Cavalry FC announced the re-signings of forward Jordan Brown, attacking midfielder Oliver Minatel, and goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos Thursday, with contracts running through the 2020 Canadian Premier League season.
English forward Jordan Brown has the distinction of scoring Cavalry FC first-ever competitive goal, a header against York9 FC in the Calgary club’s inaugural match at Spruce Meadows last May. Cavs head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. is hoping the former Arsenal and West Ham academy product will build on the five goals he tallied last season.
Loading ...“Jordan played an important role in our team this past season and scored some pivotal goals, including our first ever versus York9 and of course the goal at B.C. Place versus the Whitecaps amongst others,” said Wheeldon Jr., via a club statement Thursday. “We sometimes forget he is still young at 23-years-old given the background he has. And we feel he has even more to show next season.”
Brazilian attacker Oliver Minatel scored eight goals in all competitions in 2019 and enjoyed a particularly success full CPL fall season. And his manager believes the 27-year-old’s talent, experience and attitude will continue to benefit the club on and off the pitch.
Cavalry FC’s Oliver Minatel scores at ATCO Field September 22, 2019. Photo: ©Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer Project
“Oliver was an unsung hero for us last year as he scored seven valuable goals (in the CPL) from an attacking midfield position,” said Wheeldon Jr. “He was dubbed ‘The Brazilian Ghost’ for a reason, as he has this great knack of arriving in the box at the right place at the right time. On top of all that he is a great character and excellent professional, something our younger players are learning off of.”
Cavalry FC also looks to have nailed down its options in goal early with the re-signing of Niko Giansopolous. The 25-year-old will rejoin Cavs starting goalkeeper Marco Carducci for the 2020 season. Despite being the club’s backup keeper, the Ontario native made nine starts in 2019. And Wheeldon Jr. is planning to use Giantsopolous regularly again in 2020.
“Niko showed that he is more than willing to wear the #1 shirt in the games he played for us,” said Wheeldon Jr. “We believe that he can continue to compete and push Marco for the coveted goalkeeper starting spot next year. Aside from his ability, Niko is an exceptional locker room guy too and contributes greatly to our culture.”
Cavalry FC has also announced other members of the 2019 squad have options to continue playing for the club in 2020, but some of those contracts are currently under negotiations.
-with files courtesy Cavalry FC
