Centre-Back Callum Montgomery Joins Cavalry

Cavalry FC has secured a big defensive addition with former Minnesota United defender Callum Montgomery.

This marks the first time the 25-year-old will play professionally at home in Canada, a country for whom he’s represented twice at the U-23 level.

The BC-born defender’s professional career began after FC Dallas selected him in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, with the young defender undergoing a loan with San Diego Loyal SC before spending last season with Minesotta United 2.

The defender had interest from other CPL sides, but arrives as a big defensive addition for a team needing to fill-in for Karifa Yao.

“There are few young, domestic left-sided centre backs with good professional experience, so I’m delighted we were able to attract him to our club,” said head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

“He has great attributes that we can add to our back line and give us balance, defensive stability and has a terrific passing range. On top of that, he is a person with high character and great leadership qualities that I’m sure teammates and supporters will enjoy having him in our colours.”

We had included Montgomery on a list of MLS talents who could land in CPL back in 2021, shortly after which he signed with Minnesota United. The defender went out on loan to USL Championship side San Diego Loyal SC that year, making 17 appearances before Minnesota picked up his option for 2022.

His season in MLS Next Pro was impacted heavily by injury, with Montgomery making eight appearances before entering free agency following the decline of his club option.

“I’m very excited to be joining Cavalry FC,” added Montgomery himself. “They’re a club that I have followed for quite some time who are known for their organization, clever attacks, and aggressive style of play. I’m looking forward to contributing to the group in any way that I can as well as integrating myself in the Calgary community.”

The club’s newest addition will join Daan Klomp in the club’s centre-back options, though it remains to be seen if Mason Trafford will be back amidst a transition to a club office role.

The length and financial details regarding Montgomery’s contract with Cavalry FC were not disclosed by the club.