Sporting's phenom Lucas Dias joins Cavalry on loan

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It’s another prized pick-up for talent-rich Cavalry FC

Flush with wealth in terms of footie talent — especially at the midfield position — the Canadian Premier League club has added yet another money player in young attacking star Lucas Dias to its charge.

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The 21-year-old midfielder joins Cavalry on loan from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, one of the élite soccer programs overseas.

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“Lucas is an exciting talent that has had a great upbringing in one of Europe’s top clubs,” said Cavalry GM/head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

“He is a clever, attack-minded player that wants to make things happen in the opponent’s half,” continued Wheeldon. “We look forward to him wearing our crest and providing another attacking piece to our squad.”

Dias joins the CPL squad just ahead of its debut in Concacaf competition.

The Cavs match up with Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC in the first round of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday, Feb. 21 — hosting at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C. (8 p.m. MT) — and on Tuesday, Feb. 27 — visiting Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium (4 p.m. MT).

Dias’s participation in the continental event has yet to be determined.

Regardless, he brings a bevy of talent to the team, which begins its defence of the regular-season championship in the CPL on April 13.

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“It’s a great feeling to now be part of this club and journey,” Dias said. “I can’t wait to get started.”

Born in Toronto, Dias joined Sporting’s Toronto academy at a young age and was invited to the academy in Portugal when he was just nine years old.

After joining Sporting Lisbon permanently at age 11, Dias signed his first professional contract with the club at 16 years old, following in the footsteps of legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who was also a product of Sporting.

Dias brings experience to the Cavs because of his upbringing in Sporting’s system, with 49 appearances made for the club across its under-19 and U23 squads and Sporting CP B side.

Internationally, Dias made one appearance for Portugal’s U16 crew and has four caps for Canada at the U23 level.

He was the youngest player for the Canadian U23 national side during the Concacaf men’s Olympic qualifying championship in Mexico. In Guadalajara, he was utilized by head coach Mauro Biello as a piece coming off the bench in each of Canada’s three group games.

tsaelhof@postmedia.com

http://www.x.com/ToddSaelhofPM

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