York United FC to become Inter Toronto FC in CPL franchise's third rebrand

York United FC is rebranding, becoming Inter Toronto FC

It's the third name change for the Canadian Premier League side, but first under the current ownership group.

The team, one of the CPL's original franchises, started out as York 9 FC in 2019 — a nod to the nine municipalities that make up the York region north of Toronto: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

York 9 FC became York United FC in December 2020, billing the change as a move to bring in both city of Toronto and surrounding region.

Mexican brothers Ricardo, Eduardo and Miguel Pasquel, via Game Plan Sports Group, bought the team in November 2023. The league, via Canadian Soccer Business which shares the same ownership as the CPL, had taken over the franchise in April 2023, purchasing it from the Baldassarra family.

Ricardo Pasquel says Inter Toronto fits the city.

"Toronto is one of the most beautiful cities around the world and one of the most important cities … It has everything," he said in an interview. "So we wanted to make a club that really identifies with where we are right now. It's a privilege to have the word Toronto in our name. 

"And Inter also comes with what the city represents — we've been saying since we got here that diversity is our strength. You have people from all over the world living in Toronto. It's like a world within a city. So what better word to represent that than Inter/International."

The new crest, to be revealed at an event Thursday evening, "draws inspiration from Toronto’s iconic skyline and the three rivers that flow into Lake Ontario, a symbol of unity and constant movement," the club said in a statement.

The Inter Toronto colours include "Lake Ontario Blue, Trillium White, Sunrise Gold, and Tower Stone." York United's primary jersey features white, green and blue.

While the club has released its new name and colours, the uniform reveal won't come until early next year when all eight CPL clubs detail their kit.

The new name is just one of several moves the franchise is making.

The CPL team is also boosting its academy presence. After fielding an under-21 side this season for the first time, it plans to add U-13, U-14, U-15, U-18 teams next year. 

"We truly believe in the talent pool that exits across Canada, specifically in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area)," said Pasquel.

The club ownership is also looking at upgrading Lamport Stadium, located just north of BMO Field, and making the 50-year-old venue its new home.

"We've been having very good conversations with the City of Toronto regarding Lamport," said Pasquel. "They want us playing there. From our end, we've spoken about investing in Lamport, renovating Lamport — not just for us but for the benefit of the community."

The Pasquel brothers have family ties to soccer.

Their late grandfather, on the mother's side, played for Club America and Necaxa — and later became president and owner of Necaxa.

His son, their uncle, later became president of Club America and general manager of the Mexican national team. Another uncle was president of first Toluca then Chivas. Their father, Miguel Pasquel Sr., was chief financial officer of the Mexican Football Federation before becoming general secretary.

Ricardo, who grew up supporting Chivas like his father, said the idea to buy into the CPL originated in late 2022 after watching a CPL game on television in Mexico. The brothers started researching the league and looking to secure partners.

York finished fifth in the eight-team CPL at 10-10-8 last season, losing 4-1 to Cavalry FC in the semifinal playoff qualifier after dispatching the Halifax Wanderers via penalty shootout in a play-in game.