Francisco Acuña (CM, W)
I’ll be honest, Acuña is the player I’m most excited about along with Neufville, Viti, and Facchineri. At 32 years old, he was still playing in one of Mexico’s top sides as early as November, indicating that he still has a lot left to give. As indication of his skill (or because he stands 5’5), he has been nicknamed El Messi – though don’t call him that as he has always hated the nickname, stating that it created unrealistic expectations for him as he was growing through the ranks at the legendary Tigres club. Maybe we can call him the 5-foot assassin. OK, I made that nickname up, but I wanted to shoutout the Tribe Called Quest’s Phife Dawg (Tribe Called Quest – Buggin’ Out).
After spending the first half of his career with the team from the Monterrey area, he spent the latter half with Puebla – one of the cities I want to visit most in the world – I need to remember this is not a travel blog! Other than loan spells in the country’s second division between 2015 and 2017, he has spent his entire career playing in Liga MX competition.
Not known for scoring much, Acuña is a playmaking midfielder with creative vision and skill with one-on-one ability. His speed and technical ability allow him to be played at both centre and wing positions in the midfield. Acuña will be one of the leaders on this team and perhaps the one with the most experience playing at a high level. The CPL ranks him as the second-best midfielder in the league. In a shortened season especially, Atlético Ottawa will have to rely heavily on his talent and experience.
Viti Martínez (CM)
Interesting to me is that Viti is still fairly young; he only just turned 23. While a chance to play in La Liga may never come to fruition (late bloomers like Jamie Vardy come to mind), there may be talent to unlock here.
Viti has played for what seems like every youth academy team in Barcelona not named Barcelona and Espanyol: Cirera, Premià, Mataró, just in case Cirera again, Calella, Damm, and Sabadell. He has played his entire career in Catalonia, finding his stride with Sabadell and Gimnàstic in the Spanish third division.
I haven’t followed Viti’s career, so his potential is unknown. He does seem to get quite a few yellow cards, which I think may indicate that he can provide some bite to this team, especially standing at 6’1. It looks like his skillset makes him most suitable for a holding midfield role, with some suggestions that he could also be used as a centre-back. I also wonder how much he will be used as a free-kick specialist, but that is just a hunch.
Antoine Coupland (CM, W)
Coupland is best remembered as the 15-year-old signing for the Fury, and the current youngest player in the CPL. The Chelsea native (not that Chelsea) is still adapting to the pro game after only playing in 3 games for the Fury last year. After turning down offers in England and Germany to play in Ottawa, Coupland seems to be sending a message that it is possible to be a professional soccer player in Canada. For example, the left-footed Messi and Barcelona fan turned down trials with Sheffield United just last year and has trained in Germany with Red Bull Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt. I would be curious to pick his brain as to why he would turn down trials in top leagues in Europe. I know I wouldn’t hesitate at that opportunity.
But this means we are lucky to have Coupland. He oozes of potential and I am excited to follow his career from here and how he will take the next step this season. I hope he is given the opportunity to shine.
Ajay Khabra (CM)
Signing with Atlético Ottawa could be a good opportunity for Ajay Khabra after budget constraints left him off Edmonton FC roster this year. At 24 years old, the Edmonton native started 21 of 24 games for his hometown team. Although the Eddies finished sixth in the seven-team league, their goals against were third best, in part because of Khabra. Known mostly as a defensive midfielder, he can find himself a strong supporting role on this team.
Khabra is a strong leader and has been a winner at other levels. He won the U14 National Championship in 2009 and the USPORTS National Title in 2016. While at the University of Alberta, he won the President’s Trophy, recognizing an outstanding athlete, leader, and role model.
Ben McKendry (CM)
McKendry was one of the final players signed by the team and brings with him an interesting mix of experience and skill that can shore up the team’s depth in midfield. His reputation suggests that he will provide energy and a tireless work ethic to the team.
McKendry has one MLS game under his built for the Vancouver Whitecaps against the San Jose Earthquakes. He additionally suited up for the Whitecaps in two games in the Canadian Championship. Edmonton FC fans may be familiar with him in his time on loan with them in 2017. Since then he has applied his trade in Europe, playing in Finland’s top division side, Turun Palloseura (TPS). After TPS got relegated, he moved to Sweden’s third division, to suit up for Nyköping, earning one goal in nine appearances. He has also made an appearance for Canada against Bermuda.
https://twitter.com/atletiOttawa/media (original source material of photos)