Cavalry FC announced the signing of Honduran midfielder José Escalante Wednesday, as the Calgary club continues to build its squad for the inaugural season of the Canadian Premier League (CPL), Canada’s new professional soccer league. Escalante is currently with the Cavalry FC squad at training camp in Dominican Republic.
Escalante began his career in 2012 with Club Deportivo Olimpia, the most successful professional football club in Honduras. He has since had spells with Honduras Progreso (Honduras) Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (USL), Houston Dynamo (MLS) and San Antonio FC (USL) and Juticalpa F.C. (Honduras).
The 23-year-old midfielder is hoping the move to Calgary will not only be good for his career but also for his family.
“I feel very excited to be in Calgary, a spectacular city that I’m sure my family and I will enjoy,” said Escalante via a club statement Wednesday. “I am also excited for the opportunity to play with Calvary FC, a great club with excellent players and staff. I will for sure learn a lot this year. I’m a very fast player that likes to attack the opponent and anxiously waiting for this new season to start.”
Attacking weaponry
Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. believes Escalante’s combination of youth and experience will be of benefit to his growing squad.
Loading ...“José excites me in the attacking weaponry he will bring to our team,” said Wheeldon via a club statement Wednesday. “He is a direct dribbler with excellent pace and a great crosser of the ball. I am confident he will get fans off their seat in anticipation when he picks up the ball in the attacking half.
“Given José has played in North America already through the MLS and USL, shows he will adapt a lot easier than most imports, whilst also being young enough that his best years are still to come.”
The Canadian Premier League is a new professional soccer league set to kick off in April 2019. Cavalry FC is Calgary’s club and will play its home games at Spruce Meadows.
