When free agent midfielder Elliot Simmons became the second player to sign with the fledgling Vancouver FC in December of 2022, both he and head coach Afshin Ghotbi were effusive.
Ghotbi said he expected Simmons to play a “key role in our squad this season, thanks to his familiarity with the competition and his proven growth each year since he returned to Canada.”
Ghotbi described Simmons as “a well-regarded player around the league,”
Simmons was “excited” to join VFC for its first season in the Canadian Premier League, saying “I believe in what Afshin and [owner] Rob Friend are building here and I can’t wait to help the team make an impact in the league from the get-go.”
Simmons made 26 appearances and registered one assist for the Eagles during their first season, but had yet to make an appearance for VFC in 2024.
In an online interview posted to the vancouverfc.canpl.ca website in February of this year, Simmons said he was looking forward to his second season with the team, saying “I’m learning new stuff, and always trying to add stuff to my game. I’m really excited for the season coming up.”
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On Tuesday, May 28, an announcement by the team said “the club has parted ways with midfielder Elliot Simmons by means of mutual termination effective immediately.”
“On behalf of everyone at VFC, we would like to thank Elliot for all of his contributions to the club over our historic inaugural season,” Ghotbi said.
“Elliot was a key feature in our midfield with his work ethic, passion, and experience in the CPL bringing a positive impact every day.”
Simmons, 26, is one of the founding players of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), initially representing Halifax Wanderers FC in 2019 before joining the Calgary-area Cavalry from 2020 to 2022.
On Aug. 19, 2023, Simmons joined the CPL’s Centurion Club by making his 100th career appearance across all competitions in VFC’s 3-2 home derby victory against Pacific FC.
“We wish Elliot all the best for his family and his future endeavours,” said Ghotbi.
Simmons, the team said, has returned to England “to be with his family at this time.”
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