Owen Graham-Roache, CF Montreal Attacker #35’s Secret Superpower Will Make You Rethink Soccer (and Your Snack Choices)
You watch a young striker step onto the pitch, wearing number 35 for CF Montréal, and you just know you’re seeing someone at the beginning of something exciting. Owen Graham-Roache, born in Montreal in 2008, already made the jump from the club’s academy to the first team.
At only 17, he’s grabbed a professional contract and a spot in Major League Soccer’s tough environment.
You follow his journey from the Rapides de LaSalle to the CF Montréal Academy in 2020. His scoring touch stood out right away. He bagged eight goals with the U18 side during the 2024–2025 MLS NEXT season. Those goals weren’t just stats—they showed his consistency and calmness in front of goal.
Now, he’s up against stronger defenders, adjusting to the speed, and figuring out how to make an impact at the top level.
He seems like a player who gets timing, positioning, and what’s expected of him as an attacker. With his size—183 cm and 84 kg—he brings enough physical presence to hold off challenges. His right foot is definitely his main weapon.
Watching his progress at CF Montréal gives you a sense of how a local talent can climb the ladder and make a name in pro soccer. If you’re curious, you can learn more about Owen Graham-Roache and see how his career is unfolding.
Contents
Player Overview
Here’s a young forward who stepped into the pro game with CF Montréal after spending years in the academy. He’s got local roots but also some international youth experience with Canada, so he’s not lacking in competitive exposure.
Personal Information
Owen Graham-Roache was born on February 11, 2008 in Montreal, Canada. At 17, he’s already signed his first pro contract with CF Montréal.
He started out at Rapides de LaSalle, the local club, before joining Montréal’s academy in 2020.
He’s played for the Canadian U17 national team, picking up valuable minutes against top youth talent from other countries. That early international experience probably explains why he looks so composed on the field, even at his age.
He didn’t go the college route, instead moving straight through the academy into the pro ranks. That’s becoming more common for top MLS prospects who want to focus on pro development instead of the NCAA.
Key Details:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 11, 2008 |
| Birthplace | Montreal, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | Not publicly listed |
| Youth Club(s) | Rapides de LaSalle, CF Montréal Academy |
Position and Playing Style
You’ll usually catch Graham-Roache as a striker or centre-forward—he’s played that role since his academy days. His game is all about smart movement in the box, finding gaps between defenders, and finishing with accuracy.
During the 2024-2025 MLS NEXT season, he scored eight goals for CF Montréal’s U18 team. He also played a big part in helping the U15s reach the MLS NEXT Cup final in 2023.
He’s not just a classic target man. He mixes quick runs behind defenders with the ability to drop deeper and link up play. That versatility lets him fit into different tactical setups at CF Montréal.
Squad Role and Number
Graham-Roache wears #35 for CF Montréal’s first team. You’ll probably see him getting minutes in league matches as the coaches work him into senior play.
His two-year guaranteed deal runs through 2026, with club options until 2029. That gives him plenty of time to develop.
As a homegrown signing, he takes up a roster spot that’s good for the club under MLS rules. It also shows the club believes in him.
He might not start every game right away, but his role should grow as he gets used to the pace and physical side of MLS. For now, he adds depth in attack and brings some youthful energy late in games.
You can check out more about his signing and contract on the CF Montréal official site.
Early Life and Youth Career
Owen Graham-Roache grew up in an environment that valued both education and sport. That’s a big part of how his path to pro soccer started.
His early years in Montreal shaped his playing style and competitive mindset. Structured youth programs gave him the foundation for his rise to CF Montréal’s first team.
Birthplace and Background
Graham-Roache’s story starts in Montreal, Canada, where he was born on February 11, 2008. Growing up in a city with strong soccer culture meant he was always surrounded by chances to play and get better.
He went to local schools and balanced academics with a growing focus on soccer. His family really supported him, signing him up for competitive youth leagues early on.
Montreal’s mix of playing styles gave him a lot of variety. That helped him adapt quickly to new challenges on the pitch.
By his early teens, local scouts had started to notice his finishing and work rate.
Development in Montreal
You can trace his development back to Rapides de LaSalle, a respected youth club in Montreal. That’s where he started sharpening his skills as a forward—learning about positioning, timing, and moving off the ball.
He often played against older, tougher defenders, which forced him to get better at physical play and quick decisions. Training included technical drills and match simulations, so he built a balanced skill set.
By 2020, he was standing out in regional competitions. Coaches liked how he scored regularly and connected play in the attacking third. That mix of qualities made him a clear prospect for the next level.
CF Montréal Academy Journey
In 2020, Graham-Roache joined the CF Montréal Academy from Rapides de LaSalle. The academy’s pro environment really sped up his development, with better training and experienced coaches.
He moved up through the age groups, scoring 8 goals with the U18 team during the 2024–2025 MLS NEXT season. Before that, he helped the U15s reach the MLS NEXT Cup final in 2023.
| Season | Team Level | Goals | Competitions Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | U18 | 8 | MLS NEXT |
| 2023 | U15 | N/A | MLS NEXT Cup Final |
His success in the academy led to a pro contract on February 5, 2025. That secured his spot with the CF Montréal first team as a homegrown player.
You can keep up with his progress on his official CF Montréal profile.
Professional Career at CF Montréal
You’re looking at a young forward who moved up fast after years in the academy. His journey from youth competitions to the pro stage shows steady progress and consistent performances, both at home and internationally.
First Team Promotion
Owen Graham-Roache signed his first pro contract with CF Montréal on February 5, 2025. At 17, he joined as a Homegrown player for the 2025 and 2026 MLS seasons, with club options through 2029.
He built the foundation for this step in the academy, which he joined in 2020 after Rapides de LaSalle. His eight goals for the U18 team in the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season showed off his finishing skills.
He also picked up experience abroad, training with Bologna FC’s academy in late 2024. Along with his national team call-up for Canada’s U17 squad, that made him a promising addition to the senior roster.
Debut and Appearances
You probably kept an eye on his early senior minutes. Graham-Roache made his first-team debut in early 2025, coming off the bench in MLS matches.
His first outings were short, letting him get used to the league’s speed and physicality.
The coaches used him mainly as a central forward, letting him work in and around the penalty area. As the season went on, he saw more matchday involvement. That showed the staff’s growing trust in him.
Here’s a quick look at his early stats:
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | MLS | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 178 |
These numbers show he’s still finding his feet, but the coaches already trust him in key moments.
Performance in MLS
In his first months at the MLS level, you caught glimpses of his academy form. His off-the-ball movement opened up space for teammates, and at 6’0″ and 187 lbs, he held up play under pressure.
His passing in the final third stood out, even if he hasn’t scored yet. He picked up an assist in his third league appearance, showing off his vision and timing.
While his role stayed limited at first, his mix of physical tools, technical skill, and youth national team experience suggests he could grow into a regular for CF Montréal. If he gets consistent minutes and adapts to MLS demands, who knows how far he’ll go?
International Experience
You can see the value in a young player getting minutes against high-level competition early on. Owen Graham-Roache already tested himself in international matches and big youth tournaments, giving him a foundation that goes beyond just club play.
Canada U17 National Team
Graham-Roache played for the Canada U17 national team, representing his country in competitive fixtures. At 17, he’s already faced opponents from top footballing nations. That kind of experience sharpens his decision-making and composure under pressure.
As a forward, he stretched defenses, created space, and finished chances in tight spots. These matches made him adapt quickly to different tactical systems—a skill that serves him well with CF Montréal.
Here’s a quick look at his U17 national team record:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Friendly Matches | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Playing in these games showed he can handle the pace and physical side of international youth soccer.
MLS NEXT Cup Participation
Before joining CF Montréal’s first team, Graham-Roache helped the club’s U15 squad reach the MLS NEXT Cup final in 2023. You could see his impact in attack, where his movement created scoring chances and kept defenders guessing.
The MLS NEXT Cup brings together the best academy teams in North America, so every game was a test. Graham-Roache stood out for his work rate and how he linked up with midfielders in transition.
His goal contributions in that tournament, plus his eight-goal season for the U18s in 2024-2025, show steady progress. That path from youth competition to the pro level doesn’t happen without real performance at every stage.
Playing Attributes and Statistics
You get a pretty clear idea of Owen Graham-Roache when you look at how his size, skill set, and production fit into CF Montréal’s system. His frame, movement, and finishing ability really pop for someone his age. Those early numbers? They hint at steady development in MLS competition.
Physical Profile
At just 17, Graham-Roache stands 183 cm tall and has a lean, athletic build that works well for a centre-forward. His frame lets him shield the ball against defenders, but he still moves with agility in tight spaces.
You’ll notice his stride is long and efficient, so he covers ground quickly and doesn’t waste much motion. He’s not the fastest guy out there, but his quick acceleration over the first few steps helps him separate inside the box.
He uses upper-body strength to hold off challenges, especially when he’s got his back to goal and needs to receive a pass. That makes him a reliable target for midfielders under pressure.
His conditioning keeps him active late into matches. That’s a big deal for pressing from the front. Since joining CF Montréal’s Academy from Rapides de LaSalle in 2020, he’s shown physical maturity that’s ahead of most of his peers.
Key Statistics
Graham-Roache joined CF Montréal’s first team in February 2025. He’s started picking up minutes in both MLS and cup play.
His best youth season came in 2024-25 MLS NEXT, when he scored 8 goals for the U18 side.
Here’s a quick look at his recent numbers:
| Season | Team/Level | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played | Cards (Y/R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | CF Montréal U18 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 1,050 | 1/0 |
| 2025 | CF Montréal (MLS) | 6 | 1 | 0 | 210 | 0/0 |
He’s still adjusting to the speed and physicality of MLS, but those youth stats show he knows how to find the net. I’d expect his minutes to go up as he gets more comfortable with senior-level defending.
Notable Strengths
Graham-Roache shows real composure in front of goal, especially for his age. He doesn’t rush his shots and often takes that extra touch to set up a cleaner strike.
He reads defensive lines well. Timing his runs, he stays onside and creates high-quality chances. Sometimes you wonder how he slipped in behind so easily.
His link-up play stands out too. He’ll drop into midfield to connect passes, then spin into space for the return ball. Defenders don’t always know whether to follow or hold their line, which opens up passing lanes for teammates.
Off the ball, his work rate is impressive. He presses with purpose, cutting off passing angles instead of just chasing around, which really fits CF Montréal’s tactical style.
For a young forward, these are promising traits. He looks like someone who can play in multiple attacking roles, whether as a lone striker or in a two-forward setup.
You can check out more details on his CF Montréal profile and Transfermarkt stats.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Owen Graham-Roache moved up quickly from CF Montréal’s academy to the first team. He landed a pro contract before turning 18.
His performances in the MLS NEXT program and early senior minutes have started to catch the eye of both local and national media.
Media Coverage
You’ve probably seen his name pop up in Canadian soccer headlines since CF Montréal announced his homegrown signing for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with options through 2029. Outlets like MLS Soccer and La Presse covered the deal in detail, pointing out his rise from the Rapides de LaSalle program to the club’s academy in 2020.
Local coverage highlighted his eight goals with the U18s during the 2024–2025 MLS NEXT season. That production set him apart and made him one of Montréal’s most promising young attackers.
You’ll also notice his profile gaining traction on global databases like Transfermarkt. His market value already sits at €150k, which isn’t something you see every day for a teenager still finding his footing in senior soccer.
Potential and Expectations
Graham-Roache probably won’t get thrown straight into MLS action, but his scoring record really jumps off the page. At just 17, he already shows better pace, positioning, and finishing in tight spaces than most of his Canadian peers.
He’ll need steady minutes to keep growing, and how he handles the league’s physical side will matter a lot. CF Montréal clearly believes in his upside, judging by those long-term contract options.
Key Early Career Stats
| Season | Team | Competition | Goals | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | CF Montréal U18 | MLS NEXT | 8 | 18 |
| 2025 | CF Montréal (Senior) | MLS | 0 | 3 |
If he keeps trending upward, maybe he’ll break into Canada’s U20 or even the senior team in the next couple of years. His journey looks a lot like other homegrown strikers who’ve climbed from the academy to the international stage.
