The best rivalry in the Canadian Premier League has an added dimension this season.
Cavarly FC announced the multi-year signing of former Forge FC targetman striker Anthony Novak last week to address a positional need with a familiar face and two-time league champion.
“Novak is an excellent addition to our squad,” said Cavalry FC head coach and general manager Tommy Wheeldon Jr. In a team release. “He was always a handful for our centre-backs and a proven scorer of very important goals in the CPL and CONCACAF. He has the ability to link the play and combine or stretch the defensive line with runs in behind.
“Not only that, but he is also a fierce competitor with a great work rate that loves to compete.”
Novak, 27, has been a physical presence with a penchant for big goals for Forge in its two CPL seasons to date, scoring six goals and adding four assists in the 2019 campaign with an additional three goals in all competitions in 2020.
The Pickering, Ont. product played in Portugal earlier this year and completed the 2021 campaign with Campeonato de Portugal side Clube Condeixa.
“After speaking with Coach Tommy I knew this was the right decision to make, not just for my football but also for my family,” said Novak, in a team release. “Between the two it would have been very hard to say no to this kind of opportunity. Personally, I’m looking forward to getting out there, scoring goals, having a full season and contributing to the club.
“Also, I can definitely say my family is really excited for their new adventure in Calgary.”
The signing comes on the heels of the Cavalry missing out on off-season acquisition Matias Roskopf due to issues surrounding the Argentina striker’s move to Canada amid the pandemic.
The Cavalry also announced fan-favourite Oliver Minatel has rejoined the team after recovering from a fractured tibia and fibula sustained at the 2020 Island Games Tournament.
The Brazilian attacking midfielder has been a member of the Cavalry since its inception and grew into a large role in 2019 and 2020 prior to his injury with eight goals in 36 appearances.
“We are delighted to see the return of Oliver to our team for the 2021 roster,” Wheeldon Jr. added. “He has shown the strength of character to persevere through a tough injury rehabilitation process and looks to have come back stronger. It’s clear that Oliver wanted to be back with us through the work he’s put in and we are a much better team with him in the squad.
“Not only does he provide a goal threat for us, but he is also a terrific professional and great around the locker room.”
The Canadian Premier League updated its plans for the 2021 campaign by announcing its planned start for May Long weekend will be postponed due to ongoing concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are committed to playing our third season of CPL soccer in 2021," said CPL commissioner David Clanachan in a league release.
"You can count on us delivering a creative and innovative solution for our players, partners and supporters as we did with the Island Games in 2020. Clearly, the country is struggling through a third wave of the pandemic and we need to adjust accordingly. We are going to delay the start of the season, but we are still completely focused and committed to playing our season.
"We have pivoted and we are working on a number of scenarios to adapt to the latest situation. We did it last year, while creating our successful Island Games in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. We know what it takes, we have the playbook, and we know how to execute flawlessly as we did in 2020."
The league release added there will be a further update on May 15.
For more information go to cavalryfc.canpl.ca.
