Cavalry FC announced signing of Philippines international midfielder Michael Baldisimo to a one-year contract Wednesday ahead of the Canadian Premier League’s opening weekend.
The 24-year-old joins Calgary’s club after spending time with Major League Soccer clubs Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes.
The Canadian-born central midfielder is likely a straight replacement for former Cavs midfielder Charlie Trafford, who retired this year.
“Michael is a player that I was fortunate enough to work with in Canada’s youth program more than 10 years ago,” said Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr., via a club statement Wednesday. “I have monitored his progress over the years and also competed against him a handful of times.
“Each time he showed great ability to dictate the tempo of the play with the ball and disrupt the opponents when we do not have it. He is an exceptional passer of the ball and an intelligent reader of the game.”
Midfielder brings Major League Soccer and international experience to Cavalry FC
Baldisimo made 47 appearances for MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps from 2020 to 2023 before joining San Jose Earthquakes. He made 14 appearances for the California club in 2024.
And he’s played at Cavalry FC’s ATCO Field before, appearing for the Whitecaps in the 2022 Canadian Championship quarterfinal clash between the two clubs.
“I’m very excited to be joining Cavalry and to work with my teammates in bringing even more silverware to Calgary,” said Baldisimo, via the same club statement. “ATCO Field has one of the best atmospheres that I’ve played in front of, and I can’t wait to hear the fans in the stands this season.”
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Baldisimo is Canadian of Filipino descent. He represented Canada at youth levels, but eventually chose to play for the Philippines at senior level. He’s made 10 appearances for country, most recently joining the squad for an AFC Asian Cup qualification match in March.
Cavalry FC opens their 2025 Canadian Premier League championship defence against Forge FC in Hamilton Saturday, April 5.
