Christian Zeppieri burst on the OUA scene for the York University Lions men's soccer team in 2023, winning OUA MVP and earning U SPORTS first team all-Canadian honours after a breakout rookie season. His reward: being a top five pick in the 2024 CPL–U SPORTS Draft.

Zeppieri, a native of Maple, Ont., was selected 5th overall by York United FC – the co-occupant of York Lions Stadium with his current club – in the 2024 CPL–U SPORTS Draft. Zeppieri becomes the fourth Lion in as many years to be selected in the draft, and the second to be taken by York United in the last three years after Soji Olatoye was drafted 13th overall by the club in 2022. Other Lions to hear their name called by a CPL side include Milo Djurcic (Forge FC, 2022), and Alex Laryea (Athletico Ottawa, 2021).

The star midfielder didn't score as often as some of the OUA's top goal-getters, with only four during the regular season, but the ones he got were in some of the season's biggest moments. He made his presence felt in OUA circles immediately, scoring the tying goal in the 75th minute of his OUA debut to secure a point for his side in the season opener at Laurier on Sept. 1. The star midfielder scored both goals in a 2-0 win at Algoma on Sept. 16, and also potted an 87th-minute winner in a 1-0 victory over the McMaster Marauders. He followed that up with an 109th-minute marker against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in the OUA semi-final on Nov. 1 to help the Lions qualify for nationals after a 4-2 win on penalties.

CPL draftees receive invitations to training camp and, if they make their teams, can sign U SPORTS development contracts, allowing them to retain their collegiate eligibility. They may also choose to agree to a professional deal. Zeppieri joins a York United squad which finished 5th in the CPL standings last season with a record of 11-5-12. They fell in heartbreaking fashion to Vancouver FC in the first round of the playoffs, after surrendering the winner in stoppage time of the second half.