Nanaimo's Callum Montgomery will return home for a key CONCACAF Champions Cup matchup in Victoria on Wednesday, Feb. 21 with his Cavalry FC. (CFC Media/Tony Lewis)

By Nathan Maley

HOMECOMING GAME

Nanaimo soccer star returning to Island for CONCACAF Champions Cup

Feb 16, 2024 | 4:22 PM

NANAIMO — Callum Montgomery is getting set to play in the biggest match of his career.

The local-born member of Calgary-based Cavalry FC will play Orlando City SC in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round matchup in Victoria Wednesday, Feb. 21.

The 26-year-old returns to Starlight Stadium to play in front of friends and family in the biggest North American soccer tournament.

“I think it’s gonna be one of the biggest games for our clubs history and to have the chance to play that on the Island isn’t ideal for Cavs fans, but it’s another great chance to come home and I’m excited to play on a field that I played a lot of games on growing up.”

Montgomery told NanaimoNewsNOW he expects to have at least 20 friends and family in attendance in a suite, and is hopeful more will be able to show up.

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The Cavalry defender said he used to grow up idolizing VIU players in Nanaimo, then Victoria Highlanders and UVic players once he got older and moved to Victoria in grade 11 to advance his career in soccer.

Now pro soccer has made its way to Vancouver Island, Montgomery hopes the younger generation gets the same inspiration he had as a kid.

“For the chance to have young players come and watch professional games in their own backyard is an unbelievable opportunity for them. I think when you see this level, it inspires you.”

Montgomery has experience playing against MLS clubs, after being drafted fourth overall to FC Dallas in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.

He also had a stint with Minnesota United FC, before signing with the Calgary based club in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) in 2023.

Montgomery said his teammates can’t be afraid about playing a larger MLS club and they belong on the same field as them.

“You gotta respect the opponent and yes it’s going to be a bit of a different level, but we’re here for a reason and if we play our game there’s no reason we can’t compete with them.”

Orlando City SC finished second in the Eastern Conference standings in the MLS last season, before being knocked out in the second round of playoffs to the eventual champion Columbus Crew.

Cavalry finished second in the CPL playoffs last season, after falling 2-1 to Forge FC in the finals.

Despite not being at their home-field, Montgomery thinks ‘home-field advantage’ is still their’s with their experience at Starlight.

“It’s a field we know well. I’m hoping it’s going to be a wet, cold, rainy night and make them uncomfortable.”

An upset win in the first round over Orlando City SC would see Cavalry FC match up with Tigres UANL from Mexico’s top division, who defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 4-1 on aggregate.

Although the road is long, Cavalry FC could potentially face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami if both teams reach the semi-finals.

Montgomery said his team cannot overlook any of the competition in their way, and they aren’t looking very far ahead.

“We haven’t even looked at the second leg, right now we are just really focusing on the game on Wednesday in Victoria, and then as soon as that game ends we’ll take a night to reassess and then go from there.”

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