Atlético Ottawa 2021 Season Preview

The Island Games debutants arrive in Winnipeg as likely the most prepared squad for the 2021 CPL season, coming off a training camp in Spain in the lead-up to this season. This has allowed the squad time to gel, in contrast to the quickly thrown-together unit that showed up in PEI last summer. With several changes to the side that nearly made the second round despite being slapped together at the last second, the club from the capital could make even more waves this year, if everything comes together.

Key Arrivals

Ryan Telfer, F (2020: York, and Nea Salamis (Cyprus))

Let’s not mince words, Telfer was bad at the Island Games, and his brief stint in Cyprus was nothing to write home about either. But he still stands as one of the CPL’s all-time top scorers, and this change of scenery could be what’s needed. He’s also been productive with the Trinidad and Tobago since joining up in 2019, though he may end up missing a chunk of games for Ottawa for that very reason, with the Gold Cup coming up. Telfer will be expected to shoulder a lot of the offensive burden for Ottawa especially with Acuña’s departure, but if he can find chemistry with Malcolm Shaw and newcomers Zach Verhoven and Brian Wright, Ottawa could have one of the most dangerous forward groups in the league.

Dylon Powley, G (2020: Edmonton)

We were surprised when Powley re-signed with the Eddies for 2020 knowing that Connor James would still be the starter, but lucky for him this meant he was largely spared from the Eddies’ disastrous performance at the Island Games - only appearing in the 1-0 loss to York. With all of their keepers from 2020 departing, a starting spot opened up in Ottawa for the strong shot-stopper. Having the benefit of the solid pairing of Kapor and John in front of him, Powley will play a key role in any success Ottawa might have in 2021.

Zach Verhoven, RW (2020: Pacific)

On his day, one of the more talented dribblers in the league as well as a fine finisher (see his opener for Pacific at the Island Games), Verhoven was somewhat of a surprise to be leaving Vancouver Island. As the saying goes, Pacific’s loss is Ottawa’s gain, and Verhoven should be a strong upgrade to the right side, with the capability to play wingback if needed as well.

Other arrivals:

Brian Wright, F (Birmingham, USL); Chris Mannella, M (York); Jordan Webb*, F (Tampines, Singapore); Teodor Obadal, G (Lokomotiva Belgrad, Serbia); Shawn Lawson, F (Detroit City, NISA); Drew Beckie, D (El Paso, USL); Miguel Acosta, D (Baleares, Spain); Keesean Ferdinand, D (Montreal, MLS) - loan; Rafael Núñez, M (Atletico Madrid youth) - loan; Alberto Soto, D (Atletico Madrid B) - loan

* Jordan Webb will not be joining the club in the Winnipeg bubble, but may join the team later in the season

Key Departures:

Javier Acuña, CM (to Sonora, Mexican 2nd tier)

The club’s standout in PEI and likely one of the highest-profile players in CPL so far, it was always unlikely that he’d return in 2021. His attacking sense from midfield will leave a big gap, with Chris Mannella and Viti Martínez (who saw action in Spain on loan this winter) looking to fill in.

Ajay Khabra, CM (retired, now assistant coach)

Khabra was one of the most underrated players in the league, and his retirement from playing at the age of 26 was disappointing news for Ottawa fans as well as a lot of Edmonton supporters. He’s one of those midfielders that aren’t too flashy, but plays a key role in possession and ball retention. Despite his retirement from playing duty, he remains an assistant coach with the club and should still contribute in a big way to any success the club sees in 2021.

Ben Fisk, M/W (free agent)

We don’t even know what Fisk is up to this year, but at this point at least it’s safe to say he won’t be back with Ottawa! At 28, he’s entering his prime playing years, but obviously didn’t figure into Mista’s plans. His departure will be a big loss, with 7 league goals and 4 assists in his two CPL seasons putting him right near the top in both categories. New additions such as Brian Wright and Ryan Telfer should alleviate the loss, but there’s big shoes to fill.

Other departures: Maksym Kowal, F (Germania Halberstadt, Germany); Ricky Gomes, G (free agent); Malyk Hamilton, D/W (North Carolina, USL League One); Nacho Zabal, G (Sant Julià, Andorra); Mohamed Kourouma, F (free agent); Michel Djaozandry, D (free agent); Jarred Phillips, D (free agent); Horace Sobze Zemo, G (free agent); Matteo de Brienne, M (free agent); Kunle Dada-Luke, D (Pacific)

Projected Lineup

G

Dylon Powley is finally getting his deserved starting spot in the CPL replacing the experienced Nacho Zabal who has jetted off to Andorra, and he should see most of the time between the pipes. Teodor Obadal brings European experience and we expect him to get some game time as well, but Powley’s position should be comfortable.

D

In an offseason full of turnover, the one real constant was the centreback pairing of Milovan Kapor and Brandon John who acquitted themselves well at the Island Games. Drew Beckie brings a ton of experience, but will likely be on the bench to start, barring injuries. On the left, Vashon Neufville showed himself to be an exciting attack-minded leftback, and will retain his place, while on the right, Spaniard Miguel Acosta (who we admittedly know very little about!) looks to be the starter out of the gate.

M

In the centre of the park, Ottawa has seen quite a change, with Acuña and Khabra gone, replaced by Mannella and Jamaican Tevin Shaw (who was signed last year but unable to participate in the Island Games). Ben McKendry remains as one of the top defensive midfielders in the league, and is likely to start in a holding role, with Shaw likely to fill in as well. Chris Mannella should be a regular, and alongside him, Viti Martínez should see a larger role. Expect Antoine Coupland to see increased minutes this season as well.

F

The league’s most underrated striker Malcolm Shaw was retained by the club, and despite the off-season additions to the forward ranks, we see him also retaining his starting spot at striker. On his wings, Ryan Telfer and Zach Verhoven should slot in, with Brian Wright also able to fill in at any forward spot. On-long winger Rafael Núñez also looks an exciting prospect, although the loss of Jordan Webb for the Winnipeg segment of the season at least is a huge blow.

Keep an eye on: Malcolm Shaw - he flew under the radar last year, even with this goal, but he’s an excellent finisher whose movement creates space for teammates. You want an underdog bet for top scorer that’s not completely pissing away your money? Look no further.

Big question: which Ryan Telfer are we getting? It’s no secret that a great deal of the team’s success will rely on Telfer, as he’s one of the highest pedigree players in the league. But we didn’t see that quality last year in PEI, and there’s no guarantee we’ll see it this year. One thing’s for sure - he’s surrounded by a much better cast of fellow forwards this year with Shaw, Wright and Verhoven, and if they can click, we’re likely to see a return to the Telfer of 2019… which can only mean good things for the club from the capital.