Article content

Mauro Eustáquio is bringing his European soccer credentials to Cavalry FC.

The Canadian Premier League club has announced the signing of the 26-year-old Ontario product who was actually born in Portugal and spent his youth years learning his soccer skills in the European country.

“Cavalry FC has put together a great group of professionals,” Eustáquio said. “When you step into the Cavalry environment, you realize that everyone here is demanding and holding themselves accountable.

“No one is scared of hard work. Everyone knows we need to be at our best and a team to be successful.”

At the age of 11, Eustáquio, who spent his early years in Leamington, Ont., returned to Portugal and played with club teams Nazarenos and União Leiria.

Eustáquio’s senior career then began in 2012 when he played with Portugal’s Sporting Clube Pombal.

A year later, he returned to Canada and signed with the Ottawa Fury of the North American Soccer League.