OTTAWA – Ottawa Fury FC added a major element to its squad on Thursday with the signing of attacking midfielder Kevín Oliveira, a move that reunites the Cape Verde international with new Fury FC Head Coach Nikola Popovic. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

The 21-year-old Oliveira competed for the past two seasons as part of the Swope Park Rangers for Popovic, where he helped the club claim back-to-back USL Western Conference Championships. Popovic’s ties to Oliveira date back to 2015, when the attacking standout was just breaking through at Benfica B.

“Kevín Oliveira is a very promising midfielder who knows the USL league very well,” said Popovic. "We had success our last two seasons when Kevín was playing at a high level, winning two titles at Swope Park Rangers, and in my eyes was one of the best players in USL."

Oliveira was named the No. 2 player in the 2016 USL 20 Under 20 before a season-ending injury brought his campaign to a close. He rebounded strongly last year, recording three goals and five assists in 20 appearances for the Rangers, while also making his MLS debut for Sporting Kansas City after signing with the club in midseason.

The past year also marked Oliveira’s debut for the Cape Verde National Team on October 7, 2017 as a second-half substitute in the side’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Senegal, having previously featured in the youth ranks for his country. Oliveira joins fellow Cape Verde standout Steevan Dos Santos on Fury FC’s roster for the 2018 season.

“We’re looking forward to see what Kevin, a young, explosive midfielder, can bring to our club,” said Fury FC General Manager Julian de Guzman. “We know he has the potential to infuse swiftness and excitement on the field, which will help us deliver the attractive and successful style of play we promised for our fans.”