Atletico Ottawa adds experience in form of Mexican midfielder Juan (Coque) Castro

Atletico Ottawa has signed veteran Mexican midfielder Juan (Coque) Castro to a one-year deal with an option for 2026.

The 33-year-old holds the record for appearances for Atletico San Luis, the Liga MX side affiliated with Ottawa and its parent Atletico organization.

Castro, known by his nickname “Coque,” helped San Luis win promotion and has made more than 120 appearances in Liga MX. He left the club last July after making 23 appearances during the 2023-24 Liga MX campaign.

“His arrival provides our squad with great quality and depth, and his versatility has allowed him to excel in multiple positions,” newly named Ottawa coach Diego Mejia, also a Mexican, said in a statement.

“Coque has an outstanding reputation as a player with title-winning experience and the ability to make a significant impact both on and off the field.”

In other CPL news, Forge FC exercised 2025 options on goalkeepers Christopher Kalongo and Jassem Koleilat, defenders Malik Owolabi Belewu and Daniel Parra, and forwards Orlendis Benitez and Beni Badibanga.

Parra is on loan from Liga MX side CF Monterrey.

The Hamilton-based side also confirmed the departure of Malcolm Duncan, Jordan Hamilton, Victor Klonaridis, Matteo Schiavoni, Dominic Samuel, Terran Campbell, Garven Metusala, Sebastian Castello and Alessandro Hojabrpour.

Halifax Wanderers have hired Italian-Canadian Giovanni Petraglia as an assistant coach.

Petraglia, 42, spent more than a decade with the USL League Two’s Thunder Bay Chill, first as an assistant coach before being named head coach in 2015. He also served as technical director for Thunder Bay’s youth soccer programs.

He joins Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar and goalkeeping coach Jan-Michael Williams.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 17, 2025.