Cavalry Signs Star CPL Goalkeeper Nathan Ingham

In what has been one of the biggest goalkeeper change-ups in Canadian Premier League history, Cavalry FC finished the season with Marco Carducci at the helm but enters the new year with Nathan Ingham on the books instead.

The inbound 32-year-old veteran goalkeeper was on the opposite side in this year’s Canadian Premier League Final, captaining Atletico Ottawa to the club’s first-ever North Star Sup win victory over runner-up Cavalry FC.

A Canadian Premier League original, the Keswick native has made 109 appearances for Atletico Ottawa since joining in 2022, having been a star shotstopper for York United over the three years before that. Wherever he’s gone in the league, he’s been the de facto number one and an unrelenting force between the sticks.

Having put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal that runs through to 2028, Ingham has committed to Cavalry through to his mid-thirties.

He’s made 171 appearances for Canadian Premier League clubs overall, earning three Golden Glove nominations and – by our money – being one of the most-snubbed goalkeepers in that regard. He now enters ATCO Field as one of the most respected goalkeepers to be found in the league, and one many have surmised can play at a higher level.

“Nate has been among the league’s elite goalkeepers since the CPL began,” says Cavalry yFC head coach and general manager Tommy Wheeldon Jr, who has managed to replace a Halifax-bound Carducci with quite the goalkeeper. “He’s a proven winner, a strong leader, and someone who consistently impacts matches at the biggest moments. His ability with the ball and his calm authority inspires confidence in the team in front of him.”

Ingham’s playing career began with PDL side Kitchener-Waterloo United before he transitioned to FC Edmonton and, briefly, had a stop with the Calgary Foothills. A short move to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds preceded his steps into the Canadian Premier League era, where he’s been a commanding figure ever since.

Having gone out of contract after picking up a long-awaited league championship in November, Ingham was highly sought-after throughout the league but has commanded one of the higher salaries for a ‘keeper within Canada’s top flight.

“I can’t wait to get to Calgary and to get started,” says Ingham. “Between the coaching staff and the squad, there are a lot of guys that I’m excited to work with. My goal is to make this club better. That is a big task considering the pedigree, but I’m determined to help take it to another level.”

The club’s new goalkeeper will join them for preseason training later on this month.

Ingham will join Cavalry FC once the club has returned for preseason training in January. 

Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques