Following the Concacaf Champions Cup chaos of the two weeks prior, this past week was a quieter one around CPL circles. As teams begin preseason camp, they do so with most of their business already completed, and now just a few decisions to make as they round out their squads for the 2025 season. Still, there were notable returns to the league this past week, and some coaching news as well. Ahead are the biggest stories from this past week in the Canadian Premier League:
Atlético Ottawa sign full-back Levis
There has been a changing of the guard in the nation’s capital this off-season, as Atlético Ottawa revamp their backline for the 2025 season. Following the departure of Matteo de Brienne to Swedish club GAIS, Maxim Tissot’s retirement, central defender Luke Singh joining rival York United, Kris Twardek to Valour and the end of Dani Morer’s loan, Atleti had some serious shoes to fill at the back. On Thursday, they added a significant reinforcement with the signing of 31-year-old left-back Brett Levis. The Regina native returns to the Canadian Premier League after two seasons in the USL Championship, having previously spent three years with Valour FC between 2020 and 2022. During that time he was one of the league’s premier full-backs, both defensively excellent and good at progressing the ball forward with quality dribbling and passing ability. He is a great fit for an Atlético Ottawa team looking to have more of the ball this coming season.
Allan Enyou returns to Vancouver FC on loan
Vancouver FC also made a big add to their backline this week with the return of central defender Allan Enyou for a second consecutive year on loan from CD Leganés B. The 21-year-old Enyou appeared 23 times for the Eagles last year, playing the fifth most minutes of any player despite not joining the team until May. The Ugandan central defender led the team in possession won in the defensive third, doing so 77 times, won 69.23 per cent of his tackles and 57.45 of his duels. Enyou also showed tactical versatility, playing as a holding midfielder as well as a left full-back, which will be an asset for Eagles coach Afshin Ghotbi this season.
York United announce coaching staff for 2025 campaign
One last bit of news this week came from the touchline, with York United announcing the staff for new head coach Mauro Eustáquio. On Thursday, York announced the appointment of Mateus Lima and José Petinga as assistant coaches. Lima, 50, brings with him a strong resume, including multiple seasons spent in various coaching roles with Rio Ave in Portugal. He most recently worked as an assistant with Modern Sport FC in the Egyptian Premier League. Petinga, 37, bring a wealth of experience from his time coaching in both Canada and his native Portugal, having spent multiple years with ANB Futbol. The club also confirmed the return of Camilo Benzi, the goalkeeper coach who has been part of the organization since its inaugural season.
Valour add Jean Baptiste Pierazzi as an assistant coach
York weren’t the only club that recently added to its coaching staff, with Valour announcing the appointment of Jean Baptiste Pierazzi as an assistant coach. The 39-year-old Pierazzi most recently worked with French club AC Ajaccio as an analyst. That is also the club where he made his professional debut as a player, with whom he spent nine seasons. He played 27 matches for the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS as well. The club also announced the appointment of 30-year-old Ibrahim Soukary as the club’s strength and conditioning coach.