Emil Gazdov

Emil Gazdov (Емил Газдов; born September 11, 2003) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Pacific FC in the Canadian Premier League.

Early life
Gazdov began playing youth soccer with North Vancouver FC, before later joining Mountain United FC. In August 2017, he joined the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Academy, where he played for three years before leaving to sign a professional contract. He later spent time with the U19 side of German club 1. FC Nürnberg, after being loaned following signing his first professional contract with Pacific FC.

Club career
In March 2020, he began training with Canadian Premier League club Pacific FC. On June 30, 2020, Gazdov signed his first professional contract with Pacific FC of the Canadian Premier League. After not appearing in any matchday squads in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season as the third-choice goalkeeper, Gazdov was sent on a two-year loan in October to the U19 side of German club 1. FC Nürnberg. He returned to Pacific FC in 2022 to serve as the backup goalkeeper. He made his professional debut on July 30, 2022 in a 2-1 victory over Valour FC. Following the departure of Callum Irving following the 2022 season, Gazdov became the team's first choice goalkeeper ahead of the 2023 season. In April 2023, he signed an additional two-year extension with the club, with a club option for 2026. After beginning the season as the starting keeper, midway through the season, he became the backup, before soon regaining his spot as the starter. On May 1, 2024, he was substitute into the 2024 Canadian Championship first round match against TSS FC Rovers just prior to the beginning of the penalty shootout, making two saves to help Pacific advance to the next round.

Personal
Gazdov is of Bulgarian descent.