Cavalry FC announced a pair of key losses in its preseason training with holding midfielder Elijah Adekugbe suffering a season ending injury earlier this month and Argentinian striker Matias Roskopf unable to join the team due to the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everyone here at the club is gutted for Elijah,” said Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. in a team release. “He’s worked so hard in this extended off season to be ready for the 2021 season and was in terrific shape both physically and mentally. The only comfort we have is that he has suffered this before (in 2017) and returned a stronger player and person.
“I am confident his strength of character and support network will help him return from this setback.”
A longtime key fixture in Wheeldon Jr.’s lineup dating back to their days with Foothills FC, Adekugbe tore his Achilles during pre-season training and underwent surgery the following week. As per a Cavalry FC release, the affable Calgarian is expected to make a full recovery, but will not be back on the pitch at any point during the 2021 campaign.
Likewise for what was an exciting addition in the forward ranks.
Roskopf, 23, and the club mutually agreed to terminate the contract due to challenges brought on by the pandemic.
“There’s a nervousness and excitement from when I put my GM hat on, because you want to make sure you’re getting the right players in, and he would’ve certainly improved the league, would’ve improved the team,” Wheeldon Jr. told CanPL.ca. “The lad left on very good terms, it’s just unfortunate we didn’t get a player like that due to the pandemic restraints.”
On the positive side of the ledger, a fan-favourite who was unable to join the team for its second season due to the pandemic is back in the picture. Winger Jose Escalante, who dazzled Cavs supporters with his wand of a left foot, has joined the Cavalry for preseason training. Brazil’s Richard Luca is also expected to join the team.
In an interview with CanPL.ca, Wheeldon Jr. hinted there will be new signings in the near future.
“We’ve already agreed to terms with a couple of other strikers that we’ll announce here shortly,” he said.
The Cavalry returned to training on April 13 after being approved for its return by local health officials.
Plans are in place for the CPL to begin its third season in operation on the Victoria Day Long weekend, pending the situation with the pandemic and health measures in place across the country.
For more information go to cavalryfc.canpl.ca.
