FC Edmonton Parts Ways With Raul Tito

Canadian Premier League side FC Edmonton and Peruvian winger Raul Tito have mutually terminated the contract between the two.

The 23-year-old Peruvian winger had yet to step foot within Canada despite having first signed with the club nearly 500 days ago.

Tito originally put pen to paper with the Eddies back in February 2020, just one month before the COVID-19 pandemic caused severe global travel restrictions to be put into place. Despite being unable to take part in last year’s Island Games tournament, he was one of the first confirming re-signings under new FC Edmonton boss Alan Koch.

He was then quietly loaned to Peruvian second division side Santos De Nasca late last year, with today’s news confirming that he now becomes the latest in a string of international signings never to step foot in the league.

The club was looking forward to Raul being in Edmonton to showcase his talents and help us win, and the club did everything we could to get Raul into Canada and join the team. But, with the ongoing travel restrictions and complications due to the pandemic, and because of the immediate needs of both the team and our roster, and of Raul and his playing career, it became clear that this was the best course of action for everyone. We thank Raul for his time with us, and wish only the best for him, his family, and his future.

FC Edmonton

The Alberta-based side travelled to Winnipeg today ahead of the bubbled start to the 2021 Canadian Premier League season. With Tito’s contract officially cancelled, that means that the Eddies have two free roster spots remaining – both of which could go to internationals, assuming Koch had made some quiet moves in advance to today’s news.

While the club had signed three-time CPL-U SPORTS Draft Pick Thomas Gardner, it remains to be seen if one-time Canadian international Jackson Farmer will get a shot with the Eddies. With Prince Amanda remaining close to the club, it’s also possible that he could return for a third season with the side.

Thus far Koch has leaned in on his USL background, bringing in Paris Gee and Hunter Gorskie from the league while also securing Austin Bold forward Roberto Avila on loan. When the bubbled segment of the season concludes, Club President Eric Newendorp has big plans for the return to Clarke Stadium.

In the meantime, Tito will need to keep waiting for his first playing opportunity abroad: the Lima-born forward has spent his entire career in Peru, with 46 of over 122 professional appearances having come in the country’s domestic top flight, and the rest in the second division.

FC Edmonton will take part in the opening match of the 2021 CPL Season with a match against Atletico Ottawa this Saturday.