Ex-Bantams youngster Elliot Goldthorp drafted by Vancouver

The 22-year-old midfielder joined Vancouver Whitecaps in the annual draft – where clubs select the best college players.

Goldthorp, who once scored a winning penalty at Valley Parade against Everton under-21s, has been in sensational form playing for Hofstra University in Long Island.

He scored 25 goals with 21 assists in 43 appearances over the past two seasons – and topped the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) with 15 assists this year.

Vancouver Whitecaps announce Eliot Goldthorp's signing (Image: Twitter)

He had previously been named the Coastal Athletic Association’s most outstanding player and became the first footballer from Hofstra to receive the prestigious US coaches first-team all-American accolade.

Leeds-born Goldthorp has been on the books of the Sports Recruiting USA talent programme, run by Keighley coach Chris Cousins.

And his performances in the college game came to the attention of Vancouver, who made him their second-round pick in the draft – the 45th player overall to be selected by an MLS side.

Goldthorp played four times for City as a teenager in the 2018-2019 season, starting two games.

David Hopkin handed him his debut at 17, coming off the bench to replace Jim O’Brien just before the hour point against Everton’s academy side in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The game went to penalties after a 1-1 draw – with the youngster slotting home the decisive spot-kick.

“Elliot is way beyond his years for a young kid,” said an impressed Hopkin afterwards.

“He showed a lot of composure for a 17-year-old. Some of his passing was great.

“To come on and score the winning penalty was fantastic. He’ll probably not sleep tonight because he’ll be delighted.

“As a young player, you always remember your first goal. It’s a great memory.”

Goldthorp made his first start in the next Trophy game at home to Oldham, playing the full game.

He made his league debut as a late sub in a pre-Christmas win against Stuart McCall’s Scunthorpe.

Goldthorp also came off the bench as City beat Accrington on New Year’s Day 2019.

Elliot Goldthorp on his last City appearance in January 2019 (Image: Thomas Gadd)

He was released by the Bantams at the end of the following season after several non-league loans and went on to play for a spell at Farsley before heading for America to play college football in 2021.

After scoring four goals and providing two assists for Old Dominion University in Virginia, Goldthorp transferred to Hofstra – and now the MLS beckons.

He is not the first Vancouver Whitecaps player with City connections.

Valley Parade goal-scoring legend Bobby Campbell had a 13-game spell with the Canadian club the year before signing at Valley Parade.

Terry Yorath joined City following two seasons at Vancouver and Andy O’Brien played 50 games for the Whitecaps at the end of his career.