In its final of six announcements on ATO Signing Day 2022, Wednesday, Atlético Ottawa revealed it would welcome the Gatineau-native defender Maxim Tissot back to the Nation’s Capital. Tissot comes home with a one-year plus a one-year option contract after spending two seasons with 2020 CPL Champions Forge FC.
A product of the Impact Academy, Tissot signed his first professional contract in 2013 with the Montreal Impact (now CF Montréal) in the MLS. He made his debut in April 2013, a day after his 21st birthday. He was part of the Montreal squad that won back-to-back Canadian Championships in 2013 and 2014.
After being waved by the Impact in June of 2016, Tissot joined his hometown club, Ottawa Fury, for a first stint, and competed in the NASL. Tissot went on to play in MLS with DC United and back to the NASL with the San Francisco Deltas in 2017, helping lead the Deltas to a Soccer Bowl win in their inaugural season.
When the Deltas folded days after their championship win, Tissot made a return home to rejoin Ottawa Fury FC, now playing in the USL. He would go on to miss most of the 2018 season due to injury but made a successful return in 2019.
“I am very happy to have the chance to play in my home region again,” said Tissot of his return to Ottawa. “I have had a lot of great experiences and adversity in my career, something I can share with the younger players.”
“Beyond his excellent delivery from his left-foot, both in open play and dead ball situations, Maxim offers us such great tactical flexibility,” offers Fernando López, CEO of Atlético Ottawa. “He can play at left back, in the midfield, or even fill in as a centre back if needed. That’s the kind of versatility that we need in the CPL if we want to make a run for a championship.”
In his two seasons with Forge FC, Tissot featured in 32 matches across competitions, which includes eight appearances in Concacaf Champions League. A reliable finisher and enthusiastic leader, Tissot moves back home with hopes of bringing success and long-term viability to the local pro soccer club.
“I firmly believe that we can be competitive this year,” added Tissot. “My goal is to win another CPL championship.”
With this sixth announcement today, Atlético Ottawa can now count 13 skilled and versatile players on its roster ahead of the preseason camp. With a new head coach yet to be confirmed and more additions expected in the weeks to come, Atlético Ottawa has set its sights on prosperity and victory for 2022.
Atlético Ottawa 2022 Roster as of January 26th, 2022
GK: Nathan Ingham (CAN)
Defenders: Miguel Acosta (ESP), Drew Beckie (CAN), MacDonald Ngwa Niba (CMR), Maxim Tissot (CAN)
Midfielders: Kevan Alemán (CAN), Zakaria Bahous (CAN), Ollie Bassett (GBR), Chris Mannella (CAN), Ben McKendry (CAN), Zach Verhoven (CAN)
Forwards: Malcolm Shaw (CAN), Brian Wright (CAN)
Fans eager to secure their part in Atlético Ottawa’s next chapter can join the Atleti Family by purchasing their Season Seat Membership or Flex Pass now. Full details on benefits and perks are available at atleticoottawa.club.
