Chant Bible
Thomas Stockting
Powley Between The Pipes For Atlético
Former FC Edmonton goalkeeper, Dylon Powley has officially been unveiled as the first goalkeeper on the Atletico Ottawa roster for the upcoming 2021 season.
Powley, who is in Spain with the "rest" of the team for a pre-season training camp becomes the 12th player officially announced - two days after former Fury player Chris Mannella was confirmed.
Powley, who has been with the Eddies for the past two seasons, only featured once at the Island Games last season (a 1-0 defeat to the Team Formerly Known as York9) but had become a regular for Edmonton in 2019, featuring six times, including the last five games.
With a previous connection to Tommy Wheeldon Jr. many Candian Premier League fans expected the 6"1 keeper to play understudy to Marco Christian Carducci at Cavalry FC and his move to the Nation's Capital will come as somewhat of a surprise.
Atletico Ottawa will definitely be signing another keeper before the 2021 season starts, but with Powley being announced first, expect the 24-year-old to be marshalling the defence this summer.
"A tough pill to swallow", Powley on leaving his hometown, the Island Games & proving his doubters wrong.
Considering the announcement that fan favourite from the 2020 Canadian Premier League Island Games, Nacho Zabal, wouldn't be returning to the Capital for the upcoming season there has been surprisingly little talk and speculation amongst supporters over who would be standing between the sticks at the TD Place (we hope) in 2021.
This could be due to the fact that the goalkeeper isn't the 'sexiest' of positions, or maybe that the leaked roster which appeared and disappeared on twitter (not before countless fans grabbed a screenshot) took away an element of intrigue.
Either way, as of today we know who is likely to be holding down the fort for Ottelti as former FC Edmonton keeper, Dylon Powley was officially unveiled as an Atletico Ottawa player.
"To say I'm excited to get the season going is an understatement," Powley told CCSG.
This is understandable considering the former Eddie's keeper won't be reflecting on a fond Island Games experience, with FC Edmonton finishing last, picking up one point (a fight back from 2-0 down vs Atletico) out of a possible 21.
To add to that, Powley was powerless to affect the outcome of most matches, starting just one game and witnessing the rest from the bench.
"I feel like I wasn't given the opportunities that I deserved," he said.
Despite this, Powley is an Eddie to his core, having been born in the Adbertan Capital.
"It's a tough pill to swallow," said the 24-year -old.
"Growing up it was always a dream to play in front of my friends and family and I can that's something I accomplished."
There is no doubt that he will miss his hometown but Powley is keen to back his own talent as he's a "firm believer in betting on yourself and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.
"That's exactly what I have found here in Ottawa."
Looking back on his time in Prince Edward Island, Powley described the experience as something he "definitely won't boast about", but still sees a silver lining.
"The biggest thing I took from these games were actually off the field and managing emotions when things don't go according to how you're told, or even expect.
"I think facing adversity and trying to remain professional and focused when the chips are down was my biggest take away," said Powley.
Powley, like his new club, have a big point to prove in the upcoming season and fans can rest assured that commitment and desire won't be lacking from either party.
"I know personally I've got a lot to prove, both to myself and others.
"I belong in this league and now I'm excited to showcase what I can really do."
With two-years of CPL experience under his belt, as well as a successful trial period in Sweden (much like teammate Malcolm Shaw) where the 24-year-old keeper went on to play 19 times, Powley brings experience despite his tender years and all fans in the Capital should be excited to see him play.