CPL season preview: What you need to know

Rejoice, Canadian soccer fans! A new CPL season is upon us.

After a bit of a delay due to COVID 19 restrictions, the Canadian Premier League kicks off its third campaign this weekend with a pair of double-headers. FC Edmonton squares off against Atletico Ottawa, followed by Pacific FC against HFX Wanderers FC on Saturday. Valour FC plays Forge FC and York United FC faces Cavalry FC on Sunday.

The fact that there is even going to be a season in the middle of a global pandemic is a great credit to the CPL’s persistence and perseverance. Other sports leagues around the globe have struggled to deal with the fallout from the pandemic, but Canada’s fledgling top division has proven to be nimble and innovative in the face of adversity.

Here’s what you need to know about the 2021 Canadian Premier League season.