PLAYER SIGNING PRESS RELEASE CONTACT INFORMATION Atlético Ottawa Nicholas Ryan (905) 431-0294 [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Atlético Ottawa Signs Canadian Centre-Back Drew Beckie Ottawa, ON (May 4, 2021) – Atlético Ottawa announced today that Canadian centre-back Drew Beckie has signed with the club. The 30-year-old joins Atlético Ottawa from USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC where he made 21 league appearances since 2019. “It is really special to have the opportunity to return to Ottawa at this point in my career. It is exciting to be part of a project with the backing of a powerhouse like Atlético de Madrid. I have very fond memories of my times in Ottawa. I am excited to bring my experience to this club and be an example for what young Canadian players can achieve,” says Drew Beckie, Atlético Ottawa, Centre-Back. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan and raised in Denver, Colorado Beckie trained with German clubs like Entracht Frankfurt and 1860 Munich as a youth player. He later decided to return to North America and join the NCAA Division 1 program University of Denver Pioneers. He went on to make 69 appearances scoring seven times. Beckie joined then USL Premier Development League club Ottawa Fury FC after graduating from the University of Denver. He made 10 appearances scoring three times. Drew was drafted 28th overall by the Columbus Crew in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. In 2014, Beckie signed with then NASL club and now defunct Ottawa Fury FC. He made 34 appearances over two seasons including a memorable run to the 2015 NASL Soccer Bowl. In 2016, Drew went on to sign with NASL club Carolina Railhawks where he made 30 appearances and in 2017 signed with NASL club Jacksonville Armada where he made 28 appearances scoring one goal. Drew left Jacksonville to train with KuPS FC, a Finnish First Division club, he contracted a serious virus that would require months of recovery and almost ended his professional career. A documentary titled ‘Still Defending’ about his recovery can be found here. In 2018, Drew Beckie signed with USL Championship club Oklahoma City Energy making 21 appearances over two seasons. Beckie has appeared in 11 games for the Canadian Youth National Teams from U17 – U23 and was called into the Canadian senior team in 2013 but could not attend due to injury. PLAYER SIGNING PRESS RELEASE “Drew is a leader on and off the field. He has been a professional for many years and will be very familiar to many of the fans in Ottawa. We look forward to bringing him home to Canada and back to the city where he was embraced at the start of his professional career,” says Fernando Lopez, CEO, Atlético Ottawa. “Drew is a very experienced professional player. He has very strong defensive and team concepts. Beckie will help us grow a lot as a club,” says Mista, Atlético Ottawa, Head Coach. Drew Beckie is the 19th player announced by Atlético Ottawa for the 2021 CPL season. He joins fellow Canadians Shawn-Claud Lawson, Brian Wright, Teodor Obadal, Dylon Powley, Ryan Telfer, Zach Verhoven, Jordan Webb, Chris Mannella and Keesean Ferdinand as new signings for Atlético Ottawa. In addition, to already announced domestic re-signings Milovan Kapor, Antoine Coupland, Ben McKendry, Brandon John, Malcolm Shaw, and international players Viti Martinez, Bernardinho, Tevin Shaw and Vashon Neufville. To follow all offseason news like Atlético Ottawa on Facebook and follow @atletiOttawa on Twitter and Instagram. Click here to stay up to date and subscribe to everything Atlético Ottawa. Click here to place your deposit to become a season seat and founder club member. Click here to view The First Word – Episode #9, Spain Edition Featuring Drew Beckie. .