Cavalry FC 2023: Tactical Evolution and Key Factors Behind Their Breakout Season
Cavalry FC emerged as one of the Canadian Premier League’s most exciting teams in 2023, building on a strong offseason to secure a playoff spot before any other club. This tactical breakdown explores how Tommy Wheeldon Jr. has guided Cavalry’s progression at both ends of the pitch, fueled by clever recruitment, versatile strategies, and a thriving blend of youth and experience.
Adapting Formations: Balancing a Deep Midfield
Throughout the 2023 season, Cavalry FC has demonstrated remarkable tactical flexibility, alternating between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-4-2-1 setup. The initial 4-2-3-1 formation offered structure and balance but, as the campaign progressed, Coach Wheeldon Jr. shifted toward a 3-4-2-1, maximizing the value of the team’s wealth of central midfielders.
Both formations share similar principles, particularly during buildup play. Cavalry often creates a 3+2 structure in possession, pushing the right-back forward and allowing wide attackers to tuck into central spaces. This morphs their shape into something like a 3-2-4-1 during attacking transitions, providing both solidity at the back and multiple layers in midfield.
Defensive Stability: Foundations at the Back
Defensively, Cavalry’s success is anchored by one of the CPL’s standout goalkeepers, Marco Carducci. Ahead of him, Eryk Kobza—initially deployed in midfield—was converted into a centre-back, filling the gap left by Karifa Yao’s departure and providing additional physicality and comfort in possession.
Kobza teams up with Daan Klomp, who offers composure and quarterback-like passing from the back, while Bradley Kamdem adds power and ball-carrying ability as a left-sided centre-back or defensive fullback. The team uses structure and positional awareness to stay compact, adjusting between a defensive back four or three as the situation demands.
On the right, Fraser Aird returned from injury to become one of the league’s top chance-creating wing-backs, though Shamit Shome has also impressively taken on a playmaking role from deeper areas contributed to Cavalry’s smooth transitions.
Midfield Depth and Rotation
The tactical switch to a three-man defense or midfield box has allowed Cavalry to immerse all four key central midfielders into matchday squads. Kobza’s proficiency in one-on-one defending, Shome’s versatility, and Jesse Daley’s ball-winning presence enable dynamic rotations and progressive play.
Daley, a major offseason acquisition, impressed with tenacious tackling and box-to-box stamina, especially when partnered with Charlie Trafford—whose leadership and passing have provided a steadying influence in a relatively young team.
Attacking Innovation: Fluid Frontline and Creativity
Cavalry’s attack features several of the CPL’s standout talents. Ali Musse has delivered 0.37 expected goals plus assists per 90, combining creative flair with a knack for scoring. Sergio Camargo’s technical ability adds another dimension in and around the final third, while the pacey Goteh Ntignee excelled as a direct winger prior to his big-money transfer to France.
The departures in the forward line have been anticipated, with William Akio and Mael Henry seamlessly stepping in. Akio’s explosive play down the right and Henry’s intelligence and “inverting” tendencies help Cavalry retain both width and unpredictability. Up front, Myer Bevan contributes as a complete forward, ranking among the division’s leading scorers and excelling in Cavalry’s pressing schemes.
Patterns of Play: Ball Progression and Overloads
Cavalry typically builds attacks through a controlled 3+2 structure, using three central defenders and two deep midfielders. Klomp and Kobza often distribute long passes to switch play, while Trafford orchestrates from deep and Kamdem advances with the ball when space appears. The team forms triangles in midfield to ensure possession is retained and quickly recycled, minimizing risk on transitions.
Upon entering the opposition half, Cavalry engineers overloads by advancing one wing-back as the corresponding winger tucks inside. This maneuver creates space and dynamic passing lanes, frequently resulting in high-quality opportunities. With Shome offering a reserved presence on one side and Aird or Kamdem overlapping on the other, Cavalry can shift the point of attack or inject pace as needed.
Ben Fisk and Tom Field provide additional left-sided depth, contributing in key areas such as crossing, ball progression, and defensive duels.
High Pressing and Turnover Threat
Cavalry FC’s defensive identity is built around structured, intelligent pressing. They have consistently recorded a PPDA (passes allowed per defensive action) below 9, reflecting their relentless approach without sacrificing organization.
This high press often generates direct scoring chances, especially against possession-oriented teams. Trafford and Daley provide steel in midfield, while wingers like Ntignee (prior to his transfer) and Akio pressure opposition fullbacks and centre-backs relentlessly. The result: Cavalry routinely force opponents into mistakes deep in their own half.
Defensive Consistency and Discipline
Despite their attacking intent, Cavalry remain efficient at the back—conceding only 1.0 goals per match while scoring 1.6 per 90, leading the league in both defensive and offensive metrics. The size and strength of defenders like Kobza, Klomp, and Kamdem give Cavalry a fearsome physical presence, making them difficult to break down even in end-to-end contests.
While aggressive pressing increases the risk of fouls and bookings, it also instills a fear factor for opponents who know that every touch will be challenged.
Tactical Flexibility and Playoff Aspirations
The 2023 campaign has seen Cavalry FC showcase unprecedented depth and versatility in both systems and personnel. The team’s ability to adapt its shape and approach match-by-match—while maintaining core principles in possession and pressing—marks them as genuine title contenders.
With competitors like Forge FC lurking for another playoff run, Cavalry must maintain confidence without slipping into overconfidence as they chase their first postseason championship.
Conclusion
Cavalry FC’s ascent to the top of the CPL in 2023 can be traced to smart squad building, tactical intelligence, and a cohesive mix of youth, experience, and innovation. By embracing multiple formations, empowering key players in every line, and leveraging both defensive discipline and explosive attacking talent, Tommy Wheeldon Jr.’s team enters the postseason with optimism and a blueprint for success.
