December 14, 2023 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release
Samuel Laplante with Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
(Atletico Ottawa)
OTTAWA, ON – Atlético Ottawa selected local midfielder and Carleton Ravens talent Luca Piccioli (first round) and former-Valour FC defender Samuel Laplante of Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (second round) in Thursday’s 2024 CPL-U SPORTS Draft.
Hailing from Ottawa, 24-year-old central midfielder Luca Piccioli, a product of Atlético’s ‘Powered By’ club the Gloucester Hornets (Gloucester Celtic), and an alumnus of St. Joseph’s High School, has been a standout U-SPORTS player in 2023. Captaining Carleton University’s Ravens to victory in the Ontario University Athletes (OAU) title, Piccioli’s eye-catching performances included a brace in the final against York Lions, leading the Ravens to a 3-1 triumph in Ottawa. Having trained with Atlético’s first-team squad through the former Atlético de Madrid Identification Program, Piccioli, recognized for his set-piece prowess and technical skills, has greatly benefited from the guidance of former Carleton Raven’s Head Coach Kewsi Loney.
“Today is an exciting day for Atlético and Luca, as well as for the wider soccer community in Ottawa,” said Loney, Assistant Coach, Atlético Ottawa. “With a rich local talent pool at our fingertips in the region, our club aims to strengthen connections and offer more opportunities for local players. Luca, known for his set-piece prowess and strong technical skills, particularly in breaking defensive lines and tight spaces, is also a formidable leader. I look forward to witnessing his development in Atlético’s top-tier professional environment during the upcoming pre-season.”
In the second round of picks (eleventh overall), Atleti selected defender Samuel Laplante from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Laplante is a product of the provincial team system in Québec and is known for his ability to provide an attacking threat from the full-back position. In his fourth year of eligibility, the 1999-born left-sided player was drafted by Valour FC in the CPL last year but has yet to make his professional debut.
“We are happy with the two choices we have made, both are players from an age group that has been somewhat neglected in the past, but very valuable thanks to the new CPL regulations,” said Carlos González, Head Coach, Atlético Ottawa. “We believe in this profile of young players with great…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Canadian Premier League CPL News…