Cavalry FC’s California Training Camp Undeterred by Wildfire Threat
Cavalry FC, the reigning champion of the Canadian Premier League, embarked on a pre-season training camp in Chula Vista, California, on January 19, 2025, in preparation for their upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Mexico’s Pumas UNAM. The idyllic setting, located near San Diego, offered an ideal environment for the team to hone their skills and build camaraderie before the crucial two-legged series, scheduled to kick off on February 6. However, an unexpected threat emerged in the form of a wildfire, prompting an evacuation alert in the early hours of Friday morning, January 24.
The sudden evacuation alert, issued by local authorities at 3:30 a.m. local time, caused a brief period of uncertainty for the Cavalry FC contingent, comprising 27 players and 11 coaching and support staff. The alert disrupted the team’s planned schedule, causing the cancellation of a friendly match against the Columbus Crew, a Major League Soccer team also holding a pre-season camp in the area. The Crew, concerned about potential travel complications due to the fire, elected to depart California earlier than anticipated.
Despite the initial disruption, Cavalry FC’s head coach and general manager, Tommy Wheeldon Jr., remained calm and optimistic, assuring everyone that the situation was under control. Favorable weather conditions, including rainfall, aided in mitigating the immediate danger posed by the wildfire. While the team could see the fire burning on a nearby mountain, a reservoir acted as a natural barrier, preventing the flames from spreading towards the training facility. The team, familiar with the scent of wildfire smoke from previous experiences in Calgary during periods of wildfires in northern Alberta and British Columbia, remained focused on their training objectives.
With the Columbus Crew friendly cancelled, Cavalry FC adapted their schedule, opting for a relaxing day at the beach followed by a return to training at an alternative location the next day. The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, a sprawling 155-acre complex adjacent to Lower Otay Reservoir, provided state-of-the-art facilities for numerous Olympic and Paralympic sports, offering a versatile training environment for the team. While U.S. Soccer relocated its under-17 men’s and under-16 women’s training camps from Chula Vista to Mesa, Arizona, due to the fires, Cavalry FC remained in place, demonstrating their resilience and determination to complete their pre-season preparations as planned.
The team’s ability to navigate the unexpected disruption highlights their adaptability and professionalism. By remaining focused on their training goals, Cavalry FC demonstrated their commitment to preparing for the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup. The experience served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of events and the importance of maintaining a positive and flexible approach.
Cavalry FC returned to Calgary on Wednesday, January 29, as originally scheduled. The team’s successful completion of their California training camp, despite the challenges posed by the wildfire threat, bodes well for their upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup matches against Pumas UNAM. The first leg, initially scheduled to be held in Calgary, was relocated to Langford, British Columbia, due to the harsh Canadian winter conditions. The change of venue did not dampen the team’s spirits, as they eagerly anticipated the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage. The second leg, slated for February 13, will take place in Mexico City. Cavalry FC’s California training camp, although briefly interrupted by the wildfire, ultimately served its purpose, enabling the team to prepare effectively for the demanding challenge that lay ahead.
