Canadian Premier League welcomes first expansion team

CALGARY (CityNews) – Soccer in Canada is continuing to grow as the Canadian Premier League has given itself another first.

The CPL announced its first expansion team early on Jan. 29, after giving fans a teaser on their social media platforms.

#CanPL pic.twitter.com/DixlfrdArz

— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) January 29, 2020

The second season of the CPL will feature a third team in Ontario as the nation’s capital is set to welcome a brand new squad with the help of Spain’s La Liga squad, Atletico Madrid.

“We are delighted to be part of such an exciting project in an amazing country. We would like to bring our expertise to a very strong and structured league and will work together with the CPL and the rest of the clubs to contribute to the growth of Canadian soccer,” said Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO of Atletico Madrid in a statement.

While this is the first team for Ottawa in the CPL, the city is no stranger to professional soccer. At the end of the 2019 season, Ottawa’s United Soccer League (USL) team, Ottawa Fury FC, dissolved and sold franchise rights to Miami.

Ottawa Fury FC got its start in 2011 and made its first appearance in the Canadian Championship in 2014.

Related: Impact down Cavalry 1-0 to advance to Canadian Championship final

An Ottawa squad was speculated to join the CPL by fans during the league’s inaugural season. Many fans had hopes of the Fury joining the league, however Mark Goudie, President and CEO of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment group quickly denied any rumors.

“Having a club in the Canadian Premier League will only grow our game in Ottawa as well as the eastern portion of the province. A team in our nation’s capital certainly is key to our league, and also makes for some great rivalries with our existing clubs.” said the CPL in a statement.

The CPL also said fans won’t have to wait long to find out what the team has in store for a crest, colours, and roster. “Some of this will be announced and unveiled at an upcoming event in Ottawa on Feb. 12. The rest will align with the League’s schedule of announcements.”

The brand new Ottawa squad will take up home residence along side the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks at TD Place. The squad will also work with the RedBlacks’ owner Jeff Hunt.

Related: Cavalry FC learns 2020 Canadian Championship journey

Fans will get to see the club in action in April when the quest for the CPL’s North Star Shield commences. However for Ottawa fans the fight to try and play MLS teams and capture the Voyagers Cup will likely have to wait until 2021.