Calvalry FC preview: The club is confident, defending the CPL title

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Tommy Wheeldon Jr. is a proven winner.

As such, the architect of Cavalry FC's successful 2023 soccer season has extended his contract to 2026, allowing the affable gaffer to defend the regular season title back-to-back through three more Canadian Premier League campaigns.

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And, yes, this is the first defense for Cavalry FC heading into the 2024 Canadian Premier League campaign…

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In several different ways.

Of course, Calgary's professional soccer team is ready to defend the honor it won last fall – giving the club bragging rights, the Canadian Premier League shield and the coveted spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Then there's the strength of the Cavaliers' defense — a solid corps that forms the core of the team despite several roster adjustments in the offseason.

“It's a good feeling,” superstar goalkeeper Marco Carducci said as he looked to a top-class defense group that returned to help him keep the ball out of the Cavaliers net from Saturday's season opener against host Forge FC in Hamilton (2) ET, OneSoccer, OneSoccer.ca ).

“We built a chemistry that took time,” continued Carducci, a two-time Gold Glove winner as the league's top goaltender. “Obviously players come and go, that's part of professional football. But to have the chemistry that we've built and strengthened with the success of last season, we feel great about it.

“Communication, knowing each other's tendencies, and then having a belief system where we know exactly what to do … those are things that go a long way. So for me, I'm very happy to be able to look ahead and see a lot of familiar faces.”

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“We're happy with the group we've got coming back.”

These familiar faces carry a cache to boot.

At the top of this honorable mention is Daan Klomp, whose brilliant 2023 campaign earned him the CPL Player of the Year award.

Young Eric Kobza also made a big step up in his rookie season, while fellow freshman Callum Montgomery has shown he's ready to be a full-time part of the defensive structure.

And, of course, there are some smart veterans in that fullback/midfield lineup – Fraser Aird, Shamit Shom, Charlie Trafford and Bradley Camdem-Fevo, along with second-year Jesse Daly.

“Even Tom Field played a lot in the pre-season, so it was great to see him,” Cavalry gaffer Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said. “Obviously we have a good goalkeeper in Marco and youngster Jack Barrett has helped strengthen that. depth is important.

“But being able to keep your Klomps, Kamdems, Kobzas, Montys on the roster is essential to chemistry,” Wheeldon continued. “Then you have Frasers, Shams and Charlie who can play multiple roles in both the defensive and attacking aspects.

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“Yeah, we're happy with the group that's back.”

Before?

And… there have been changes.

More importantly, the CPL's Golden Boot winner in Mayer Bevan – who scored 12 goals last year – has been on indefinite leave due to family reasons.

But other players spearheading the attack are the dynamic Ali Mousse, named CPL Player of the Year 2023, veteran scrum-half Sergio Camargo, the club's all-time goalscorer with 21 goals, and Willy Akio, a dynamo himself who can turn the tide of any game.

They have five new teammates trying to find the thread.

Wheeldon has included smart phenom Lucas Diaz, former Australia Under-20 star Lleyton Brooks and CPL veterans Diego Gutierrez, Toby Warszewski and Malcolm Shaw.

All five have been impressive in pre-season play, including three positive friendlies on a trip to Mexico and an exhibition affair with Calgary Foothills FC.

“Sharp, huh?” Wheeldon said. “Lleyton has great pace and 1-v-1 ability. We like Lucas Diaz – he has soft touches. Guti has a lesson. Toby's skill and power combined. And then Malcolm Shaw was a great late addition for us as a veteran, so we're thankful we got him.”

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But with so many new faces, it might be surprising for the Cavs in the offensive zone to start a 28-game CPL schedule and the Canadian Championship.

“It's not a surprise at all – it's a lot of fun,” Camargo said. “The players around us make it easier and more fun. They give me more opportunities to get in front of the net, pass and score. So I'm looking forward to this season, and in particular to all the attacking options we have.”

The team roster gives the bench boss options

There are also younger versions for Wheeldon & Co.

Defender Michael Harms and midfielder Mael Henry return for depth.

Other newcomers in midfielder Niko Myronic and defenders Max Pipgrass and Kaden Rogozinski were selected and offered U SPORTS contracts by the club. All three players are local in Calgary and came through the Calgary junior soccer system.

“We're excited,” Carducci said. “I think it's about focusing on the steps that got us to the top last year. We started this season with seven draws in a row – six in the league – and a lot of people said: “This is not a team to compete”. But we stood by what we believed in and we raised the shield for a reason.

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“Now we want to win the streak in the playoffs – we haven't done that yet,” added Carducci. “We know we want to win the league and get back to the Champions League. All this gives us direction.

“But the first focus is the Forge on Saturday and then we'll go from there.”

FREE BLOWS

Wheeldon said of his extension: “I'm delighted to have signed for a club and city that I love and I can't wait to continue this incredible journey that we're on. I am grateful to our properties for their continued support and continued efforts, especially for the vision of Linda Southern-Heathcote and her family in creating something special for our community and beyond.” Cavalry President/COO Ian Ellison said the move was a no-brainer. “A lot of things are difficult in professional sports,” Allison said. “Working with Tommy Wheeldon Jr. is not like that. It was an easy decision for Tommy to continue to manage our club. Tommy is part of the DNA of Cavalry Football Club and has been since we first started this journey in 2018. His success on the field is clear. He has recruited, mentored and coached over 100 players, coaches and support staff through our system and we are excited to have him do so for at least the next three years. His belief in the game, this community, the Canadian Premier League and our club's values, goals and objectives are a perfect fit. We are delighted that he will continue to play an important role in the next chapters in the history of Cavalry FC.” … Bevan (absence) and Henry (sub) are the only players not included in Saturday's selection… Notable names from the Cavaliers include forwards Joe Mason (out of contract), Ethan Beckford (out of contract) and Gareth Smith-Doyle (out of contract). expired), midfielder Ben Fisk (traded to Vancouver FC for a second-round pick in the U SPORTS draft) and defenders Udoka Chima and Roberto Alarcon (out of contract) … Two other CPL contests that open the season on Saturday: York United FC at Atletico Ottawa ( 11:00 a.m., OneSoccer, OneSoccer.ca) and HFX Wanderers FC at Pacific FC (5:00 p.m., OneSoccer, OneSoccer.ca).

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