Lineups 

Goals

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2025 CPL Regular Season — Match #8 Cavalry FC vs. Vancouver FC April 18 at 5 p.m. MT/ 4 p.m. PT ATCO Field in Calgary, Alberta Watch Live: TSN 3, OneSoccer // Tickets available here

3 THINGS TO WATCH

• Can Vancouver FC's Elage Bah continue his strong start to the season?: Vancouver FC has no shortage of exciting young players, but through two weeks, winger Elage Bah has quickly established himself as one to watch. The tireless attacker had a lovely assist on VFC's first goal of the season as he curled a ball in behind perfectly into the path of Terran Campbell. Through two matchweeks, he has been heavily involved on both sides of the ball for Vancouver FC, leading all players in the CPL  in dribbles completed (6), and duels won (15). "He has such a great mentality, first player in the clubhouse, a lot of activation after training, and I feel he's going to have a big season," said Vancouver FC manager Afshin Ghotbi after last weekend's game against Atlético Ottawa.

• How will Levi Laing's addition aid Cavalry FC's backline?: Cavalry FC's backline was always going to be a source of discussion this season following the departure of back-to-back CPL Defender of the Year Daan Klomp, but it was only exacerbated by an early-season injury to Eryk Kobza. This week, Cavalry FC got some crucial reinforcement with the signing of 22-year-old English central defender Levi Laing. A product of the Arsenal and West Ham youth academies, who made a first-team appearance with the Hammers in the UEFA Conference League, Laing brings an exciting profile to the Calgary club. "He's a big lad, he brings a great deal of athleticism, power, but he can play," said Wheeldon Jr. "You don't come through Arsenal's academy and through to West Ham, even making an appearance in the first team, with you can't play as well...he's a highly intelligent lad, that is going to be a terrific defender and a great addition." 

• The pros and cons of Cavalry FC's week off: Cavalry FC have had a rather unique start to 2025, dating back to opening training camp on Jan. 6 to prepare for their Concacaf Champions Cup tie against Pumas in early February. Then, after kicking off the league season on April 5 in Hamilton, they had another week off, in what Wheeldon Jr. described as a bit of a "false start" to the 2025 CPL campaign. That doesn't come without its benefits as well, however, particularly when it comes to integrating new players, and the general health of the squad. "It gives us an extra week to work on some things," said Wheeldon Jr. "Get Sham [Shamit Shome] back to full fitness, get Michael Baldisimo a few more minutes, get Levi Laing through the door."

PROJECTED STARTING XIs

Cavalry FC: Carducci; Aird, Montgomery, Field, Kamdem; Shome, Baldisimo; Musse, Camargo, Herdman; Warschewski

Vancouver FC: Irving; Dada-Luke, Campagna, Enyou, Gee; Tahid, Norman Jr., Mezquida, Bah; Campbell, Díaz

ALL-TIME SERIES

Cavalry FC wins: 6 || Vancouver FC: 0 || Draws: 3

Last meeting:

Sept. 28, 2024 —  Cavalry FC 0-0 Vancouver FC

KEY QUOTES

“They always give us a good game. I know they've yet to beat us, but it's never one that we lessen the respect we have for them. Afshin's a good coach. They try to play a nice brand of football. And they've got a nice blend of young players that they're bringing through to move on, and also some old heads. Like they're bringing back two of the most potent, if not the most potent -- Terran Campbell and Alejandro Díaz, two of the best this league's seen.”— Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

“The last time we were here was the final, and the celebrations there. So it's exciting to be back home. I think it's an opportunity for the team. We have a job at hand first and foremost, which is three points on the line tomorrow. ”— Cavalry FC goalkeeper Marco Carducci                                        

 “Obviously, we're playing the champion of last season, we're playing a team that has enormous experience and balance, and they even had a different preparation, as did Forge, because they played in the Champions Cup. So we're the big underdogs going into the match but I think football has to be played, it's decided on the day... we go there for victory, we go there for surprise and we go there to give our best, but it's going to be a massive challenge for our group.” — Vancouver FC head coach Afshin Ghotbi

“I think our defensive shape has been really lacking recently. Obviously, we are still pretty early on in the season but we've got to get that straightened out before things get worse. I think overall we've been decent, we've had our fair share of chances but we can't put it into the net. But obviously defensively we're lacking, that's the thing we've been working on in training and hopefully we'll be ready for the next game.” — Vancouver FC defender Kunle Dada-Luke

“Levi is a great addition to our backline and brings excellent physicality and presence,” said Tommy Wheeldon Jr., Head Coach & General Manager, Cavalry FC. 

“His development through Arsenal’s academy and West Ham’s professional ranks has given him some excellent tools for a modern day defender. He is very comfortable in possession of the ball and very aggressive with his defensive duels. We really like his profile and personality and feel he has a high ceiling to grow even further with us and we’re excited to get working with him.”

“I’m so excited to be joining the club and to be living in Calgary,” said Laing. “Everyone has been so welcoming since I’ve arrived and I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started with my teammates and to create club history with everyone.”

BOX SCORE

Lineups 

Goals

Discipline

2025 CPL Regular Season — Match #2 Forge FC vs. Cavalry FC April 5, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. MT Hamilton Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario Watch Live: TSN 2, OneSoccer // Tickets available here

3 THINGS TO WATCH

• Both clubs begin 2025 season looking to raise the bar:  If Forge FC and Cavalry are any evidence, it's that winning doesn't get tiring, it just increases the desire to want to do it more. Forge begin the season desperate to reclaim the North Star Cup, as well as finally capturing an illusive Canadian Championship. For Cavalry, meanwhile, they at long last tasted the champagne of victory in a CPL Final. Now, they want more. "We want to chase more trophies, we want to chase new records," said Wheeldon Jr. "And I think that's the exciting thing, when you return back to the season". Neither club is quiet about their ambitions heading into the 2025 season -- and it is that mentality which has led to so much historic success.

• Fresh off a contract extension, can Tobias Warschewski continue outstanding goalscoring record?: As the Canadian Premier League's Golden Boot winner last season, and after winning the 2024 CPL Final MVP, the German striker's prolific record in front of goal isn't exactly a secret. In his most recent stretch of matches, however, dating back to the last few weeks of the 2024 regular season, Warschewski has been nearly unstoppable. He has scored eight times in his last seven matches played across all competitions -- starting this year in top form as well with a stunning strike against Pumas in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup series. That stretch includes two huge goals against Forge -- the match winner against the Hamilton club in the 2024 playoff qualifying semi-final, and the opener from the penalty spot in the 2024 final. "He's a player that if I'm a fan I want to go watch," said Wheeldon Jr. "You know, if I'm a coach, he can drive me mad at times, but he's an artist...the bigger the game, the better he wants to play in it."

• Can Forge build off last season's historic home record?: There is no doubt that Forge FC's 2024 CPL regular season title was built at home. They won 11 of 14 matches at home, and managed 34 points at Hamilton Stadium -- both club records, and just one fewer than the single-season CPL record for home points set by Cavalry in 2019. That was ten more points than any other club managed at home last season. If Forge want to reach similar heights in 2025, maintaining Hamilton Stadium as a fortress remains vital, and that begins Saturday against Cavalry.

PROJECTED STARTING XIs

Forge FC: Koleilat; Rama, Nimick, Achinioti-Jönsson, Jevremović; Hojabrpour, Bekker, Borges; Choinière, Babouli, Wright

Cavalry FC: Carducci; Aird, Kobza, Montgomery, Kamdem; Daley, Shome; Musse, Camargo, Elva; Warschewski

ALL-TIME SERIES

Forge FC wins: 14 || Cavalry FC wins: 10 || Draws: 8

Last meeting:

Nov 9., 2024 — Cavalry FC 2-1 Forge FC (2024 CPL Final)

KEY QUOTES

“The beauty of these games is both teams don't know much about each other, for all the games that are happening on opening day across the league. That's the beauty of it. That's the excitement of it for players, for coaches and all the fans.” — Forge FC head coach Bobby Smyrniotis

"It's shown that teams that have success at home give themselves a better opportunity to have success in the league. And last year, we made a big commitment to do that...this year is no different, there's a huge push to continue to have success here at home, in front of these great fans." — Forge FC captain Kyle Bekker

“Listen, they've signed well, Babouli is no stranger to Forge and Bobby and how they want to play, nor is Rezart Rama. But they've signed a new fullback, signed Dan Nimick, Brian Wright was [Players'] Player of the Year. So they've signed well and I'm sure they've been working on how that works, so, like every time were play them, we know that they come with threats. But they also have some openings that we can attack as well.” — Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

“"From day one we want to win titles. We want titles like, for example the Canadian Championship, no CPL team has won [it]. I think we're hungry for the title, and we know how it feels now to win a title, and you get hungry for more. If I'm being honest, this feeling after winning the North Star Cup was an amazing feeling, and I want to have this feeling again this year.” — Cavalry FC striker Tobias Warschewski

Current 2025 Cavalry FC Roster as of April 4, 2025

“Tobi’s quality is clear to see and a big reason behind our success last year. He thrives in the big games and always has a big moment in him. He has taken his role within the club with both hands and is deserving of all of the plaudits that have come his way. Tobi gets the fans out of their seats and helps us put points on the board, so I am delighted that our club was able to give him the extension.”

“Since day one of being at the club, I knew this is the place I wanted to be. I’m very comfortable here and want to celebrate even more success with everyone that has grown close to my heart.”

“Michael is a player that I was fortunate enough to work with in Canada’s youth program more than 10 years ago. I have monitored his progress over the years and also competed against him a handful of times. Each time he showed great ability to dictate the tempo of the play with the ball and disrupt the opponents when we do not have it. He is an exceptional passer of the ball and an intelligent reader of the game.”

Quick Facts about Michael

• Name: Michael Baldisimo
• Pronunciation: (Michael, Ball-dih-sih-mo)
• Position: Midfielder
• Birthdate: April 13, 2000
• Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian, Filipino
• Last Club: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

“It has been an honour being part of Charlie’s playing journey. I got to work with him as a young player at Calgary Foothills, then watch him embark on his professional journey overseas with admiration, until I was finally able to convince him to return home and help us continue to grow the game here and win some trophies together. He has made a huge impact on my life as a coach and a human being. As a truly exceptional character with an incredible competitive edge, he passes on the number six jersey to the next generation with a huge sense of pride.”

“It’s hard to put this emotion into words. I’m sad, scared, proud, and excited all at once. Soccer has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. It gave me unforgettable joy and equally tough pain. It taught me everything that I know and helped me grow through setbacks and celebrate triumphs. It’s made me who I am and given me the tools and community to step into my next chapter. I’d like to thank my parents, the entire Spruce Meadows organization, Tommy, every teammate and brother I’ve shared the locker room with, my family; wife; friends; coaches; and mentors, and Cavalry’s incredible fans. I’m stepping away from playing, but the game will always be a part of me.”

Coverage of CPL expands as TSN partners with OneSoccer to deliver select matches on linear network in 2025

Enjoy delicious food & drink by our friends at Kildares while enjoying the night with fellow supporters and members of the Cavalry FC team.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
• Time: 5 p.m.–7p.m.
• Location: Kildares Ale House (directions via Google Maps)
• Cost to Attend: FREE! (Just show up or call Kildares to book your table in advance.)
• Click Here to RSVP via Facebook!

Featuring:

• A First Hand Look At Our Brand New 2025 Alternate Kit
  • Also available on site for purchase after the kit's reveal earlier in the day
• Cavalry FC Player & Staff Meet & Greets
• Photo Opportunities with the North Star Cup
• Q&A Session with Head Coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.
• Award Presentation for Foot Soldiers’ Player of the Year

Jamieson Sawka

“My main priority during camp was handling the logistical side of video analysis. I would film the training sessions and matches so that the team could look back and analyze what needed to be highlighted or worked on. Overall, I ensured to capture everything the coaches needed and did what I could to set them up for success in their details off the pitch.” - Jamieson Sawka

“I came back from the trip with a lot of experience and learnings. I realized how much video analysis plays a crucial role for professional clubs, and I would like to take those day-to-day operations back to my role with Foothills. I especially learned how important it is to drip feed information to the players and not give them everything at once, which I can implement across all playing levels to provide more insight into what we’re looking at when reviewing video and information.” - Jamieson Sawka

“For a professional club to bring coaches like myself in who are around the youth game, it’s very important, especially for the community. It’s a really good step for all of us coaches to be given these types of opportunities.” - Jamieson Sawka

Ramon Mifflin

“I’ve known Tommy for over 17 years now, back to when we’d compete against each other as coaches at the youth level. He approached me with the opportunity to join the team as a translator for both legs in Concacaf, and it felt like such an honour to be asked.” - Ramon Mifflin

“Visiting the Estadio Olímpico Universitario with the club to face Pumas was a wow moment for me. It felt incredibly special, and making the leap into the professional environment was a phenomenal experience.” - Ramon Mifflin

“The entire tournament, I felt so welcomed and like I belonged. I wasn’t only used as a translator, but also as a voice and as an opinion in critical match moments, which meant a lot. These opportunities are super important for a professional team to provide, especially in a country like Canada where this sport is still growing. It opens your eyes and makes you a better professional and creates a feeling of motivation to get to the highest level.” - Ramon Mifflin

Cavalry FC Coaching Symposium

What's New for 2025?

Youth Pricing

We are pleased to introduce Youth Pricing where kids 12 and under get 25% off! (Available for purchase in Sections 101/102 & 108/109 only. Must have an adult ticket included in final purchase).

Freedom Flex Packs

What's Back for 2025?

Carlsberg Fan Zone

TELUS Canadian Championship

Next Home Match

We open the season on Friday, April 18, 2025, in style against Vancouver FC at 5:00 p.m.—with our ATCOenergy Home Opener, featuring:

• Live DJ 🎶
• Our New Mini Inflatable Soccer Pitch ⚽
• T-Shirt Giveaways 👕
• The Unveiling our "Champions Wall" 🏆
• Selfie Station with the CPL North Star Cup 📸