9 January 2025
Latest News
ON the net: january 9, 2025
An internet view of current League1 Ontario players and clubs, and alumni making headlines at higher levels.
Please see below for a selection of L1ON-related content.
Canadian Soccer Daily: NSL’s Ottawa Rapid FC announce ex-League1 Ontario midfielder Julia Benati as first club signing
You never forget your first, and while Ottawa Rapid FC are the last of the six Northern Super League clubs to announce a signed player, Julia Benati has a place in Ottawa’s history books.
Northern Tribune: Valour Scoops York United Goalkeeper Eleias Himaras
The London, Ontario native had been a standout performer in League1 Ontario circles with Electric City FC and had suited up for both TFC2 and Canada at the U-17 level previously.
Read more from John Jacques: https://northerntribune.ca/valour-fc-eleias-himaras-contract-sign-2025/
Everything GP: Winger Melanie Forbes happy to be back in Canada, with the NSL’s Ottawa Rapid FC
After playing in Portugal and Iceland, Melanie Forbes (former League1 Ontario player) is happy to be back in Canada — thanks to the Northern Super League.
Northern Tribune: Forge banks on Benitez, activates option
The 27-year-old had been a standout in League1 Ontario with the Simcoe County Rovers before that, highlighting himself in a cup match against Toronto FC whilst playing a large part in the club’s L1Cup final appearance in 2024 and league championship in 2023.
Read more by John Jacques: https://northerntribune.ca/forge-fc-orlendis-benitez-contract-2025/
Northern Tribune: Adonijah Reid Is The Newest Nine Stripe
Reid proved to have an eye for goal at the age of just sixteen, scoring 20 goals in 20 appearances for League1 Ontario side ANB Futbol.
Read more by John Jacques: https://northerntribune.ca/york-united-adonijah-reid-sign-2025/
Our Sports Central: Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report
Canada’s Division-3 pro-am League1 Ontario soccer league, which operates men’s and women’s division at three different levels (Premier, Championship and League2), recently announced the Sudbury Cyclones and The Borough (Scarborough) will move up from the Men’s League2 to the Men’s Championship level for the 2025 season. The league’s Whitby-based Darby FC, which operated men’s and women’s team in the 2024 Championship level, has changed its name to the Whitby FC.