Electric City Football Club continues to make headlines following high-profile signings to their Men’s and Women’s League1 Ontario Premier Teams.
In a release, ECFC has announced the signing of CPL 1st round draft pick Caden Rogozinski, Former TFC Academy Goalkeeper and U17 Canadian International Eleias Himaras, along with twin sisters from St. FX, Emma and Abigail Steen.
Rogozinski, a 19-year-old defender from Calgary, is currently attending Mount Royal University where he started all 13 matches as a freshman and anchored a defence that only allowed 11 goals.
Following his 2021 season in U Sports with Mount Royal, Rogozinski was selected in the first round of the CPL’s U Sports draft by Cavalry FC.
ECFC President Rob Jenkins describes Rogozinski as “a big, strong, and technical defender who makes life very difficult for opposing attacking players.”
Rogozinski arrives in Peterborough after spending the last few months in training camp with Cavalry FC.
Eleias Himaras joins Electric City FC
ECFC’s Men’s team also added former U17 Canadian International Eleias Himaras.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper from London, Ontario, joins the team after spending the preseason in training camp with CPL team York United.
Himaras spent last season as the starting keeper for FC London in his first season in League1 Ontario after being in the Toronto FC Academy system.
Last season Himaras started 10 of London’s 11 matches, earning 2 clean sheets and a call-up to York United.
Himaras says he “wanted to be a part of something that I knew was going to have a great future”, adding that the potential of ECFC made it hard to turn down their offer.
ECFC’s Women’s side confirmed the signings of 18-year-old twin sisters Emma and Abigail Steen from Ottawa, who spent last season with St. Francis Xavier University in U Sports.
Emma, a fullback, most recently played with West Ottawa Soccer Club and was also selected to the Ontario Soccer Provincial projects at 14 and 15.
In 2018, Steen travelled to Barcelona, Spain, for the Global Gatorade 5v5 Finals, representing Canada as part of the first-ever group of women to represent Canada at the tournament.
ECFC Women’s Head Coach Randy Ribeiro is thrilled to have Emma joining the team, noting her technical skills.
“She is superb in defending 1 v 1 situations and her ability to read the game in front of her is fantastic. Emma fits our player profile perfectly, and we are excited to have her this season.”
Continuing, Ribeiro commented on Emma’s twin sister Abigail.
Ribeiro says, “Abby is a player that we identified early in our recruiting process. She was outstanding all year for St.FX, and we are confident she will come in and solidify herself as a top defender in League1.”
Last year at St. FX, Abby was named an Atlantic University Sport All-Star and Rookie of the Year for St. FX.
Abby and Emma were pillars on a St. FX backline that only gave up 11 goals in their 12 regular-season games before winning a silver medal at the AUS Championships.
Both Abby and Emma are excited to join ECFC.
Abby says she wants to work hard to represent the club and be a part of growing girls’ youth soccer in Peterborough.
Emma echoed that sentiment, saying the idea of being part of the franchise from the very beginning and being part of its growth and success drew her to Electric City FC.
Twin sisters Emma and Abby Steen sign with ECFC
ECFC’s Men’s side kicks off its inaugural season in Guelph next Thursday, April 21st.
The Women’s side starts their League1 Ontario season on the road against Alliance FC on Saturday, April 23rd.
(Written by: Matthew Vernon)
