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Supporters serenaded Wheeldon Jr. and many of the team’s home-grown players.

They also shook hands and took selfies with the soccer stars, wishing them luck in their first season of the seven-team CPL.

“It feels exciting,” said Mason Trafford, a seasoned defender for Cavalry FC. “It’s like a warmup to May 4th, and you can start to see the energy. I think this is what this is about — building energy in the city for this club and this project ahead.

“This is it. We’re getting close,” Trafford continued. “I think us players are buzzing off of this — you can see the fans and the people are excited. And now it’s just 10 days away, so let’s get at it.”

Before they begin the regular season, Trafford & Co. have one more exhibition to help hone their skills and determine their starting 11.

That’s Saturday against Foothills FC, Wheeldon’s former squad and Calgary’s United Soccer League 2 crew, at Spruce Meadows (3 p.m.) in what will be their debut on home turf.

After that, it’s just a seven-day wait until the regular season kicks in for Cavalry FC. That’s Saturday, May 4, against York9 FC on newly-branded ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows (1:30 p.m.).

“This is just one of many events that will hopefully be throughout the year,” said Cavalry FC captain Nik Ledgerwood. “To get to interact with fans and everybody who is going to cheer for us (is big for us).

“And it’s big for fans — a meet-and-greet — just to see who they’re cheering on for the year. It’ll be a historic year, and everyone wants to be a part of it. Hopefully Calgary’s going to there to back us for the whole season, and we’ll do our part to put a good product on the field.