CALGARY — Cavalry FC kicked off its home schedule with a convincing 3-1 victory over Atlético Ottawa on Sunday at ATCO Field, propelling the team to a 2-0 start in the 2026 Canadian Premier League season. The win highlighted the seamless integration of new signing Harry Paton, who netted his second goal in as many games, underscoring the club's strong early momentum under head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.
The match drew around 4,000 bundled-up fans to the chilly venue, where Cavalry wasted little time asserting dominance. Just 17 minutes in, defender Daan Klomp opened the scoring with a header from a precise free kick delivered by Toby Warschewski deep into the penalty area. Five minutes later, Paton capitalized on a team effort, one-timing a cutback pass from captain Sergio Camargo to make it 2-0. The goal, which came off an initial ball from defender Amer Didić to Warschewski, was later honored as the Volkswagen Moment of the Match on OneSoccer.
Paton, a 27-year-old midfielder born in Kitchener, Ontario, has quickly become a standout for the Calgary side after joining from rival Forge FC. "Yeah … it’s only been in a short period, but everyone’s welcomed me personally really, really well," Paton said after the game. "So I’ve really enjoyed my time here." His confidence shone through as he described his role: "Yeah … I do see myself as a goal-scorer. I’ve done a lot of work. That’s been something I’ve really want to improve on in my game."
In the season opener last week, Paton had already announced his arrival with a brilliant finish from a corner kick against Pacific FC, lasering the ball into the corner of the net. Sunday's strike further demonstrated his versatility from midfield, a quality Wheeldon specifically sought in the offseason acquisition. "Harry was brought in to contribute to goals from midfield, because in this league, you’re going to play against good defensive blocks," the coach explained. "If they’re going to double team a Toby Warschewski or an Ali Musse or a Goteh Ntignee or a Sergio Camargo, you’ve got to have another option, whether it be from set-plays or whether it be an open play (such as Paton’s goal). I thought that was a terrific team goal the way we moved it around and created the free man (for Paton to score)."
The game wasn't without its late drama, as Atlético pulled one back in the 88th minute through a goal from Kamron Habibullah, denying goalkeeper Nathan Ingham — another key offseason signing — a clean sheet in his debut appearance for Cavalry. Earlier in the second half, at the 67th minute, Goteh Ntignee sealed the victory by tapping in a rebound from Bradley Kamdem Fewo's shot from the corner of the penalty area, with Paton providing the initial pass to set up the play.
This matchup served as a rematch of last fall's dramatic CPL playoff final, where Atlético edged Cavalry 2-1 in extra time amid snowy conditions. Unlike that tense affair, Sunday's contest saw Cavalry control the tempo from the outset, though the visitors mounted some pressure late. Wheeldon, reflecting on the uncharacteristic fast start for his team — known historically as slow starters who peak late in seasons — noted the shift. "It’s brand new for me, I guess, other than in 2019," he said. "To start that way when we are slow starters and generally strong finishers (in seasons past), it’s good. There’s good hunger. There’s a lot of good quality there. There’s a lot of things that we would like to just keep getting better at."
"Just a great, great team goal, really," Paton said of his strike. "I was really fortunate. It started all the way back from Amer. He played an amazing ball into Toby, and then there was a little combination with us, and we broke into the box, and Sergio just plays a great cutback (pass), and all I have to do is just literally pass it in."
Paton's background adds depth to his rapid impact. Developed in the academies of Fulham FC in England and Heart of Midlothian in Scotland, he launched his senior career with Stenhousemuir FC in 2017, making 52 appearances and earning promotion to Scottish League One. He then moved to Ross County FC in the Scottish Premiership, where he logged 102 appearances from 2018 to 2022, followed by 63 games with Motherwell FC in 2023. Internationally, Paton has represented Canada at the U-17, U-20, and senior levels, earning his first senior cap in 2023. Wheeldon, who previously coached him with Canada's U-17 team, praised his fit upon signing: "Harry is a complete, all-around midfielder who perfectly suits the way we want to play. He’s excellent in possession and will help us connect our build-up, while also providing creativity and threat in the opponent’s half. His upbringing in the United Kingdom has given him a real edge and aggression, particularly in pressing and winning the ball back."
Teammates have echoed the enthusiasm. Veteran defender Daan Klomp highlighted Paton's energy: "Harry’s brought so much energy. He can cover a lot of distance. He’s a midfielder who can score goals. You’ve seen that now with two goals in two games, it’s been something very special. And he’s also doing the defensive work — he’s tracking the seams and intercepting a lot of plays. So it’s great to have him on our side." Paton himself emphasized the collective effort over individual accolades. "With the formation we’re playing, Tommy’s allowing me to get off the pitch and get in those attacking areas," he noted. "A lot of my play over the years goes a little bit unnoticed. You know … a lot of hard work, winning the ball back — recoveries — playing and starting the attacks … and this staff has been really good with helping me improve that side of my game."
Cavalry's offseason was marked by six new signings, with Paton joining high-profile additions like Ingham and defender Amer Didić. The squad donned fresh home kits of red with a white sash for the opener, reflecting a renewed visual identity. The starting lineup featured Ingham in goal; defenders Kamdem Fewo, Klomp, Didić, and Adam Pearlman; midfielders Paton, Camargo, Eryk Kobza, and Nathaniel Edwards; and forwards Ntignee and Warschewski. Substitutes included Joseph Holliday, Levi Laing, Curtis Ofori, Michael Baldisimo, Niko Myroniuk, Ali Musse, and Caniggia Elva, while scratches were Michael Harms, Maël Henry, James McGlinchey, Max Piepgrass, and Jay Herdman.
Post-match, Paton expressed satisfaction with the result but room for improvement. "We’re really happy with the win," he said. "Just a little bit disappointed not getting that clean-sheet over the line. So that’s something we want to work towards and have a look back and see what we can do better." He also praised the team dynamic: "But just so much pace and so much energy with this team. Everyone’s got like such a good personality about them, as well. There’s no like big egos on the team. Everyone’s in it for each other, which I really like. In training, if somebody’s not at it, we’re allowed to tell them and there’s no comeback. It’s just everyone’s in it together."
The early success positions Cavalry as a frontrunner in the CPL, a league where defensive solidity and midfield creativity often decide outcomes. This 2-0 mark contrasts with past seasons' gradual builds, signaling potential for a deep playoff run. As one of the league's top outfits, Cavalry's blend of veterans and newcomers like Paton could challenge for the title, especially after last year's playoff heartbreak.
Looking ahead, Cavalry travels to Ontario next Saturday for a 2 p.m. matinee against arch-rival Forge FC at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, broadcast on TSN5 and OneSoccer. The fixture carries extra weight given Paton's recent history with Forge, promising another chapter in the heated rivalry. With momentum on their side, the Cavs aim to extend their winning streak and build on the hunger Wheeldon described.
In a broader context, the CPL continues to grow as Canada's premier professional men's soccer league, with Cavalry remaining a cornerstone franchise since its inception in 2019. Sunday's performance not only boosted fan morale in Calgary but also spotlighted the league's talent pipeline, from domestic stars like Paton to international influences shaping the competition.