Hamilton, Ont. — For the first time in McMaster's men's soccer program history, the Marauders had two members of the team drafted in the same year to the Canadian Premier League (CPL).
Matthew Paiva (Georgetown, Ont.)
Paiva, a first-year communications major, was drafted third overall to the Halifax Wanderers FC. The 6'1 defender had a very strong rookie season with McMaster as he started in 11 games and scored two game winning goals. For his effort, Paiva was named to the OUA All-Star First Team and the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team.
Paiva joins the Wanderers who are entering their sixth season in the CPL. The Wonderers are coming off a sixth-place finish, just missing the playoffs during the 2024 season. The team has a young nucleus and are looking to take a step forward this season. The 20-year-old Paiva will fit right in with the direction of Halifax and has great potential to be a big part of their future.
Wanderers Head Coach, Patrice Gheisar, is confident in the pick, "Matthew is a young defender with all the tools to play in the Wanderers system…He made an immediate impact at McMaster this season with his strong technical and athletic abilities…"
Paul Ekwueme (Hamilton, Ont.)
Ekwueme, the second year Hamilton native, was drafted seventh overall to Forge FC. During Ekwueme's time with the Marauders, the 6'0 midfielder has been a solid member in both seasons of play. The business major has started in 21 games over the last two seasons.
Ekwueme joins his hometown team, Forge FC. Forge has been a dynamic team in the CPL since the start of the league in 2019. Forge lost in the championship match last season and are looking to get back there during the 2025 season. Ekwueme will be a strong fit for Forge as he is a poised player with tactical positioning and could slot into the lineup in the future.
Forge FC's head coach, Bobby Smyrniotis, is proud to draft the hometown player, "We're thrilled to welcome
Paul Ekwueme to Forge FC with our first-round pick in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft. Having a player from right here in Hamilton, someone who has grown through our local development pathway with Hamilton United and shone at McMaster University, is a testament to the vision we have for this club. Paul's journey embodies everything we strive for—local talent, hard work, and a connection to the roots of the game in this city. We're excited to see him take the next step with Forge FC."
Draft Information:
The 2025 CPL-U SPORTS live draft presented by Degree took place on Thursday evening. 16 players were selected and each of these players will hope to secure a developmental contract to their respective teams for the upcoming season.
Round 1: CPL - U SPORTS Draft Picks
1.Valour FC-Jevontae Layne-TMU Bold
2. Vancouver FC- Henri Godbout-UBC Thunderbirds
3. HFX Wanderers FC-Matthew Paiva-McMaster Marauders
4. Pacific FC-Niklas Hallam-Toronto Varsity Blues
5. York United FC-Luca Accettola-York University
6. Atlético Ottawa-Jason Hartill-Cape Breton University
7. Forge FC-Paul Ekwueme-McMaster Marauders
8. Cavalry FC-Harvey Hughes-Cape Breton Capers
Round 2: CPL - U SPORTS Draft Picks
9. Valour FC-Ibrahim Chami-McGill Redbirds
10. Vancouver FC-Mehdi Essoussi-Toronto Varsity Blues
11. HFX Wanderers FC-Joven Mann- UBC Thunderbirds
12. Pacific FC-Fin Tugwell-Victoria Vikes
13. York United FC-Matthew Fischer-York Lions
14. Atlético Ottawa-Adam N'Goran-Carleton Ravens
15. Forge FC-Maxime Filion-Montreal Carabins
16. Cavalry FC-Owen Antoniuk-Calgary Dinos
