CALGARY – University of Calgary Dinos men's soccer alumnus Dominick Zator became the first player in program history to make an appearance for the Canadian men's national team Tuesday.

Named to Canada's 23-man squad for Concacaf Gold Cup, Zator was subbed on late in the first match of the competition, a 2-2 draw against Guadeloupe in Toronto. 

"There is an immense feeling of pride. He has persevered throughout this journey and has been a great advocate for the school," said Dinos men's soccer head coach Brendan O'Connell. "To earn his first cap is a great sense of achievement for him and everyone that has been around him."

During his time as a Dino from 2012 to 2016, Zator played in 55 Canada West contests, scoring five goals and adding 13 assists. The defender was a conference first team all-star in his senior year and was named to the second team in 2014 and 2015.

Upon graduating with a degree from UCalgary's Haskayne School of Business, Zator signed his first professional contract with Whitecaps FC 2 of the United Soccer League in 2017. He then played four seasons in the Canadian Premier League, with Cavalry FC and York United. In December 2022, Zator made a move to the top tier of Poland, where he joined Ekstraklasa club Korona Kielce and made 17 starts in his first year.

"Dominick served his time here. He was a leader for us and got his degree. We're very proud of him," added O'Connell.

Zator and the Canadian men's national team will continue their Gold Cup Group D campaign Saturday in Houston when they face Guatemala.

-UC-