Atletico Ottawa Adds New Zealand Forward Monty Patterson

The nation’s capital is getting an injection of international attacking talent with Atletico Ottawa’s signing of New Zealand forward Monty Patterson.

The 28-year-old New Zealand international can play all across the final third, offering head coach Diego Mejia options as a bilateral winger or directly as a striker.

His return to professional football comes after he lit up the amateur ranks of the New Zealand National League North division with Birkenhead United, tallying 24 goals and three assists in thirty appearances.

“Monty is a versatile, dynamic number nine that fits our style of play and model,” says ATO General Manager JD Ulanowski. “We expect him to bring lots of attacking output in the final third for us.”

This won’t be his first stint in North America, with Patterson having once played alongside Drew Beckie at Oklahoma City Energy. His career got its start through Ipswich Town, where he turned professional after progressing through the academy ranks. He was loaned to National League side Braintree Town and A-League side Wellington Phoenix, later playing in the Norwegian third tier before returning to his native New Zealand.

See Also: Atletico Ottawa Reveals History Nod With Home Kit

Patterson had made fifteen appearances for the New Zealand national team between 2016 and 2017, scoring a goal against the Solomon Islands in the Oceanic World Cup Qualifiers.

The New Zealand striker reveals that he comes to Canada’s top flight after having discussed the move with a few countrymen who have plied their trade in the league, like Moses Dyer and Myer Bevan, having played against the latter in New Zealand’s national final.

“I like to help the team by scoring goals, creating chances, and working hard,” adds Patterson.

With Ruben Del Campo leaving the side after racking up a fourteen-goal haul last year, Ottleti will be hoping that Monty mounts a successful attack in the club’s final third.

Patterson has already joined the squad in training in Ottawa. 

Header Image Photo Credit: Chris Hue / Atletico Ottawa