10 best photos from CPL pre-season training so far – Canadian Premier League

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10 best photos from CPL pre-season training so far

2021-04-28

by

Marty Thompson, Digital Content Editor (@martythompson_)

News

Slowly but surely, CPL clubs and players have begun to return to pre-season training across Canada (and beyond) this Spring ahead of the 2021 campaign.

While there is no confirmed start date for a season, CPL commissioner David Clanachan said Wednesday the League is “completely focused and committed” to playing a 2021 season and a further update will be given on May 15.

“We know what it takes, we have the playbook, and we know how to execute flawlessly as we did in 2020,” Clanachan said, referring to the Island Games.

RELATED READING: Commissioner David Clanachan: CPL ‘focused and committed’ to 2021 season

Five CPL clubs are back training: Pacific FC, FC Edmonton, Cavalry FC, HFX Wanderers, and Atlético Ottawa – the latter of which is currently based in Spain with their parent club Atlético Madrid.

Here are the best photos from those clubs’ preparations for the 2021 campaign.

The Alan Koch era has begun with FC Edmonton

Koch, bound by COVID-19 restrictions, has been busy putting his stamp on the Eddies in his first pre-season.

Alan Koch. (FC Edmonton)

Atlético Ottawa’s Brandon John battles the heat in Madrid at training

John, who re-signed with the club earlier this year, is set to play a big part in Ottawa’s backline in 2021.

Brandon John (Atlético Ottawa).

Sergio Camargo is pleased to get back onto the pitch at Spruce Meadows

Coming back to Calgary for a third season…

All smiles from Cavalry FC's (left to right) Mason Trafford, Sergio Camagro, and Nik Ledgerwood. (Cavalry FC) — All smiles from Cavalry FC’s (left to right) Mason Trafford, Sergio Camagro, and Nik Ledgerwood. (Cavalry FC)

Atlético Ottawa on tour in Spain

More on this photo and the team’s trip to Madrid can be found here.

Atlético Ottawa players on a tour of Segovia. (Atlético Ottawa)

Mista in the Middle: Ottawa’s coach takes in training

Who wants to see Mista line up for Ottawa in 2021?

Atlético Ottawa coach Mista (middle) takes in training in Madrid. (Atlético Ottawa)

FC Edmonton’s Amer Didic works on diving headers

Just another skill in the Canadian men’s national team centre-back’s repertoire?

Amer Didic attempts a diving header at FC Edmonton training. (FC Edmonton)

Stephen Hart leads the Wanderers

A total of 28 players are in Halifax camp. Check out the full list here.

HFX Wanderers FC coach Stephen Hart (middle) leads training. (HFX Wanderers FC)

First look at Wanderers centre-back Erik Santos

Read about his unfortunate introduction to Halifax camp here.

Eriks Santos. (HFX Wanderers FC)

Another first look: Cavalry FC’s Joe Di Chiara

Is Di Chiara’s York United swap to Cavalry the most surprising in CPL history? Not so fast.

Cavalry FC midfilder Joe Di Chiara. (Cavalry FC) — Cavalry FC midfielder Joe Di Chiara. (Cavalry FC)

Finally, HFX’s Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé in a spirited game of rock, paper, scissors

HFX Wanderers FC's Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé. (HFX Wanderers FC) — HFX Wanderers FC’s Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé. (HFX Wanderers FC)