Nov. 20: Midfielder Joseph Di Chiara signs with Cavalry FC
Canadian midfielder Joseph Di Chiara signed a multi-year deal with Cavalry FC beginning in the 2021 Canadian Premier League season.
Di Chiara joins Cavalry FC from York9 FC where he spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
“Joe is a top all-action midfield player and one of the most impactful in this league,” said Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. via a club statement. “He has the ability to keep his side in possession, add a goal scoring threat and brings a physicality in how he imposes himself in defensive duals. Joe plays to win and will fit our culture very well and compliment the outstanding midfield group we have assembled over the past 2 seasons.”
Nov. 13: Farsi, Hernandez and Simmons re-sign with Cavalry FC
Young Canadians Mohamed Farsi, José Hernandez and Elliot Simmons will return with Cavalry FC for a second season the club announced.
“These three are extremely exciting, young Canadian players, who I felt added another layer to our squad this year,” said Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. via a club statement. “From Farsi’s creativity, intelligence and enthusiasm, to Simmon’s clever passing play and reading of the game, to Hernandez’s pace, energy and competitive edge. What’s even more pleasing is the fact that they have time on their side to get even better.”
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“Returning to the club was really important for me, as I love the city and environment at the club,” said Elliott Simmons. “I am really enjoying my football and feel as if I am developing as a player under Tommy (Wheeldon Jr.) and the great coaching staff here at Cavalry.”
Nov. 9: Mavila, Giantsopoulos, Haber and more depart Cavalry FC
Cavalry FC announced the departure of players Jair Cordova (forward), Marcus Haber (forward), Nathan Mavila (defender), Niko Giantsopoulos (goalkeeper) and Jordan Brown (forward). The club says none of these players will be returning for the 2021 season after mutually agreeing to part ways with the club.
As @tommywheeldonjr said, “I hate goodbyes”
Thank you Cavalry FC ?? pic.twitter.com/WIPaE9eMoF
— Not Niko Giantsopoulos (@NikolaosGiants) November 7, 2020
News of the departures came via a club statement Monday, Nov. 9, 2020
Nov. 6: Cavalry FC announce some core player re-signed for 2021
Cavalry FC confirmed the return of Marco Carducci (goalkeeper), Mason Trafford (defender), Elijah Adekugbe (midfielder), Sergio Camargo (midfielder) and Jose Escalante (winger) to the 2021 roster.
“Continuity is paramount to our future success and these core guys that have been here since day one,” said head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. via a club statement. Their ability and mentality have helped shape our winning culture over the past two seasons. Something I’ve witnessed first-hand in their training habits, leadership qualities and how that translates into the memorable performances they’ve put on the pitch.”
Oct. 7: José Escalante on short-term loan in Honduras
Cavalry FC has agreed to a short-term deal with Club Deportivo Y Social Vida in Honduras for Jose Escalante.
The 24-year-old winger missed the 2020 Canadian Premier League Season Island Games due to travel and border restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The short-term deal allows Escalante to finish out the 2020-21 season with Club Deportivo Y Social Vida while planning to return to Cavalry FC early next year for the 2021 Canadian Premier League season.
“This was an opportunity that makes sense for Jose, given the unfortunate inability for him to get into Canada this year as a result of the pandemic and border closures,” said Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. “Playing games in his domestic league in Honduras with Vida will keep him sharp and ready to return to our Cavalry colours once again for 2021.”
Oct. 5: Aribim Pepple goes on trial with Sheffield United
17-year-old Cavalry FC striker Aribim Pepple is heading out on a two-week trial with English Premier League club Sheffield United FC.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Aribim, who’s pace, power and potential have caught the eye of a number of overseas clubs this year,” said Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. “He is still developing his game and we often forget he is only 17 years old due to the maturity he shows in both his physical appearance and character.
“He has a very high ceiling in terms of potential that we feel this is the perfect opportunity for him to go overseas where the English season has only just begun.”
Pepple has played with Cavalry FC during the last two seasons and had six appearances during the 2020 Canadian Premier League season of The Island Games.
Oct. 2: Nico Pasquotti to have surgery on torn ACL
Cavalry FC right winger Nico Pasquotti announced on social media Oct. 2 he’ll need surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament. He said he expects the recovery to take six to nine months.
“There is no doubt this sucks and it is never news that any athlete wants to hear but it’s part of the game,” said Pasquotti via Twitter. “This isn’t going to slow me down and the journey doesn’t end here.
Another challenge, and the work has already begun. pic.twitter.com/3adcLXmGXw
— Nico Pasquotti (@nicopasquotti) October 2, 2020
“It’s definitely going to be hard long road back, but I believe this is going to make me stronger.”
The 24-year-old injured his knee against Pacific FC in the Island Games second round. The injury forced a substitution. And Pasquotti was unable to play for the rest of the tournament.
