Joel Waterman, Elijah Adekugbe to return for Cavalry FC in 2020

2019-12-19

Marty Thompson, Digital Content Editor (@martythompson_)

Cavalry FC is bringing back two key players that helped it win the Spring and Fall titles this past season.

Defender Joel Waterman and midfielder Elijah Adekugbe will return for the 2020 CPL campaign, as the Cavs look to shore things up at the back during this off-season.

Waterman, a 23-year-old native of Langley, B.C., played 1,900 minutes for Cavalry across both the CPL and Canadian Championship in 2019, scoring one goal and recording three assists in 25 games.

A versatile and athletic defender, Waterman appeared at centre back and in the midfield, helping the Cavs post the best defensive record in the league (19 goals conceded).

“As a team that likes to be tactically versatile and technically assured, Joel fits that profile and is a valuable asset for our club,” coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said in a news release.

“We are looking forward to what his second year will bring as we feel he has a great deal more to show.”

Adekugbe, also 23, served as vice-captain and made 24 appearances for the club in 2019, with one goal and four assists. Adekugbe was also one of several former Calgary Foothills players that followed Wheeldon Jr. to Cavalry last season. He was voted to the CPL Fan Awards team of the year in midfield.

“Elijah is an important component for our team, and played some significant minutes in what was his first professional season,” Wheeldon Jr. said.

“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.”

With Waterman and Adekugbe on board, the Cavs now have 11 players signed for 2020, including returnees Marco Carducci, Dominick Zator, Mason Trafford, and Jordan Brown.

Cavalry also recently made history with the signing of Jose Hernandez. The 19-year-old played at Pacific FC last season, thus becoming the first player to switch between CPL clubs.