Cavalry FC is hoping to win their first game of the 2023 season in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) home-opener against Valour FC. After three away games, including two draws and a penalty shootout loss in the Canadian Championship, the team is returning to their home pitch, ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows, where they have an impressive 26-6-6 record. Head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. praised the pitch and stadium while emphasizing the importance of playing at home and the psychological advantage it gives the team. Cavalry has a good track record against Valour, with a 9-2-3 record since the CPL’s inaugural season, and Wheeldon Jr. has expressed respect for their opponents while being confident in his team’s ability to nullify their strengths.
Cavalry’s new defensive additions, Udoka Chima, Bradley Kamdem, and Callum Montgomery, have slotted in well, and despite the absence of experienced players Karifa Yao, Bradley Vliet, and Mason Trafford, the team has yet to be beaten over 90 minutes this season. Cavalry’s midfield has been bolstered by former FC Edmonton and Montreal Impact player Shamit Shome, though he will be unavailable for the home-opener due to an injury sustained in the second match against Pacific last weekend. In Shome’s absence, Australian A-League alumnus Jesse Daley is expected to start in midfield.
Up top, Cavalry has a promising partnership between Joe Mason and Myer Bevan, who have already scored two goals this season. Valour FC is currently top of the CPL table with a 1-0-1 record, but Cavalry will look to exploit their defensive frailties and their recent elimination to League 1 BC club TSS Rovers in the Canadian Championship. Cavalry’s return to their home field is highly anticipated, and their fans’ support will be a crucial factor in the team’s success.