Tides Sign Rapid Midfielder Julia Benati

After struggling in the club’s opening campaign, the Halifax Tides are continuing a hefty roster rebuild with the signing of former Ottawa Rapid midfielder Julia Benati.

Benati’s participating in the inaugural Northern Super League saw her lace up some 23 times for the Ottawa Rapid, typically as an off-the-bench option, tallying three goals and one assist. The central midfielder featured for the side in playoffs, where they fell to eventual champions Vancouver Rise in the semi-final.

The Tides have retained fourteen players from the club’s inaugural season, signing midseason replacement gaffer Stephen Hart on a permanent deal heading into the 2026 NSL season.

“Jules brings a high soccer IQ to the Tides with the ability to receive the ball in tight pockets and link well with the midfield or execute the final pass,” says Tides Sporting Director Amit Batra. “Her awareness combined with technical ability make her a threat to score equally from inside or outside the penalty box. Ultimately, Jules can make players around her better and fans will enjoy watching her create opportunities.”

The Dorchester, Ontario native also brings in experience from her time in Europe, having played for Norway’s Medkila and Portugal’s Valadares Gaia. She has also been a force to be reckoned with through two spells in League1 Ontario with FC London, having been the club’s captain and earning the league’s MVP title in 2022.

She isn’t the only Ottawa Rapid player to make the move over to Canada’s east coast, with Stella Downing joining the team last month.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Tides and start this next chapter,” adds Benati herself. “This club is building something special and I’m excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to play in front of such a passionate community and give everything.”

Benati’s contract with the Halifax Tides will run through the 2026 NSL season.

Header Image Photo Credit: Ottawa Rapid