Defending Canadian Premier League (CPL) champions Cavalry FC got a big boost before the start of the new season as they locked star striker Tobias Warschewski at the club with a new two-year guaranteed contract.
The club also has an option to extend that contract by another year through to 2027.
“Since day one of being at the club, I knew this is the place I wanted to be,” said Warschewski, in a club statement Wednesday. “I’m very comfortable here and want to celebrate even more success with everyone that has grown close to my heart.”
Cavalry FC’s goal-scoring machine
The 27-year-old forward, who began his Canadian soccer career in 2021 with the now defunct FC Edmonton team, was a genuine goal-scoring machine last season, netting 16 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
His scoring prowess not only led him to the top of the goal-scoring charts and bag the 2024 CPL Golden Boot award, it also earned him the adulation of head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr., who believes the contract extension is a step in the right direction.
“Tobi’s quality is clear to see and a big reason behind our success last year,” said Wheeldon Jr., via a club statement Wednesday. “He thrives in the big games and always has a big moment in him. He has taken his role within the club with both hands and is deserving of all of the plaudits that have come his way.
“Tobi gets the fans out of their seats and helps us put points on the board, so I am delighted that our club was able to give him the extension.”
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The German striker became the league’s first-ever final MVP last season when the Cavs lifted the prestigious North Star Cup beating Forge FC in the last season’s final.
But arguably Warschewski’s biggest moment for the club so far was scoring the winning goal in dramatic fashion against Liga MX side Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup earlier this year – a win that led Cavalry FC to etch their names in the history books.
And although Cavalry FC failed to progress beyond that tie, the German’s goal proved historic, giving the Cavs the unique distinction of becoming the first-ever CPL club to score a victory over a Liga MX side in the competition.
Domestic player designation for 2025
Going forward, Warschewski will be designated as a ‘CPL domestic player’ after the league announced a change to its roster rules and regulations for the upcoming season.
Starting in 2025, any player who has been signed to an active contract with a club during any three league seasons or any player who has resided in Canada for at least three years will now be categorised as a domestic player.
While the rules will still demand each club having minimum six domestic players in their starting lineups, the move is still a step in the right direction because it promises to reward those international players who show significant commitment to the league in Canada.
Warschewski is one of those who will benefit from this change, along with fellow club player Tom Field from England who signed with the club in 2023.
Cavalry FC opens their 2025 Canadian Premier League against Forge FC in Hamilton Saturday, April 5.
