Kensho Ando Committed to 2022 Men's Roster

Victoria, BC - Victoria Highlanders FC announced the commitment of returning player Kensho Ando to the 2022 L1BC Men's Roster. 

Ando first joined the Highlanders in 2019 after a partnership agreement with Japanese professional club Grulla Morioka. Grulla currently play in the J2 League and in January 2019 the Highlanders made an affiliation agreement to partner with the club on player exchanges.

"I'm excited to be returning to play in Victoria with the Highlanders," commented Ando. "I want to play professionally in Canada so my time at UNBC and Highlanders is important to achieve those goals. My background and experience in Japan are different and I need to continue to develop my game in Canada as it is more physical and tactical. I really love that part of the learning and am looking forward to this season."

Ando will be reuniting with Steve Simonson, who is the Head Coach of UNBC Timberwolves and will be taking the reigns of the Highlanders inaugural L1BC season. The Tokyo born player is a creative attacking midfielder that will add depth and technical awareness to the Highlanders.

"Kensho has earned a reputation as a top midfielder in Canada West. He was a standout at UNBC, voted mvp of the team, and earned male athlete of the year honours this past season at the school," stated Head Coach Steve Simonson. "On the field he is a tenacious defender in the middle of the park, and a true team player. As a team mate he is incredibly well liked and I think will be a bit of a fan favourite this summer."

Ando becomes the second men's player to commit to the upcoming L1BC season, after Isaac Koch was announced only a few days ago. The Highlanders men and women begin play away from home against the Vancouver Whitecaps reserves on May 22nd, before hosting their Home Opener on June 5th against the same Whitecaps at Centennial Stadium (UVIC.) 

Welcome, Kensho!