Calgary, AB (July 14, 2023) – Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League today announced the signing of 24-year-old winger William Akio from Ross County FC. The Calgary native joins the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal which will see him with the club through to the end of the 2025 season.

Akio was a significant member of Calgary Foothills FC from 2017 to 2019, where he lifted the 2018 PDL Championship title and scored 13 goals in 29 appearances in USL League Two. In 2018, Akio transferred to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley of NCAA Division 1 where he scored 18 goals in 41 appearances. The forward joins Cavalry FC from Ross County FC, where he made 14 appearances for the Scottish side across all competitions in 2022, before joining Raith Rovers FC on loan for the second half of the season. During his loan spell, Akio scored three goals in 15 appearances. He looks to return to make an impact on the CPL following his time with Valour FC, where he made 44 appearances, accumulating 10 goals and seven assists across all competitions. On the international stage, Akio made his debut representing South Sudan in a friendly against Uzbekistan in January of 2022.

“This is an exciting signing for the club,” says Tommy Wheeldon Jr., Head Coach and General Manager, Cavalry FC.   “Willy is at a great age and stage of his career, where he has shown he can impact this league and still has a big upside to get even better.  His speed, goal threat and willingness to work for his team will be a welcome addition at this stage of the season. Added to that, he has a terrific personality both on and off the pitch that I’m sure our fans and his teammates will enjoy.”

Cavalry FC will next host Halifax Wanderers FC at 2:00 p.m. MT on ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows.