Akio’s Back: Cavalry Inks Former Valour, Ross County Forward

William Akio is back in Canada – and this time for hometown club Cavalry FC.

The 24-year-old striker had arrives from Scottish side Ross County FC, who had loaned him to second division side Raith Rovers midway through last season.

The transfer comes through an undisclosed fee paid by his new CPL side, who inked Akio to a two-and-a-half year deal that will see his stay at Spruce Meadows run through to the 2025 CPL season.

It also reunites him with former Calgary Foothills coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr, for whom Akio won a PDL Championship title with in 2018.

After turning heads with NCAA outfit Texas Rio Grande Valley following that, the Calgary native inked a contract with Winnipeg’s Valour FC, contributing ten goals in 43 appearances and demonstrating explosive pace and a keen eye for goal, despite a viral miss in 2022.

His stint with Valour FC also saw William earn a call up for South Sudan, who he’s since represented five times. His brother, Victor Loturi, now represents Canada instead, and is enjoying a more successful club spell in Scotland.

Interview: William Akio On Ross County, Valour, And Everything In Between

Akio made fourteen appearances for Ross County FC before a rumoured fall-out with the head coach over off-pitch issues, after which he was loaned to Raith Rovers in the Scottish second division. Scoring three goals in 15 appearances there, he now returns to Canadian soil in the hopes of reigniting his career trajectory.

“This is an exciting signing for the club,” says Cavalry gaffer Tommy Wheeldon Jr. “Willy is at a great age and stage of his career, where he has shown he can impact this league and still has a big upside to get even better.”

“His speed, goal threat and willingness to work for his team will be a welcome addition at this stage of the season. Added to that, he has a terrific personality both on and off the pitch that I’m sure our fans and his teammates will enjoy.”

The move represents Cavalry’s second midseason move, with the club having brought in Mael Henry from Vancouver FC in a player-swap that saw Mikael Cantave exit. The team also lost out on Jose Eacalante to a loan following a bizarre transfer saga this month.

Akio’s new side currently rests third in league standings with a fairly healthy return of twenty goals in fourteen matches.