Richmond FC soccer product Riley Pang is part of Simon Fraser University’s 2016 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-3 striker with U18 Fusion FC of the B.C. Premier Soccer League and the Richmond Hibernians of the Vancouver Metro Soccer League premier division officially committed to the Burnaby Mountain men’s program last week, joining Coquitlam’s Sam Lee.
"We make an effort to go out and watch BC kids to build relationships with them and their families," said SFU head coach Clint Schneider. "Sam and Riley are both terrific kids who come from fantastic families. They will fit our culture because they are both focused on school and soccer.”
Pang is winding down his Grade 12 year at Steveston-London Secondary School. Besides his development with Richmond FC and Fusion, he also spent some time with the Whitecaps Residency Program and attended a national U15 development camp.
"Riley is physically ready for college soccer and already starts and plays minutes in a men's league," said Schneider. "He has all of the tools to make an impact straight away."
Schneider adds Pang fits the style of play he wants showcase.
“Riley is fantastic in the air, very strong with his back to the goal, and he can finish," he said. “Plus, he has a very high soccer IQ.”
SFU is Canada's only university competing in NCAA, and since joining Division II in 2010, the Clan has compiled a win-loss-draw record of 95-15-10 with two Final Four appearances in the NCAA national championship tournament (2012 and 2013). In 2011 the Clan was ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Division II national polls but the university was ineligible for post-season play.
The Clan finished with a 10-3-4 overall record in 2015 and was second in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference at 9-2-3.
