Cavalry defender gets call to national squad
Zator invited to five days of training before CONCACAF game against U.S.
Cavalry FC fans know Dominick Zator as a talented fullback with his head on a swivel.
His defensive prowess coupled with scoring three goals during the inaugural Canadian Premier League soccer campaign are proof of that.
“Yeah …” Zator said with a chuckle. “All three with my head.”
But these days, his head is spinning.
That’s thanks to a call from John Herdman, the head coach of Canada’s senior national side.
Zator, a 25-year-old Calgarian and graduate of Bishop Carroll High School, has become the second Cavalry member and only the third CPL player to be summoned to join Team Canada.
“I’m excited,” said the man affectionately known as Zats by teammates. “It’s an honour. I’m just thrilled to be a part of this next journey of my career, and I’m just looking forward to the camp.”
His name was on the 23-man roster unveiled Friday by Canada Soccer.
So Zator is headed to Florida for Sunday, where he’ll hook up with the national squad in preparation for Friday’s second match against the United States in CONCACAF Nations League action.
“You never know what could happen,” said Zator, when asked what he thinks his chances are of taking to the field during the pivotal 2022 World Cup of Soccer qualifier in Orlando. “It’s just exciting to be part of this new experience.”
Remember that Canada earned a much-celebrated 2-0 decision over the U.S. last month — its first victory over the blustery neighbour since 1985, going 0-9-8 in between wins.
The rematch at Exploria Stadium (5 p.m.) determines the Group A victor of the Nations League and a berth in the final four of the first-of-its-kind tournament, putting that winner one step closer to qualifying for the Qatar-hosted World Cup.
Zator hopes to be a part of it, of course, after getting the call to arms from the Canadian coach Nov. 1, on the eve of Cavalry’s heartbreaking loss to Forge FC in the second leg of the CPL championship.
“It was kind of nice,” said Zator of the timely conversation with Herdman. “It was one of those boosts. He said it would be a good way to motivate me going into that game. He thought it would give me an edge going into that final. It was a lot to take in, but it was exciting to receive.
“Any time you get that call, it’s a good feeling.”
A few days later, he received an official letter from Canada Soccer.
And since then, he’s kept in contact with the national coaching staff to get information on the upcoming camp and the team itself.
He’s also had a few conversations along the way with Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci, the first CPL star to get the summons from Herdman in September for camp ahead of Canada’s back-toback CONCACAF Nations League wins over Cuba.
“Since Marco’s had this experience, he just told me to go and do what I do every day — be true to myself and keep working hard,” Zator said. “He says that’s the best way to go about it.”
FC Edmonton defender Amir Didic is the other CPL player to join the Canadian ranks, and he’s making a return visit as a centreback to the upcoming prep session after joining the squad last month ahead of the first game between Canada and the U.S.
Zator — the centrepiece of Cavalry’s defensive corps — might well flank Didic after being listed as one of four fullbacks invited to the five days of training.
“There’s not many players more deserving of a call up for their performances in the league than Dominick,” said Cavalry Gm/head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.
“He’s a modern-day defender that’s shown his versatility to play centrally or at fullback. Whilst he’s been pivotal to our low goal-against record, he’s also a threat going forward as he’s contributed to several goals this season, too.”
“As a player that’s gone the hard yards through his local club (with Foothills FC) and local university (with the University of Calgary Dinos), he’s a great role model for the youth of Calgary that they no longer have to leave our city to pursue their dreams.”
The words of his coach are not lost on Zator.
“I may be one of those odd late-bloomer stories,” Zator said.
“It was my dream to play professional soccer, so as people didn’t see me on certain teams growing up, it just fuelled my fire.
“It just motivated me to work harder because I kept believing in myself. Every day I strive to work harder. I knew if I kept working hard, everything would just fall into place.”