Atlético Ottawa is thrilled to announce the exciting arrival of Canadian defensive midfielder Ilias Iliadis to the capital city.
Iliadis, who previously played for CF Montréal in Major League Soccer, joins the team on loan until the end of the 2023 Canadian Premier League season. The 22-year-old brings with him a wealth of experience and promise despite his young age, making him a valuable addition as we entre the business end of the campaign.
Iliadis’ journey in soccer began with the Serbian White Eagles SC and Rush Academy, where he honed his skills during his minor soccer days. His passion and dedication led him to a camp with English Club Arsenal’s Academy in January 2015. Subsequently, he joined Greek club Panathinaikos’ Academy, further refining his abilities. In August 2021 he joined Panathinaikos B and showcased his talent in the Greek Super League 2, playing 34 games and scoring two goals.
CEO Fernando Lopez expressed his delight at the new acquisition, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Ilias to the Atleti Family. He is a young, talented midfielder with a bright future ahead of him. We believe he will be a valuable asset to our team as we make a strong push in the second half of the Canadian Premier League season and will have a crucial role to play within the squad.”
Head Coach Carlos Gonzalez echoed the excitement, praising Iliadis’ understanding of the game and versatility. “Ilias is a player with immense potential and a great understanding of the game. His qualities are a perfect fit to bring even more versatility to our style of play, and I have no doubt that he will fit perfectly into our team dynamic. I look forward to seeing him on the pitch and working with him to ensure we maximize his impact during the final stretch of the season.”
The timing of Iliadis’ arrival couldn’t be better for Atlético Ottawa, as we continue our pursuit of climbing the league standings and securing a top spot in the Canadian Premier League playoffs. His defensive skills and tactical versatility make him an invaluable addition to the squad.
“Winning is the most important thing, I know we’re chasing a playoff spot and I’m more than confident that we can clinch that spot and be a team that no one wants to face,” said Iliadis.
Fans of Atlético Ottawa can witness Ilias Iliadis in action during this weekend’s match against Cavalry FC. Tickets are available for purchase, and supporters eagerly await the opportunity to see the new signing showcase his talent on the field in Ottawa as we encourage supporters to bring their gently used soccer equipment to be donated to the Odawa Native Friendship Centre.