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Cavalry FC have been championship contenders from the very beginning of the Canadian Premier League, ever since their Fall and Spring season titles in 2019. However, that final step — the championship — has thus far eluded them.

In 2022, the Calgary-based club were again unable to bring the North Star Shield back to ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows. After finishing third in the regular season, they played bitter rivals — and eventual champions — Forge FC in the semifinals, but lost 3-2 on aggregate in a heated two-legged tie that saw them lose 2-1 in Hamilton in the second leg.

Plenty of familiar faces are returning to the Cavs for 2023, including a quality attacking core of Joe Mason, Ali Musse, Myer Bevan, and plenty others. They’ll surely be a team to watch this year again, as they continue to strive for that first championship.

CPL 5 x 5: Key stats, storylines & quotes for Cavalry FC’s 2023 season

Story of 2022

• 2022 CPL regular season record (W-D-L): 14-5-9 (47 pts, 3rd place)
• Goals scored: 39
• Goals against: 33
• Goal difference: +6
• Top scorer: Joe Mason (8)
• Canadian Championship: Lost (on penalties) in quarter-finals vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

The Cavs made their fourth consecutive postseason appearance last year, cruising quite comfortably to a playoff spot, but they stumbled at the final hurdle in the aforementioned semifinal against Forge.

Arrivals and Departures

After several years with a relatively consistent core, Cavalry have shaken things up a little more heading into 2023. The biggest changes will be at the back, where three of their four most-used centre-backs — Karifa Yao, Mason Trafford, and David Norman Jr. — have moved on. Returning stalwart Daan Klomp will now be joined, most frequently, by Callum Montgomery, who should bring a strong, no-nonsense style of defending to Calgary.

In midfield, former FC Edmonton captain Shamit Shome and Australian A-League standout Jesse Daley have come in to replace the likes of Elijah Adekugbe, Joseph Di Chiara, and Elliot Simmons.

Up front, the squad is largely the same; expect Joe Mason to lead the line, with Myer Bevan and Ali Musse key contributors up front. Sergio Camargo could play a huge role again if he remains healthy, as could Ben Fisk. In goal, reigning Goalkeeper of the Year Marco Carducci will be the undisputed number one.

Coach’s Profile

Tommy Wheeldon Jr. is something of a local legend in the Calgary soccer scene, having coached in the area for well over a decade. The former Calgary Foothills boss has been Cavalry’s manager since day one, and he’s steered the ship well across four previous seasons. He also worked briefly in the Canadian youth national team setup, most notably coaching the U-17 squad and working with the likes of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.

Wheeldon’s teams are often reputed for their tenacity and aggressive style, playing an entertaining (and occasionally feisty) brand of football.

Projected Starting XI

(4-4-2): Marco Carducci; Roberto Alarcón, Callum Montgomery, Daan Klomp, Fraser Aird; José Escalante, Charlie Trafford, Jesse Daley, Ali Musse; Myer Bevan, Joe Mason

Cavalry may opt to play with two centre-forwards this season to try and get Myer Bevan and Joe Mason on the pitch together, with a very attack-minded front four that includes sparkplug José Escalante and deft goalscorer Ali Musse. The backline looks a little different to last season’s as well, with Callum Montgomery taking over for Karifa Yao.

In the middle, newcomer Jesse Daley looks like the first option to start in midfield next to Charlie Trafford, though Shamit Shome will also compete for significant minutes in that position.

The left-back role is tougher to project; Escalante could move back there to allow Sergio Camargo (or the likes of Goteh Ntignee or Miki Cantave) to get into the lineup, but Alarcón — a natural right-back — could move over there as a more traditional fullback.

Roster Notes

More Reading

• ‘We’ve only just started’: Loturi’s CanMNT call-up the latest Cavalry FC success story
• ‘I just have to join these guys’: Callum Montgomery bringing ‘old-school’ defending to Cavalry FC
• Forge and Cavalry to renew rivalry during CPL’s 2023 opening weekend
• ‘I want to be better in every way’: Ali Musse excited to stay at Cavalry