Liam Fraser
{{Short description|Canadian soccer player (born 1988)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Liam Fraser
| fullname = Liam Scott Fraser{{cite web |url=https://fdp.fifa.org/assetspublic/ce44/pdf/SquadLists-English.pdf |title=FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Squad list: Canada (CAN) |publisher=FIFA |page=6 |date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022}}
| image = Liam Fraser TFC cropped.png
| caption = Fraser playing for Toronto FC in 2020
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1998|2|13}}
| birth_place = Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| height = {{convert|1.85|m|abbr=on}}
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub = Crawley Town
| clubnumber = 10
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Waterloo United
| youthyears2 =
| youthclubs2 = Peace Arch AC
| youthyears3 =
| youthclubs3 = Surrey Guildford
| youthyears4 =
| youthclubs4 = Vancouver Whitecaps FC
| youthyears5 = 2013–2016
| youthclubs5 = Toronto FC
| clubs1 = Toronto FC III
| years1 = 2015
| caps1 = 8
| goals1 = 1
| clubs2 = Toronto FC II
| years2 = 2015–2019
| caps2 = 64
| goals2 = 2
| clubs3 = Toronto FC
| years3 = 2018–2021
| caps3 = 34
| goals3 = 0
| clubs4 = → Columbus Crew (loan)
| years4 = 2021
| caps4 = 23
| goals4 = 0
| clubs5 = Deinze
| years5 = 2022–2023
| caps5 = 36
| goals5 = 0
| clubs6 = FC Dallas
| years6 = 2023–2024
| caps6 = 25
| goals6 = 1
| clubs7 = Crawley Town
| years7 = 2025–
| caps7 = 16
| goals7 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2016–2017
| nationalteam1 = Canada U20
| nationalcaps1 = 8
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2019–
| nationalteam2 = Canada
| nationalcaps2 = 19
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| pcupdate = May 3, 2025
| ntupdate = July 9, 2023
}}
Liam Scott Fraser (born February 13, 1998) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Crawley Town and the Canada national team.
Club career
=Early career=
He began playing youth soccer with Waterloo United, Peach Arch AC, and Surrey Guildford.{{Cite web|url=https://canadasoccer.com/news/canada-soccer-announce-squad-for-fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022/|title=Canada Soccer announces squad for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022|date=November 12, 2022|work=Canadian Soccer Association}}
Fraser was part of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency program until January 2013, when he moved to Toronto FC. Fraser was critical of the Whitecaps organization and cited a lack of opportunity as the main reason for his switch.{{cite news |title=Liam Fraser bides his time with TFC but believes he is ready for more |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/liam-fraser-bides-time-tfc-believes-ready/ |agency=Canadian Press |publisher=Sportsnet |date=October 23, 2019}}
He represented TFC Academy in both League1 Ontario and the Premier Development League in 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://old.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=917112&SPID=157010&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210773891&DB_OEM_ID=32800|title=Fraser Looks for Consistency in Toronto|date=March 5, 2016|work=United Soccer League}}
=Toronto FC II=
In 2015, Fraser was later called up to represent affiliate club Toronto FC II, and went on to make 10 appearances during the 2015 USL season. On June 6, 2015, Fraser made his professional debut in a 0–0 draw with Harrisburg City Islanders.{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/liam-fraser/406892/|title=Canada – L. Fraser – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway|website=us.soccerway.com|access-date=March 25, 2016}}
He signed his first professional contract on February 9, 2016, when he joined Toronto FC II on a permanent basis ahead of the 2016 USL season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.torontofc.ca/players/liam-fraser|title=Liam Fraser|publisher=Toronto FC|access-date=March 25, 2016}} In 2017, amongst rumours that he would sign a first team deal with Toronto FC, Fraser was listed #15 in the USL's annual 20 Under 20 list.{{cite web|url=https://www.wakingthered.com/toronto-fc/2017/3/15/14927282/viareggio-cup-captain-liam-fraser-could-be-toronto-fc-next-homegrown-signing-mls|title=Viareggio Cup captain Liam Fraser could be Toronto FC's next homegrown signing|website=Red Nation Online|date=March 15, 2017|author=James Grossi}}{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/815666?referrer_id=2333971|title=USL 20 Under 20 – No. 11 through No. 15|website=USL Soccer|date=July 20, 2017}} During the 2017 offseason, Fraser would train with Danish club HB Køge.{{cite web|url=https://www.wakingthered.com/2017/11/8/16624786/toronto-fc-news-tfc-ii-denmark-aiden-daniels-liam-fraser-luca-uccello-malik-johnson|title=TFC II send four on training stint to Denmark|website=Waking The Red|author=James Grossi|date=November 12, 2017}} Upon completion of the 2017 season, Toronto FC II would exercise the option on Fraser's contract for the 2018 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/12/04/toronto-fc-ii-announce-roster-moves|title=Toronto FC II announce roster moves|website=Toronto FC|date=December 4, 2017}}
=Toronto FC=
He signed with Toronto FC as a homegrown player on January 19, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2018/01/19/toronto-fc-sign-liam-fraser|title = Toronto FC sign Liam Fraser | Toronto FC}} On April 14, 2018, Fraser made his debut for the first team, in a Major League Soccer game against the Colorado Rapids. Fraser would have his option for the 2020 season exercised by Toronto, keeping him with the club for 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2019/11/21/toronto-fc-announces-roster-decisions-conclude-2019-season|title=Toronto FC announces roster decisions to conclude 2019 season|website=Toronto FC|date=November 21, 2019}}
On May 3, 2021, Fraser was loaned to fellow MLS side Columbus Crew SC for the remainder of the 2021 season, with Toronto receiving $50,000 of General Allocation Money.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/columbus-crew-acquire-liam-fraser-on-loan-from-toronto-fc|title=Columbus Crew acquire Liam Fraser on loan from Toronto FC|first=Tom|last=Bogert|work=Major League Soccer|date=May 3, 2021}}
=Deinze=
In January 2022, Fraser joined Belgian First Division B side Deinze on a two-and-a-half-year deal.{{cite web|url=https://kmskdeinze.be/nieuws/2022/01/de-eerste-wintertransfer-is-er-canadese-liam-fraser-tekent-een-contract-van-2-5-seizoenen|date=January 18, 2022|title=De Eerste Wintertransfer is er:Canadese Liam Fraser Tekent een contract van 2,5 seizoenen|trans-title=The first winter transfer is here: Canadian Liam Fraser Signs a 2.5 Season Contract|work=Deinze|language=Dutch}} He made his debut for the club on February 9 against Westerlo.{{Cite web|url=https://kmskdeinze.be/seizoen/competitie/wedstrijd/563/kvc-westerlo-kmsk-deinze|title=Wedstrijdverslag|trans-title=Match report|language=Dutch|work=K.M.S.K. Deinze|date=February 9, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20220209_97063433|title=Westerlo krijgt nieuwe nederlaag aangesmeerd door zwarte beest Deinze|trans-title=Westerlo gets another defeat smeared by black beast Deinze|language=Dutch|date=February 9, 2022|first=Kersten|last=Steurbaut|work=Gazet van Antwerpen}}
=Dallas=
In August 2023, Fraser transferred to Major League Soccer club FC Dallas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fcdallas.com/news/fc-dallas-sign-canadian-international-liam-fraser-from-kmsk-deinze-of-belgium|title=FC Dallas Sign Canadian International Liam Fraser from KMSK Deinze of Belgium|publisher=FC Dallas|language=en|date=August 4, 2023|accessdate=August 4, 2023}} He made his debut for the club on August 30 against St. Louis City SC, as a substitute for Paxton Pomykal.{{cite web|url=https://3rddegree.net/st-louis-tops-ten-man-fc-dallas-2-1|work=3rd Degree|title=St. Louis tops ten-man FC Dallas 2-1|first=Dan|last=Crooke|date=August 30, 2023}} In November 2023 FC Dallas announced they had exercised Fraser's contract option, keeping him at the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.fcdallas.com/news/fc-dallas-announces-roster-decisions-for-2024-season|date=November 30, 2023|work=FC Dallas|title=FC Dallas Announces Roster Decisions for 2024 Season}} Fraser's contract was not renewed at the end of the 2024 season. {{cite web|url=https://www.fcdallas.com/news/fc-dallas-announces-roster-decisions-for-2025-season|date=November 12, 2024|work=FC Dallas|title=FC Dallas Announces Roster Decisions for 2025 Season}}
=Crawley Town=
On 3 February 2024, Fraser signed for EFL League One club Crawley Town.https://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/2025/february/03/liam-fraser-joins-the-reds/
International
=Youth=
Fraser was called up to the Under-20 Development Camp squad in Ontario in September 2015, but did not feature under coach Rob Gale. He was then called up for the Under-20 International Camp squad in England in March 2016, but again failed to make his international debut.{{Canada Soccer player|id=5149}} In August 2016, Fraser was called up to the U-20 team for a pair of friendlies against Costa Rica{{cite web|url=http://canadasoccer.com/canada-m20-announces-squad-and-matches-against-costa-rica-p159838|publisher=Canada Soccer Association|title=Canada m20 announces squad and matches against Costa Rica|date=August 24, 2016}} In February 2017, Fraser was named to Canada's roster for the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/canada-names-young-squad-concacaf-u-20-championship/|title=Canada names young squad for CONCACAF U-20 Championship|author=Neil Davidson|publisher=Sportsnet|date=February 9, 2017}}
Fraser was named to the Canadian U-23 provisional roster for the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship on February 26, 2020.{{cite web |title=Canada Soccer announces Provisional List for Concacaf Men's Olympic Qualifying |url=https://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-soccer-announces-provisional-list-for-concacaf-men-s-olympic-qualifying-p162594-preview-1 |publisher=Canada Soccer |access-date=February 26, 2020 |date=February 26, 2020}}
=Senior=
After multiple camp call-ups in 2018 and 2019, Fraser made his debut for the Canadian senior team on October 15, 2019, as a substitute in a 2–0 win against the USA.{{cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/squizzs-burning-questions-did-john-herdman-silence-his-critics|first=Daniel|last=Squizzato|title=Squizz's burning questions: Did John Herdman silence his critics?|date=October 16, 2019}} In July 2021 Fraser was named to Canada's squad for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.canadasoccer.com/news/canada-soccer-announces-2021-concacaf-gold-cup-roster/|title=CANADA SOCCER ANNOUNCES 2021 CONCACAF GOLD CUP ROSTER|date=July 1, 2021}}
In November 2022, Fraser was named to Canada's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/canada-announces-26-man-squad-for-2022-fifa-world-cup-in-qatar|date=November 13, 2022|title=Canada announces 26-man squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar|work=Canadian Premier League|first=Charlie|last=O'Connor-Clarke}} He did not make an appearance at the tournament as Canada was eliminated in the group stage.
In June 2023 Fraser was named to Canada's preliminary roster for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://mcusercontent.com/78d3589fb61466b549ff752e5/files/0ee387a4-3c03-16cb-cd23-fb9eadc73633/PL_GC2023_Jun1.pdf|title=National team roster - 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup|date=1 June 2023}} Initially left off the roster, on June 26 he was called into the final squad along with Jayden Nelson as replacements for Sam Adekugbe and Stephen Eustáquio.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/stephen-eustaquio-samuel-adekugbe-replaced-by-jayden-nelson-and-liam-fraser-for-canada-at-gold-cup-1.1977591|date=June 26, 2023|title=Eustaquio, Adekugbe replaced by Nelson, Fraser for Canada at Gold Cup}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played May 3, 2025}}{{cite web|title=Liam Fraser profile|author=Soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/liam-fraser/406892/}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Playoffs !colspan="2"|National cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="3"|Toronto FC III
|2015 |? | ? | ? | ? | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | ? | ? | |||
| 2015{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722044257/http://uslpdl.com/teams/2015/74548977.html|archive-date=July 22, 2015|url=http://uslpdl.com/teams/2015/74548977.html|title=TFC Academy PDL 2015|work=Premier Development League|url-status=dead}}
|PDL |8 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 8 | 1 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | |
| rowspan="6"|Toronto FC II
|2015 |rowspan="4"|USL |10 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 10 | 0 | ||||
| 2016
|22 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 22 | 2 | ||||
| 2017
|20 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 20 | 0 | ||||
| 2018
|10 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 10 | 0 | ||||
| 2019
|2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!64 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 64 | 2 | |
| rowspan="5"|Toronto FC
|2018 |rowspan="4"|MLS |10 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 0 | |||
| 2019
|9 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 11 | 0 | |||
| 2020
|13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 0 | |||
| 2021
|1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!33 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 39 | 0 | |
| Columbus Crew (loan)
|2021 |MLS |23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| rowspan="3"|Deinze
|rowspan="2"|Challenger Pro League |10 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 10 | 0 | |||
| 2022–23
|26 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 27 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 0 | |
| rowspan="3"|FC Dallas
|2023 |rowspan="2"|MLS |7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2024
|18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 1 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!25 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 1 | |
| Crawley Town
|16 | 0 | colspan="2" |– | colspan="2" |– | colspan="2" |– | 16 | 0 | ||||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!205 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 216 | 4 |
=International=
{{updated|match played July 9, 2023}}{{Canada Soccer player|id=5149}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!colspan=3|Canada | ||
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 | 7 | 0 |
| 2022 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | 4 | 0 |
| Total||19||0 |
Honours
= Club =
Columbus Crew
References
{{commons category}}
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{soccerway|liam-fraser/406892}}
- {{Canada Soccer player|id=5149}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Canada squads
| bg = red
| fg = white
| list1 =
{{Canada squad 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup}}
{{Canada squad 2022 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Canada squad 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup}}
}}
{{Crawley Town F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fraser, Liam}}
Category:Canadian men's soccer players
Category:Canada men's youth international soccer players
Category:Canada men's international soccer players
Category:Columbus Crew players
Category:Toronto FC II players
Category:K.M.S.K. Deinze players
Category:Crawley Town F.C. players
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Soccer players from Toronto
Category:USL Championship players
Category:Major League Soccer players
Category:Challenger Pro League players
Category:Homegrown Players (MLS)
Category:Canadian expatriate men's soccer players
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States
Category:Canadian expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Belgium
Category:Canadian expatriate sportspeople in Belgium
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Canadian expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup players
Category:2022 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup players
Category:Whitecaps FC Academy players