Ryan Telfer


Ryan Telfer is a Trinidadian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Canadian club York9 and the Trinidad and Tobago national team.

Club career

Early career

Telfer began his career at the youth level with Erin Mills Eagles, and was eventually signed in 2012 to their senior team the Mississauga Eagles FC in the Canadian Soccer League. In 2014, he played in the Ontario Soccer League with Erin Mills Eagles, where he finished as the top goalscorer in the Provincial U21 West division. In 2015, he played at the college level with the York Lions where he won the OUA and CIS championship. Further achievements included receiving OUA West second-team all-star honours and the OUA silver medal. Telfer played with League1 Ontario club Vaughan Azzuri during the 2016 season.

Toronto FC II

On March 24, 2017 he signed with Toronto FC II of the United Soccer League. He made his debut on March 25, 2017 against Phoenix Rising FC, where he scored the lone goal in a 1–0 victory.

Toronto FC

On April 13, 2018, Telfer signed with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. On April 14, 2018, Telfer made his debut for the first team, in a Major League Soccer game against the Colorado Rapids. On May 18, 2018 Telfer scored his first MLS goal against Orlando which was the game winner for TFC. Telfer would have his option for the 2020 season declined by Toronto, ending his time with the club after nine seasons. The decision to have the club not pick up his option was a mutual decision between Telfer and the club to provide him with better playing opportunities.

Loan to York9

On March 6, 2019 Telfer was sent on a season-long loan to Canadian Premier League side York 9 FC. Telfer scored the first goal in Canadian Premier League history against Forge FC in the league's inaugural match on April 27, 2019 which eventually ended in a 1–1 away draw.

Nea Salamis

On January 29, 2020, Telfer signed with Cypriot First Division side Nea Salamis.

Return to York9

After leaving Nea Salamis in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Telfer returned to Canada and re-joined York9 on June 3. The contract has various "triggers and incentives" that could extend its length.

International career

Born in Canada, and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Telfer was eligible for both countries. In August 2019, Canada coach John Herdman mentioned Telfer was a player he was monitoring. However on September 3, 2019 he was called-up to Trinidad and Tobago for two CONCACAF Nations League matches against Martinique. Telfer made his debut for Trinidad and Tobago in the first match against Martinique three days later on September 6. In the second match on September 9, he scored his first international goal.

International goals

GoalDateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.September 9, 2019Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago2–02–22019–20 CONCACAF Nations League A
2.November 10, 2019Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago1–015–0Friendly
3.November 10, 2019Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago5–015–0Friendly