By Farhan Devji/whitecapsfc.com
Doudou Toure
was born in Rosso, Mauritania, moved to The Gambia at the age of two, then Atlanta, Georgia, as a 13-year-old. Today, however, he is a proud member of Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
"We moved so that we could have a better life," Toure told whitecapsfc.com. "In Africa, it’s very tough, so our parents just wanted to give us an opportunity to be the best that we can be."
Toure, 18, joined the Whitecaps Residency program this season and made his debut in style, as he recorded Vancouver's lone goal in their opening match of the inaugural Coast Capital Cup preseason tournament, as the Whitecaps drew 1-1 with local rivals Abbotsford Mariners on April 30. After making his United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) regular season debut during a season-opening 3-2 defeat at Victoria Highlanders FC on May 8, Toure scored twice in a 3-3 draw with Abbotsford on May 14 before striking the match winner in a 1-0 victory at Yakima Reds FC on Thursday night. "I love Vancouver," said the tall and speedy striker. "I like the team, I like the players, and I'm starting to get comfortable."
Although Toure is starting to find his place with the Whitecaps, he was nearly a member of their future opposition. In 2007, Toure was offered a four-year developmental contract by Major League Soccer (MLS) club FC Dallas. "I was 16, came from high school, worked very hard in the off-season, and went there and made the team,” said Toure, whose two brothers play college soccer in the United States. "They presented the MLS my papers and they said they didn’t recognize me in the system, but it’s all right. That’s in the past. I’m looking forward to the future. Everything happens for a reason."
Instead, he ended up in Mexico's second-tier Liga de Ascenso with the reserve side of Club de Futbol Monterrey (Monterrey II), where he appeared in half of the team's league matches and helped the club's U-18 side win the Copa Chivas tournament in 2009. It was an opportunity that Toure took full advantage of. "It was fun," the striker said. "I got to work with the top players when I was there. It was a learning experience."
Clearly, having lived in five countries and two different continents, Toure is a seasoned traveller. But his travels have not always been easy. "I had a Mauritanian passport, so it was very hard to get into any country," he said. "Anytime I get to immigration, it’s a hassle."
Case in point, Toure was unable to travel with the Residency squad when they journeyed to Germany to compete in the Stemwede International U-19 Youth Tournament in May. Instead, he joined the men’s side, and has not looked back since.
Toure made his Whitecaps men’s team debut on May 26 in a 1-1 draw with Montreal Impact in this year's Nutrilite Canadian Championship. After replacing midfielder
Justin Moose
on 64 minutes, the Mauritanian did just about everything but score. He then made his first start as a member of the men’s team on May 29 in a 2-1 defeat to Rochester Rhinos. Since then, Toure has split his time between the men’s team and the Residency squad, but he’s not complaining. "I’m having a great time," he said. "I’m here to make a difference and learn as much as I can. I’m trying to play hard every day, so I can make the next squad for the MLS season."
Toure might need to get his hands on a Canadian passport as well because if his early play with the 'Caps has been any indication, he may just get his wish.
