bhmlegion and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.
