Romanian Club Otelul Galati Reels In Dominick Zator

Having spent the last three-and-a-half years in Poland, Canadian centre-back Dominick Zator is now moving on to Romania’s top flight.

SC Otelul Galati has signed the defender on a two-year deal, having been impressed by the experienced defender’s well-rounded talents both along the backline and offensively on set piece opportunities, too – something Canadian Premier League fans will have been well familiar with.

The 31-year-old defender once plied his trade on Canadian soil as one of the best to be found in Canada’s top flight, where he registered 105 appearances between hometown side Cavalry FC and Inter Toronto (then York United).

He left the Canadian Premier League behind after the ’22 season and a defender of the year nomination, making the jump to Poland with Korona Kielce in a bid to steer them from relegation and get on Canada’s national team radar at the same time. He was successful on both counts, ultimately making 65 appearances for the red-and-yellow and making three appearances for Les Rouges overall, having last been listed in Canada’s preliminary Gold Cup roster for 2025.

Flashback: Zator Explains His Move To Poland

Zator has been a free agent since July, departing Polish side Arka Gdynia after the club failed to stay in the country’s top flight. The big centre-back made 21 appearances for the blue-and-yellow during his stay in Gdynia, but opted to move on with the club set for the second division.

With Zator now set to call Romania’s steel port along the Danube home, Otelul will be hoping to build upon its mid-table finish last season. The club has proven difficult to beat early in the new campaign, posting two wins, four draws, and just one loss through its opening seven matches.

Zator’s arrival adds an experienced option to a backline that has conceded eight times thus far, with Zator’s aerial presence also giving the club a big threat on set pieces.

“For me, it’s a wonderful challenge, and I’m ready to work hard from day one,” said Zator of his move. “I hope we’ll have two great seasons together, secure as many wins as possible, and give the fans even more reasons to be proud of their team.”

This will mark Zator’s third European country, with the defender once having spent a spell in Sweden with Vasalunds IF whilst on loan from York United.

Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques