Romeo Returns To Valour, But Mourdoukoutas Exits

Canadian defender Rocco Romeo will represent Winnipeg again following a two-year spell with Vancouver, though we’ve learned that Tass Mordoukoutas will not be returning to Princess Auto Stadium.

Romeo’s exit from The Other VFC was made official just yesterday. The centre-back had made fifty appearances for Vancouver, cementing himself as both a starter and a fan-favourite amongst the Eagles faithful.

Get To Know: Rocco Romeo

The 24-year-old centre-back had suited up for Valour in both 2021 whilst on loan from Toronto FC and then in 2022 as a full signing, tallying 42 appearances for the Winnipeg side and proving to be a sturdy option for Phil Dos Santos.

“Rocco is one of ours,” says the aforementioned gaffer. “We love his passion and commitment to the game. Even if he’s still a young player, he has a lot of CPL matches played. He adds experience and quality to our back line. We know what he’s all about. He’s a competitor, good in the air, loves to defend and can also execute with the ball.”

Romeo says his return to Winnipeg is more than just a homecoming, and he brings with him an unrelenting hunger to win. Through four seasons with both VFCs, he’s yet to taste playoff action, but says he’s here to make history for both club and city.

The big defender arrives on a one-year deal that includes a club option for 2026, and overall he looks to be a good pickup for the Winnipeg-based side.

Romeo becomes the third intra-league transfer in for the club this offseason, with Kris Twardek and Eleias Himaras coming in from Atletico Ottawa and York United respectively.

As one big centre-back arrives, however, another will exit: Australian defender Tass Mourdoukoutas will not be returning, though that hasn’t been formally announced by the club yet.

Mourdoukoutas arrived as Valour’s primary transfer target last season, with the big centre-back making 25 appearances and captaining the club on several occasions. He’s opted to leave Canada behind at the conclusion on his one year deal, ending his time in the CPL after three seasons split between York United and Valour – though an eventual return hasn’t been ruled out.

Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques