Francis de Vries explained

Francis de Vries
Birth Date:28 November 1994
Birth Place:Christchurch, New Zealand
Position:Defender
Currentclub:Auckland FC
Clubnumber:15
Youthyears1:–2011
Youthclubs1:Canterbury United
Youthyears2:2012
Youthclubs2:FC Basel
Collegeyears1:2013–2016
College1:Saint Francis Red Flash
Collegecaps1:79
Collegegoals1:15
Years1:2011–2012
Clubs1:Canterbury United
Caps1:1
Goals1:0
Years2:2014–2016
Clubs2:Michigan Bucks
Caps2:32
Goals2:2
Years3:2017
Clubs3:Whitecaps FC 2
Caps3:20
Goals3:0
Years4:2017–2018
Clubs4:Canterbury United
Caps4:15
Goals4:1
Years5:2018
Clubs5:Nyköpings BIS
Caps5:11
Goals5:0
Years6:2019–2023
Clubs6:IFK Värnamo
Caps6:97
Goals6:5
Years7:2023–2024
Clubs7:Eastern Suburbs
Caps7:40
Goals7:7
Years8:2024–
Clubs8:Auckland FC
Caps8:0
Goals8:0
Nationalyears1:2021–
Nationalteam1:New Zealand
Nationalcaps1:5
Nationalgoals1:0
Club-Update:20 March 2024

Francis de Vries (born 28 November 1994) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays for Auckland FC.

Club career

De Vries was initially scouted to attend the APFA Academy in Christchurch, New Zealand under the guidance of professional coaches Giovani Fernandes and Jess Ibrom. The academy had a direct relationship with Chelsea FC as well as a number of professional clubs around the World including FC Basel in Switzerland. De Vries signed with local side Canterbury United, before getting the opportunity to sign a 6-month contract with FC Basel in 2012.[1] Following his release by Basel, De Vries opted to move to the United States to play college soccer at Saint Francis University, where he played for four years and made 79 appearances, scoring 15 goals.[2]

While at college, De Vries played with Premier Development League side Michigan Bucks.[3]

On 13 January 2017, De Vries was selected in the second round (29th overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC.[4] He signed to Whitecaps FC 2 on 16 March 2017.[5]

On 24 November 2017, De Vries signed with ISPS Handa Premiership side Canterbury United FC.[6]

On 21 July 2018, De Vries signed with Nyköpings BIS in the Division 1 Norra.[7]

In January 2019, De Vries joined Division 1 Södra side IFK Värnamo.[8]

On 30 May 2024, De Vries decided he would join Auckland FC.[9]

International career

Born in New Zealand, De Vries is of Dutch and Swiss descent.[10] On 16 November 2021, De Vries made his international debut for New Zealand as a 95th minute substitute in a friendly match against The Gambia.[11]

Honours

IFK Värnamo

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Michigan Bucks' Francis De Vries . Uslpdl.com . 2017-05-17.
  2. Web site: Saint Francis University Red Flash Athletics - Francis De Vries - 2016 . Sfuathletics.com . 2017-05-17.
  3. Web site: Francis De Vries . Uslpdl.com . 2017-01-13 . 2017-05-17 . 4 April 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170404044230/http://www.uslpdl.com/francis-de-vries . dead .
  4. Web site: Whitecaps FC select Francis de Vries in the second round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft | Vancouver Whitecaps FC . Whitecapsfc.com . 1994-11-28 . 2017-05-17.
  5. Web site: Whitecaps FC sign centre back Francis De Vries to WFC2 roster | Vancouver Whitecaps FC . Whitecapsfc.com . 2017-03-17 . 2017-05-17.
  6. Web site: Canterbury United sign promising defender Francis De Vries as pro football career stalls . stuff.co.nz . 2017-11-24 . 2017-11-27.
  7. Web site: Francis de Vries klar för Nyköping. svenskalag.se . 2018-07-21 . 2018-07-22.
  8. Web site: 'Is it real?': Francis de Vries helps tiny Swedish club reach top-flight status . Stuff . 13 November 2021 . 12 December 2021.
  9. Web site: Auckland FC unveil first signings ahead of debut season. Auckland FC. 30 May 2024.
  10. Web site: Cranford . Aaron . 2 August 2016 . Michigan Bucks' Francis De Vries . USL League Two.
  11. Web site: Three wins in a row for the All Whites after 2-0 victory over The Gambia . NZ Football . 17 November 2021 . 12 December 2021.