Atlético Sign Ottawa-Born CPL U21 ‘Player of the Year’ Matteo de Brienne

December 21, 2023 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release

OTTAWA, ON – Atlético Ottawa has secured the highly-coveted signing of Matteo de Brienne, of Ottawa, on a one-year contract with an option to extend the 2023 Canadian Premier League under-21 ‘Player of the Year’ into 2025.

Hailing from Barrhaven, Ottawa, De Brienne is a bilingual left-sided player who was educated at École secondaire catholique Pierre-Savard, and played for Ottawa South United (OSU). He then moved to British Columbia to continue his studies after being selected to train in the prestigious Vancouver Whitecaps Academy system. At 18 years of age, his pathway continued when he signed his first professional contract as part of Atlético Ottawa’s inaugural squad that travelled to Prince Edward Island for the modified 2020 CPL season (The Island Games) before heading to Carleton University where De Brienne stood out for the Ravens. In his first year, he played 10 times, scoring six goals as the Carleton Ravens secured the silver medal at the U SPORTS National Finals and he was named OUA West Divison Rookie of the Year before signing for Valour FC in 2022.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of Matteo de Brienne to Ottawa,” said Fernando López, CEO, Atlético Ottawa. “Highly sought after and rightfully so, Matteo’s progression over the last two seasons speaks for itself. Finishing as the best under-21 player and standing among the league’s top performers in 2023, his return is an exciting time for all involved with Atlético as we continue to forge Ottawa’s soccer legacy.”

De Brienne, 21 years old, was a stand-out player in the CPL last season with Valour FC, earning him the title of best under-21-year-old player of the year. In just 20 appearances in 2023, De Brienne scored the second most goals (3), provided the second most assists (3) and created the second most chances (24) of any Valour player, while also making the second most interceptions (40) in the league. The 21-year-old, who has six league goals (all-time), was predominantly deployed at left-back but saw himself move into a more attacking position towards the end of his second season in Winnipeg, having opted out of the 2022 CPL U – SPORTS Draft and signing directly for Valour.

“We are delighted to be able to count on Matteo for next season. He encompasses all the aspects that we are looking for when building our squad, competitive mentality and talent as well as proven experience and a sense…