Atlético Ottawa confirmed on Friday the return of versatile defender Luke Singh on loan from Toronto FC, on a season-long loan.
Singh had a successful loan period in the nation’s capital in 2023, featuring regularly for Atlético Ottawa before making his international debut with Trinidad and Tobago in June. The 23-year-old scored one goal, an incredible acrobatic effort at TD Place against Cavalry FC which was named as the best goal of the CPL season.
“I’m really excited to be back,” said Singh. “Last year I learned to be a better person, as well as a better player and teammate. I love the environment and staff on offer at Atlético. I honestly loved being in Ottawa, and I’m really excited to come back. I have a great bond and connection with a lot of the returning players. We started to build a strong chemistry last season, and having been through it in 2023 it will only make us stronger.”
LUKE SINGH TIES IT UP LATE!
An incredible volley from the @atletiOttawa defender makes it 1-1 in the late stages of this match 😱 #CanPL I 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/4qsl6Vd3l2
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) September 3, 2023
Singh made 25 league appearances for Atlético Ottawa last season and was a stalwart of head coach Carlos González’s defence, dictating play from the back. The 23-year-old ambidextrous defender made the most passes of any player (1,258) on Atlético’s team in the 2023 CPL campaign, whilst making the most blocks (8), the most clearances (70) and the second-most recoveries (130).
“We are glad to have Luke return,” said González. “We already know that he is a player with very good physical and technical abilities, which makes him have a great impact on the team’s offensive game. During last season we witnessed great growth in his ability to compete and we are sure that he will continue to evolve due to his good natural conditions and youth.”
Singh’s journey to professional soccer began with North Mississauga SC and Brampton Youth SC, as well as representing the Team Ontario Provincial program. He joined Toronto FC’s Academy in 2017 and went on to play for TFC III in League 1 Ontario, TFC II in USL League One as well as spending a year on loan with Bröndby IF (Denmark). Internationally, Singh represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.
The versatile defender came up through the TFC Academy and made his debut for the first team in the MLS in April 2021. Singh went on to make six appearances in the MLS, as well as playing in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Club León (Mexico), before joining FC Edmonton on loan for the 2022 CPL season, featuring 24 times.
Singh has already travelled to Mexico in order to meet up with the rest of the Atlético Ottawa squad and begin intensive preparations for the 2024 season.