Carleton Ravens men’s soccer striker Gabriel Bitar is heading west after signing a contract with FC Edmonton of the Canadian Premier League (CPL).
After being invited to an invitational tryout, Bitar impressed the team and is now the second Raven to join the CPL this season.
Bitar previously played with the CPL’s Cavalry FC in 2019 on a U Sports developmental contract. He said he’s ready to play for Edmonton, a rival of Cavalry.
“I’m always grateful for every opportunity that was given to me,” Bitar said. “I’m very thankful to Cavalry for drafting me. But at the end of the day, I’m an FC Edmonton player now, so I got to play for FC Edmonton.”
Bitar said he’s on a one-year contract, which he’ll use as motivation to play well and keep his place on the squad.
Along with the rest of the Ravens’ roster, Bitar went unselected in the 2022 U Sports-CPL draft, but he said it didn’t discourage him.
“The draft is a great thing for the league,” Bitar said. “But at the end of the day, it doesn’t define what you can do or the opportunities [you have] afterwards.”
Bitar referenced former U Sports player Mark-Anthony Kaye, who played two seasons with the York Lions before moving to the American USL League Two and eventually joining Major League Soccer.
Bitar said he will look to get goals and assists this season.
“I’m very direct. I like to attack,” Bitar said. “I like to press. I like to defend as well. It’s something you need in this game if you want to go far.”
Over his four Ontario University Athletics (OUA) seasons, Bitar scored 39 goals with eight assists for a total of 47 points in 50 games. His versatile offensive style allowed him to play all across the Ravens’ attacking line.
His strong ability to cut in and shoot led to multiple goals and scoring opportunities during the season, including a screaming strike against Ontario Tech. It took three University of Montreal players to force Bitar down to the baseline of the pitch during the U Sports championship final.
“I just love to play soccer,” Bitar said. “I know that wherever the coach puts me, he has an idea behind it and that he’s doing it for my benefit.”
The goal scorer will be missed at Carleton, especially by head coach Kwesi Loney, who will look to follow up a silver medal in 2021 with another strong season.
“Gaby has been a transformational player in our program the past four seasons,” Loney said in a press release. “It’s been a joy watching him compete as a Raven. His influence will have ripple effects for years to come.”
Bitar joined the Ravens in 2017 as part of an important class of recruits. The team dethroned York in 2019 to win Bitar’s first OUA title and the team’s first since 2005.
“It’s been some of the best years of my life,” Bitar said. “Carleton was there for me when there weren’t that many options in Ottawa. I’ll forever be grateful to Kwesi and the program and the coaching staff.”
Bitar said he wouldn’t change a thing if he could do it all again—not even to add a national title to his collection.
“I had a lot of downs and a lot of ups, but the downs were very memorable because of the team,” Bitar said. “We had some great players on the team but we also had some amazing people and I made some amazing friendships.”
To battle through hard times, Bitar said he has relied on his teammates and his family. He credits God more than anything.
“God has helped me in so many ways and through so many challenges in my life,” Bitar said. “Honestly, if it weren’t for him, I don’t think I would be in this position, so I just like to give glory to God whenever I can.”
Featured image by Spencer Colby.
