Maxim Tissot Returns To Ottawa

Canadian international Maxim Tissot is heading back to the capital, but with a new club.

The former Forge FC and Ottawa Fury talent has now officially signed with Atletico Ottawa after spending the last two seasons in Hamilton, where he made thirty-two appearances and scored a unique insurance goal in the 2020 CPL Final.

The Quebec-born defender made eighteen appearances for the two-time league champions last season, five of which came in continental action. The draw to return closer to home, however, proved to be a big one for Tissot.

I am very happy to have the chance to play in my home region again. I have had a lot of great experiences and adversity in my career, something I can share with the younger players. 

Maxim TIssot

The 29-year-old has made over 175 professional appearances throughout his career so far, launching his professional career with MLS side CF Montreal. He made 45 appearances over three seasons in Quebec before joining the Ottawa Fury for a season in 2016.

The five-foot-eleven left-back then played for DC United, the Richmond Kickers, and a title-winning San Francisco Deltas side before returning to the Fury in 2018, though he missed most of that season through injuries.

The full-back accrued plenty of CPL interest the following year after the Ottawa Fury ceased operations, and with Atletico Ottawa launching shortly afterwards many had expected Tissot to sign the club for its inaugural campaign – especially after he voiced that he’d like to say home.

When he signed for Forge, in fact, he told us he’d have an extra spark in him when he played against the capital city club. Those tensions have evidently cooled, however, with Tissot now arriving on a one-year deal with a club option for 2023.

See Also: Maxim Tissot Ready For CPL: ‘I’m As Fit As I’ve Ever Been’

The 2020 North Star Shield winner will bring an experienced presence to a backline in need of some left-sided depth. The club has retained right-sided full-backs Miguel Acosta and Zach Verhoven, but the left has been carved bare in a recent roster update.

Beyond his excellent delivery from his left-foot, both in open play and dead ball situations, Maxim offers us such great tactical flexibility. He can play at left back, in the midfield, or even fill in as a centre back if needed. That’s the kind of versatility that we need in the CPL if we want to make a run for a championship.

Atletico Ottawa CEO Fernando Lopez

As Fernando noted, his defensive versatility will bring options for the club’s new head coach, who has yet to be revealed. The club parted ways with inaugural head coach Mista last month.

Tissot has also made thirteen appearances for the Canadian national team, making his debut against Iceland seven years ago. He becomes the fourth intra-league arrival made today after Ollie Bassett, Nathan Ingham, and Keven Aleman.

Tissot is the sixth and final Atletico Ottawa signing to be revealed today, with the capital city returnee slotting in alongside the new additions of MacDonald Niba, Zakaria Bahous, Ollie Bassett, Nathan Ingham, and Keven Aleman.