Cavalry FC back at ATCO Field for home opener Friday night

Cavalry FC captain Marco Carducci lifts the North Star Cup after Cavalry FC defeated Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League Final in Calgary, Saturday, November 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Stuart Gradon

When Cavalry FC takes to the pitch against Vancouver FC on Friday night, it’ll be their first time they’ve played at ATCO Field since winning the Canadian Premier League Championship last November.

On that day, Cavalry toppled Forge in the final to win their first-ever Champions trophy.

Cavalry FC goalkeeper and captain Marco Carducci is happy to be back at Spruce Meadows.

“It’s exciting to be back home,” said the 28-year-old.

“It’s an opportunity for us as a team,” Carducci said. “We have a job to do, foremost of which is three points on the line tomorrow -- but (also) to celebrate with our fans again.”

“Obviously we had the two CONCACAF games but were unable to play at home,” Carducci said.

“This is that chance to celebrate,” he added, “to be in front of all of our supporters and hopefully put on a show for them again.”

Opening loss

Cavalry opened the season with a 1-0 loss to Forge FC but have had a couple of weeks to reflect on it.

Carducci said it’s time for the club to get back to its winning ways.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow when you lose and then you have to sit on it for a little bit,” he said.

“But at the end of the day, we’ve been here before,” he said. “It’s the start of the season and there’s a long way to go. The league isn’t won in Week 1 or Week 2 and frankly it just gives up more time to prepare.”

Facing Vancouver

Both Cavalry and Vancouver are looking for their first win of the season. Vancouver is off to an 0-2 start after losing 2-0 to York United and 4-1 to Atletico Ottawa.

Cavalry head coach Tommy Wheeldon expects to see the best version of them on Friday night.

“Listen they always give us a good game,” he said.

“I know they’ve yet to beat us but it’s never one that we take for granted, or lessen the respect we have for them.” he said.

“We’re looking forward to whatever they put in front of us, because they always give us a tough matchup.”

Kickoff for Friday’s game is at 5:00 pm at Atco Field at Spruce Meadows.

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