Homecoming for Froese
Kianz Froese, the Cuban-born and Winnipeg-raised attacking midfielder, agreed to a contract with Valour FC, the city's Canadian Premier League side, on Wednesday.
The deal secures the 29-year-old for the remainder of the season, with an option for the club to bring him back in 2026.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Cuban-born, Winnipeg-raised midfielder Kianz Froese signed with the Winnipeg's Valour FC on Wednesday.
'I think he's one of the best players that Manitoba has produced,' said an excited head coach and GM Phillip Dos Santos, who first crossed paths with Froese as a teenager on the youth national team. Valour's goalkeeper coach, Patrick Di Stefani, coached Froese during their time with Manitoba's provincial program.
'He has a track record that — for any young Manitoba player — you look at and say, 'Man, I would like to have a career like the one he's had,'' Dos Santos added. 'And he's young, he's 29, he still has very good years ahead of him.'
Froese hasn't played at home since he was 16.
He's spent the last seven years playing professionally in Germany, where his mettle was tested while playing in the country's lower divisions with Fortuna Düsseldorf II, FC Saarbrücken, TSV Havelse and SV Wehen Wiesbaden.
'Hard,' Froese, who netted 32 goals in 190 matches, said of his time in Germany. 'It's a hard thing when you go abroad and get used to Germany as a culture. Extremely different. I mean, Canadians are extremely nice when you think about the culture and the way they treat you, and there, I think it's very demanding, in terms of sport, in terms of pressure — they are on it when it comes to sports.
'I had to adapt to that at the start. Then I got used to it. And then, obviously, at some point I didn't really remember it, but now I'm able to reflect back and say, 'Hey, look at the differences,' so it's kind of like a reflective time period right now for me.'
Froese was a sensation as a young player in the Garden City area. It didn't take long for him to earn the attention of evaluators at the provincial and national level, as he later went on to play for Team Manitoba and take part in the National Training Camp (NTC) program.
At 16, he joined the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy and quickly ascended through the ranks to make his professional debut in Major League Soccer in 2014. At 19, Froese made his debut with the Canadian men's national team in a friendly against Ghana, the first of two international caps he's earned.
Now he returns to the place where it all started, with a wealth of experience behind him.
'I think it's nice to be in a familiar environment,' said Froese, who had offers to continue playing in Germany last year but decided to go back to Cuba. 'That's just part of who I am, in a sense, and even if I don't remember everything, I still feel that being back where I grew up, where I spent those early years, formative years of my life, is just a nice thing for me.'
This was the right time for him to join a new club. If he didn't do it now, he said, it's unlikely he would've ever returned to the pitch.
'That's sort of the main point, and the reason why I chose Valour over whatever else I could have done, because that's kind of what I'm looking for.'
Froese is exactly what Valour needs right now. Dos Santos credited him with possessing a level of decision-making and 'game intelligence' in the final third that the club is looking for.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Winnipeg Valour's head coach Phillip Dos Santos has high hopes that midfielder Kianz Froese (centre) will be the boost the club needs to climb in the Canadian Premier League standings.
Winnipeg's side is once again struggling for offensive production. Valour, which currently sits seventh in a table of eight teams at 2-6-2, has nine goals in eight matches this season, tied with Vancouver FC for the second-fewest behind Pacific FC.
'Everyone sees it,' said Dos Santos. 'I think the common observer could see that. We were looking at our last five league games, where you outshoot the opposition… (but) there's actually an opportunity to maybe get in and put a teammate into closer spaces. So I think that he's a player that's going to give us that. He's a player that's gonna read those moments and increase the quality that we could have in those positions.'
This will be Froese's debut season in the CPL.
He is perhaps the biggest homegrown player that fans can cheer for since his once-close friend Marco Bustos, who scored seven times in Valour's inaugural season, then fled to West Coast rival Pacific.
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.
'Quality. Clarity in the final third. Explosiveness in space. We're not talking about straight-line fast here, we're talking about football fast. Experience — so many things,' Dos Santos said of Froese. 'Definition, goals, assists — but again, there's a process and the process is that it's still a player that's going to need time to get rhythm.'
Dos Santos said it will be 'a few weeks' before Froese dons Valour's colours in a match. His last game action was July 2024, so the first step is re-establishing his conditioning for a 90-minute contest.
'He's almost going through a pre-season right now, so we're gonna take our time with him and make sure we have a healthy fit, and that he's ready when he's gonna step on the field for the first day,' Dos Santos said.
Valour hosts second-place Forge FC (5-5-0) at Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday (3:30 p.m.).
joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca
Joshua Frey-SamReporter
Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh.
Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Canada News.Net
5 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
From CFL To NFL, Elliott Brown Is On A Mission
Outside linebacker tied for sack lead last season WhenElliott Brownwas playing football in another country, the destination on his mind was the United States. Sometimes, that passion to reach the NFL frustrated players in the Canadian Football League. "I was serious every day, and some guys didn't like it, but I took everything super serious because I had to be prepared for where I'm at now," the outside linebacker said. "Some people treated practice and the game different. They like to have a little more fun. "I was on a mission." Brown's persistence landed him on the Cardinals' radar. After two seasons in the CFL with the Edmonton Elks, Brown inked a 2025 deal with the Cardinals. Persistence is important, but Brown's intensity separates the 6-foot-4 edge rusher from others in Canada. "I knew that as long as I had my abilities, I'll end up here at some point," he said. "The schemes a lot different up there, but (pass rushing) was my job. You want a guy who can put a quarterback in the dirt. They came and got me, and that's what I did." Edge rusher is a spot NFL teams can find players in Canada. Cameron Wake -- whom the Cardinals once looked into signing before he went on to a stellar career with the Dolphins -- is the best example. The team has mined Canadian players in the past, although none have stuck. Brown finished tied for the most sacks in the CFL with eight during the 2024 campaign. He also ended the season with 44 tackles and earned West Division All-Star honors. Prior to the CFL, Brown attended the University of Virginia. His arrival to the Valley is another aspect of the Cardinals' growing relationship with Canada, and a testament to the growth of the sport on a global scale. The Cardinals drafted Canadian-born Isaiah Adams last season, and this past offseason, added the country as one of its newest international markets. The CFL is a pass-first league. Instead of four downs, there are three downs to pick up a first, so teams are forced to throw the football early and often. The speed of the game is also much faster than the NFL. Coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis utilize their outside linebackers in a multitude of ways. At times, through various scheme designs and disguises, linebackers drop back into coverage, something Brown didn't do a lot of in Edmonton. "He definitely has a skill set and to start out, mentally, what we ask those guys to do, I don't want to say it's difficult, but there's some rules that they got to know which was a little different for him," Gannon said. "But he's taken to the coaching, and he's really improved with that part of his game." While Brown won't solely rush the passer, that experience in the CFL could serve him well as the Cardinals get set to kick off training camp. Last season, the Cardinals ranked in the bottom 10 in pressure rate and total pressures, although Brown is fighting for a job in a newly-rebuilt and loaded room that includes Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, BJ Ojulari, Baron Browning, Xavier Thomas and draft pick Jordan Burch. When Brown walks into State Farm Stadium for camp, it won't be his first time in the venue. Brown trained in Arizona during the CFL offseason, which takes place during the NFL season. In 2023, he attended a few Cardinals games as a fan. Each time there was a substitution, Brown joked that he'd raise his hand and hoped he'd get subbed in. But the next time, it won't be as a spectator. It will be part of his mission. "I'm here for a reason," Brown said. "As long as I'm performing my purpose and putting the QB in the dirt and perform well on special teams, I'm excited about doing that and making plays."
Canada Standard
5 hours ago
- Canada Standard
From CFL To NFL, Elliott Brown Is On A Mission
Outside linebacker tied for sack lead last season Zach Gershman WhenElliott Brownwas playing football in another country, the destination on his mind was the United States. Sometimes, that passion to reach the NFL frustrated players in the Canadian Football League. "I was serious every day, and some guys didn't like it, but I took everything super serious because I had to be prepared for where I'm at now," the outside linebacker said. "Some people treated practice and the game different. They like to have a little more fun. "I was on a mission." Brown's persistence landed him on the Cardinals' radar. After two seasons in the CFL with the Edmonton Elks, Brown inked a 2025 deal with the Cardinals. Persistence is important, but Brown's intensity separates the 6-foot-4 edge rusher from others in Canada. "I knew that as long as I had my abilities, I'll end up here at some point," he said. "The schemes a lot different up there, but (pass rushing) was my job. You want a guy who can put a quarterback in the dirt. They came and got me, and that's what I did." Edge rusher is a spot NFL teams can find players in Canada. Cameron Wake -- whom the Cardinals once looked into signing before he went on to a stellar career with the Dolphins -- is the best example. The team has mined Canadian players in the past, although none have stuck. Brown finished tied for the most sacks in the CFL with eight during the 2024 campaign. He also ended the season with 44 tackles and earned West Division All-Star honors. Prior to the CFL, Brown attended the University of Virginia. His arrival to the Valley is another aspect of the Cardinals' growing relationship with Canada, and a testament to the growth of the sport on a global scale. The Cardinals drafted Canadian-born Isaiah Adams last season, and this past offseason, added the country as one of its newest international markets. The CFL is a pass-first league. Instead of four downs, there are three downs to pick up a first, so teams are forced to throw the football early and often. The speed of the game is also much faster than the NFL. Coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis utilize their outside linebackers in a multitude of ways. At times, through various scheme designs and disguises, linebackers drop back into coverage, something Brown didn't do a lot of in Edmonton. "He definitely has a skill set and to start out, mentally, what we ask those guys to do, I don't want to say it's difficult, but there's some rules that they got to know which was a little different for him," Gannon said. "But he's taken to the coaching, and he's really improved with that part of his game." While Brown won't solely rush the passer, that experience in the CFL could serve him well as the Cardinals get set to kick off training camp. Last season, the Cardinals ranked in the bottom 10 in pressure rate and total pressures, although Brown is fighting for a job in a newly-rebuilt and loaded room that includes Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, BJ Ojulari, Baron Browning, Xavier Thomas and draft pick Jordan Burch. When Brown walks into State Farm Stadium for camp, it won't be his first time in the venue. Brown trained in Arizona during the CFL offseason, which takes place during the NFL season. In 2023, he attended a few Cardinals games as a fan. Each time there was a substitution, Brown joked that he'd raise his hand and hoped he'd get subbed in. But the next time, it won't be as a spectator. It will be part of his mission. "I'm here for a reason," Brown said. "As long as I'm performing my purpose and putting the QB in the dirt and perform well on special teams, I'm excited about doing that and making plays."
Edmonton Journal
10 hours ago
- Edmonton Journal
Top-ranked U.S. women cruise to win over Canada in soccer friendly
Article content The American women were coming off back-to-back 4-0 wins over No. 25 Ireland. Article content U.S. coach Emma Hayes made 10 changes to the team that beat Ireland Sunday, essentially reverting to the same starting lineup as in the first Ireland match last Thursday. Forward Lynn Biyendolo was the only holdover. Article content Article content Canada went into Wednesday's contest with a 4-53-9 all-time record against the U.S. in a rivalry that dates back to 1986 when the Canadian women's program was established. The Canadians have not won on American soil since Nov. 11, 2000. Article content In their most recent meeting, last April at the SheBelieves Cup in Columbus, Ohio, the two teams played to a 2-2 draw before the U.S. won a penalty shootout 5-4. The Americans also won by penalty shootout in the game before that, the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal in March 2024. Article content Article content Canada's last win over the U.S. was a 1-0 decision in the Tokyo Olympic semifinal in August 2021. That was the Americans' first loss to their northern neighbours since March 2001, in the group stage of the Algarve Cup. Article content It was 29 C, feeling like 32 C at kickoff for the clash of the last two Olympic champions. Article content The U.S. came out with purpose and Biyendolo, put behind the Canadian defence in the sixth minute, failed to find the target with an attempted chip. Two minutes later, Canada's defence was cut open again with Sheridan stopping Biyendolo's header. Article content After going down 1-0, Canada threatened for the first time in the 20th minute only to see U.S. goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, in just her second senior appearance, deny Jordyn Huitema from in close. Article content Sheridan stopped Alyssa Thompson in the 23rd minute after another Canadian defensive breakdown. Article content Article content The U.S. had 63% possession in the first half and outshot Canada 8-5 (6-2 in shots on target). Article content Early in the second half, the Americans queued up to take a shot on the Canadian goal, winning ball after ball. Article content Stoney sent on Nichelle Prince and Shelina Zadorsky in the 62nd minute. Simi Awujo, Holly Ward, Marie Levasseur and Annabelle Chukwu followed off the Canadian bench. Article content Biyendolo hit the crossbar in the 80th minute as the Canadian defence was found wanting again. Article content Appointed in January, Stoney saw her record with Canada fall to 6-2-1. The lone previous loss was a 1-0 setback April 8 at the hands of No. 32 Argentina in Langford, B.C. — 'a game we should never lose,' said Stoney. Article content
