Cavalry FC has added to a position of strength in the middle of the pitch.
The Canadian Premier League club announced the signing of experienced midfielder Diego Gutierrez on a two-year contract with a one-year option.
“We felt we needed another high-quality midfield player to add a different dimension to our squad and give us depth centrally,” said Tommy Wheeldon Jr., Cavalry FC head coach and GM, in a team release. “Guti fits that profile, as he is an intelligent all-phases midfielder that is excellent both sides of the ball, with an exceptional range of passing.
“He is also a player that can fit in all three roles within the midfield, which is rare and highly beneficial for us.”
The 26-year-old is regarded as a technically savvy box-to-box midfielder and a set-piece dynamo.
The Cavalry’s rebuilt midfield from one season ago was a focal point during its run to the 2023 regular season championship with the likes of Jesse Daley, rookie sensation Eryk Kobza and the experienced figure of Charlie Trafford.
“I’m very happy to be joining Cavalry FC,” said Gutierrez. “The club has performed very well over the past five years with their success. I can’t wait to play on ATCO Field and celebrate with the fans in Calgary.”
https://twitter.com/CPLCavalryFC/status/1742244510678106322
Gutierrez had two spells with the Winnipeg side, playing with Valour during its inaugural 2019 campaign and returning to Manitoba for the 2022 and 2023 seasons following a one-year stint in Chile with Barnechea.
Gutierrez moved with his family at the age of three from Chile. His twin brother Cristián is a left back who has spent time in the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC.
He’s the second Cavalry addition of the off-season, joining Australian forward Lleyton Brooks who the team signed last week on a two-year contract with a one-year option.
The 22-year-old previously played in Australia’s A-League with the Melbourne Victory.
Cavalry FC will be back on the pitch in short order with the opening round of the Concacaf Champions Cup kicking off next month against the MLS’ Orlando SC.
The first leg of the two-game series is being held Feb. 21 at Starlight Stadium on Vancouver Island, due to concerns surrounding pitch conditions in a southern Alberta winter, with the second fixture in Florida on Feb. 27.
For more information, visit cavsfc.com.
