Niels Dekker
Dutch born Canadian former soccer player
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Niels Dekker (born April 22, 1983) is a Dutch born Canadian former soccer player who played in the Canadian Professional Soccer League, Eccellenza, Hoofdklasse, and the USL First Division.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Martinus Dekker | ||
| Date of birth | 22 April 1983 | ||
| Place of birth | Warmenhuizen, Netherlands | ||
| Position | Midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1999 | London City | 4 | (0) |
| 2002–2003 | ASD Massa Lombarda | ||
| 2004 | BVV Barendrecht | ||
| 2005–2006 | Toronto Lynx | 35 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Playing career
Dekker began playing at the youth level at East Elgin Secondary School, where he was a 3 time MVP. In 1999, he signed with London City in the Canadian Professional Soccer League. He featured in the postseason semi-final match against the Toronto Olympians, where London was defeated 4-1.[1] In 2002, he went abroad to Italy where he played with ASD Massa Lombarda in the Eccellenza.[2] After two seasons in the Eccellenza he returned to the Netherlands to play with BVV Barendrecht in the Hoofdklasse.[3][4] In 2005, he returned to Canada to sign with the Toronto Lynx of the USL First Division.[5][6][7] He made his debut on April 23, 2005, against Portland Timbers.[8] The following season he helped his team to a 10-game undefeated streak at home, and also reached the Open Canada Cup final, but finished runners up to Ottawa St. Anthony Italia.[9]