The FTF Halifax Regional Combine touched down at Wickwire Pitch on Friday, June 26th to Sunday, June 28th, and the talent on display made for an unforgettable weekend! Athletes opened things up with a hands-on testing session – running through the 40-yard dash, 5-10-5 agility drill and vertical jump – to put their athleticism on full display right out of the gate. From there, the focus turned to the pitch, where players squared off in high-level matchups in front of college coaches scouting from across North America. Every match became a stage to showcase composure, skill, and game IQ, with eyes on them both courtside and through the livestream feed. It was a weekend full of breakout moments, and we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on the standout performers below:
Overall MVP – Kyrkos Theoharopoulos | CDM/CM | HFX Wanderers | 2027 Grad
Kyrkos Theoharopoulos is a composed midfield engine for the HFX Wanderers who operates effectively as both a defensive midfielder and central midfielder. He stands out for his ability to control tempo in the middle of the pitch, consistently linking play under pressure and keeping possession moving forward. His passing range is a key strength, capable of switching play across the field or threading progressive passes through tight spaces. He brings balance and stability to the midfield, acting as a connector between defense and attack.
Goalkeeper MVP – Rowan Sanson | GK | Halifax Hotspurs | 2028 Grad
Rowan Sanson is a goalkeeper with a strong physical presence and a big frame that helps him command his area. He stands out for his shot-stopping ability, reacting quickly to close-range chances and making himself difficult to beat in one-on-one situations. His size allows him to cover goal effectively, especially when dealing with high shots and crosses into the box. As he continues to develop, his presence in goal gives the Halifax Hotspurs a reliable last line of defense.
Defender MVP – Ethan Anthony | CB/CDM | UDFC | 2028 Grad
Ethan Anthony is a composed centre back who is comfortable stepping into midfield as a CDM when needed. He stands out for his calmness in possession, consistently making clean decisions under pressure and helping his team build from the back. Tactically, he reads the game well, often anticipating danger early and positioning himself to break up play efficiently. His versatility and understanding of space make him a reliable presence in both defensive and midfield phases.
Midfielder MVP – Chidi Agu | CDM/CB | FDSA | 2027 Grad
Chidi Agu is a defensive midfielder who excels at breaking up opposition attacks and disrupting play in key areas of the pitch. He consistently reads the game well, stepping in to win tackles and intercept passes before danger develops. Comfortable also dropping into centre back when needed, he provides added defensive stability and structure. His work rate and timing in challenges make him an important shield in front of the back line.
Attacker MVP – Elia Odongo | RW | Inter Halifax | 2028 Grad
Elia Odongo is a dynamic right winger who constantly looks to stretch defences with his pace and movement in behind. He thrives when attacking space, timing his runs well to get in behind the back line and create dangerous chances. His direct style makes him a constant outlet in transition, especially when his team looks to break quickly. With his ability to threaten from wide areas, he adds an attacking edge to Inter Halifax’s frontline.
Young Player MVP – Phoenix Laba | CM/CAM | Suburban FC | 2029 Grad
Phoenix Laba is a versatile central midfielder who can operate both as a CM and in an advanced CAM role. He shows strong potential with his ability to link play between the lines and find creative solutions in tight spaces. Comfortable on the ball, he helps his team maintain possession while also looking to progress play forward. As he continues to develop, his technical ability and vision make him an exciting long-term prospect for Suburban FC.
First Team All-Combine:
GK – Rowan Sanson | GK | Halifax Hotspurs | 2028 Grad
DEF – Linden van den Heuvel | RB/CB | Fundy SC | 2027 Grad
DEF – Ethan Anthony | CB/CDM | UDFC | 2028 Grad
DEF – Jaxson Mitchell | LB | Halifax Hotspurs | 2028 Grad
MID – Kyrkos Theoharopoulos | CDM/CM | HFX Wanderers | 2027 Grad
MID – Chidi Agu | CDM/CB | FDSA | 2027 Grad
MID – Phoenix Laba | CM/CAM | Suburban FC | 2029 Grad
MID – Raphael Plourde | CAM | N/A | 2028 Grad
FWD – Elia Odongo | RW | Inter Halifax | 2028 Grad
FWD – Ahmed Al Rasheed | RW | Suburban FC | 2027 Grad
FWD – Uchinvyo Kaziya | RW | NBHPA | 2027 Grad
Second Team All-Combine:
GK – Gage Hill | GK | FSA | 2027 Grad
DEF – Xavier Laba | CB | Suburban FC | 2027 Grad
DEF – Sohail Nait el Caid | LB | Halifax County United | 2029 Grad
DEF – Max Ceppi | CB | Ottawa Internationals | 2027 Grad
MID – Dylan Nickerson | CM | Suburban FC | 2027 Grad
MID – Orrin Kelday | CAM | Valley United | 2029 Grad
FWD – Jacob Rogers | RW | Storm u15 AAA | 2030 Grad
FWD – Jace Hiltz | RW | Suburban FC | 2027 Grad
FWD – Landon Kenney | LW | South Shore United | 2028 Grad
FWD – Keegan Fougere Beltuik | LW | UDFC | 2027 Grad
FWD – Bruno Taveira Boza | ST | FDSA | 2027 Grad
All Combine – Honorable Mentions:
Justin Taylor | GK | Suburban FC | 2028 Grad
Antonio Gouthro | CB | FSA Storm | 2028 Grad
