Cavalry FC announced the re-signings of midfielder Elijah Adekugbe and defender Joel Waterman with contracts running through the 2020 Canadian Premier League season.
23-year-old Elijah Adekugbe moved to Calgary from England with his family in 2004. He played under Cavalry FC head coach at Calgary Foothills FC from 2015 to 2018, where he became one of Wheeldon Jr.’s most trusted soldiers, performing a deep-lying defensive midfielder role.
In 2019, Adekugbe moved up to the professional game with his coach, signing for Cavalry FC. He made 24 appearances for the Cavs in 2019 in the CPL’s inaugural season, scoring one goal and assisting in four others.
Cavalry FC’s Elijah Adekugbe (#16) in action against FC Edmonton at ATCO Field Saturday, May 18, 2019. Photo: ©Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
“Elijah is an important component for our team and played some significant minutes in what was his first professional season,” said Wheeldon Jr. via a club statement Thursday. “A very composed and technical midfielder that always wants the ball, he is also an exceptional young leader that is integral to the connection of our team.
“As a player that’s grown up in Calgary, he represents our club with great pride as you can see with what he gives on and off the pitch.”
23-year-old Joel Waterman made 25 appearances for Cavalry FC in 2019, scoring once and assisting three times. The BC defender’s adaptability is key to Wheeldon Jr.’s tactical approach.
“Joel brings a great versatility to our side in that he is able to play as a centre back in a back 4, defensive midfield or anywhere across a back 3,” said Wheeldon Jr. “As a team that likes to be tactically versatile and technically assured, Joel fits that profile and is a valuable asset for our club. We are looking forward to what his second year will bring as feel he has a great deal more to show.”
Cavalry FC continues to meet with some members of the 2019 squad looking to sign for the club in 2020.
