From Sideline Sitter to Soccer Superman: How Joel Waterman Turned CF Montréal’s Backline into Fort Knox (and Why Opponents Need a Map)
You probably know Joel Waterman as that steady presence in CF Montréal’s back line, quietly wearing number 16. He’s a product of Trinity Western University and didn’t take the usual path to Major League Soccer. In fact, he made history as the first player to jump from the Canadian Premier League to MLS, joining from Cavalry FC in 2020.
Since then, Waterman has become a reliable defender for both club and country. The club handed him a multi-year extension that keeps him in Montréal through 2027, with an option for 2028.
His game relies on positioning, composure, and smart distribution. These qualities have helped him log over 100 regular-season matches for Montréal.
You’ve probably watched him anchor the defense in high-pressure moments, whether it’s Concacaf Champions Cup matches or playoff battles. That recent contract extension really shows the club trusts his leadership and consistency, both on and off the field.
He’s faced top MLS attackers and represented Canada on the international stage, always bringing that same calm approach. If you look at his journey, you’ll notice a defender who mixes experience with a real hunger to keep getting better—and honestly, his career still feels like it’s got a few surprises left.
Contents
Profile of Joel Waterman
Joel Waterman has carved out a steady career as a reliable center-back for CF Montréal and Canada. His journey from Canadian university soccer to MLS says a lot about his persistence and adaptability.
You can trace his rise through domestic leagues and international tournaments, where he picked up plenty of experience.
Early Life and Background
Waterman’s story starts in Langley, British Columbia, where he was born on January 24, 1996. He played youth soccer locally, then moved into the college game with Trinity Western University.
At Trinity Western, he developed into a versatile defender who could also step into midfield. His play caught the eye of semi-professional teams, which led him to Calgary Foothills in the Premier Development League.
In 2019, Cavalry FC signed him for their Canadian Premier League campaign. That year, he helped Cavalry win both the Spring and Fall titles, making himself a key figure in their back line.
His move to CF Montréal in January 2020 marked the first transfer from the CPL to MLS—a milestone for both him and the league.
Playing Style and Strengths
Waterman’s game is all about positioning, composure, and reading the play. He’s not the fastest guy out there, but he makes up for it with smarts.
Usually, he lines up as a central defender in a back three or four. At 6-foot-2, he wins plenty of aerial duels and handles set pieces well.
He’s comfortable on the ball and often starts attacks with short passes into midfield. When he needs to, he can switch play with long, accurate balls and break defensive lines.
Here’s a quick look at his defensive stats in MLS:
Season | Club | Matches | Goals | Assists | Tackles Won | Clearances |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | CF Montréal | 30 | 1 | 1 | 38 | 118 |
2024 | CF Montréal | 28 | 0 | 2 | 35 | 110 |
His discipline and awareness have made him a trusted choice for both club and the Canadian national team.
Jersey Number Significance
You’ll notice Waterman wearing number 16 for CF Montréal. While some players pick numbers for personal reasons, for him it’s more about continuity and comfort.
Sticking with the same number gives him a sense of identity on the field. It also makes it easy for fans to spot him in the lineup.
Number 16 is now part of his brand with the club, showing up on match kits, promo stuff, and fan gear. For a defender, it’s a practical pick—not flashy like 7 or 10, but still stands out enough.
CF Montreal Career
Waterman’s time in Montreal has been all about steady growth and consistent minutes. You’ve seen him go from a newcomer in MLS to a reliable starter at Stade Saputo, delivering in big matches.
Transfer to CF Montreal
You probably first heard about Waterman’s move in January 2020, when CF Montréal signed him from Cavalry FC. That deal made him the first player to transfer from the CPL to MLS—a pretty big moment for Canadian soccer.
He joined after playing at Trinity Western University and developing in the CPL, which gave him the foundation to adapt quickly to MLS’s higher tempo.
Waterman made his competitive debut in a Concacaf Champions League match against Deportivo Saprissa in February 2020. That start set the tone for his role in Montreal’s back line.
By joining Montreal, he stepped into a bigger market, with larger crowds at Stade Saputo and more media attention. His arrival gave the club a versatile defender who could play centrally or out wide.
Key Performances and Milestones
Over his first five seasons, Waterman logged more than 9,500 MLS minutes and passed both 100 games and 100 starts. In 2024, he played 25 matches, starting 24, and helped Montreal reach the MLS Cup playoffs.
He’s chipped in with 4 goals and 11 assists in all MLS regular season play. He also helped Montreal win the Canadian Championship in 2021 and finish second in the East in 2022.
Career MLS Statistics with CF Montreal
Season | Matches Played | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | 15 | 12 | 1,080 | 0 | 1 |
2021 | 26 | 25 | 2,250 | 1 | 3 |
2022 | 30 | 30 | 2,700 | 2 | 4 |
2023 | 16 | 15 | 1,420 | 1 | 2 |
2024 | 25 | 24 | 2,131 | 0 | 1 |
He’s also played for Canada in big tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América.
Role as a Defender
You know Waterman as a center back who reads the game and stays calm under pressure. His positioning lets him cut out passes before they get dangerous, and he’s tough to beat in the air.
Montreal usually lines him up in a back three, where he’s comfortable on the ball and can start attacks from deep. He’s not just a stopper—he can hit long passes and step into midfield if needed.
At Stade Saputo, his leadership has grown. Younger defenders look to him for advice, and his contract extension through 2027 (with an option for 2028) shows the club trusts him as a key part of the back line.
You can see his value in how often he’s on the field and how steady the defense looks with him organizing from the middle. That reliability has made him one of CF Montreal’s most important players lately, as the club’s official announcement points out.
Recent Contract Extension
Joel Waterman will stay with CF Montréal for a few more seasons after finalizing a new deal. The agreement covers the 2025 through 2027 MLS seasons, with an option for 2028, keeping a key defensive piece in place.
Details of the New Contract
Waterman’s extension runs three guaranteed years: 2025, 2026, and 2027. The club also holds an option for 2028.
CF Montréal didn’t share salary figures, but the length of the deal makes it clear they see him as a long-term starter.
The 28-year-old played college soccer at Trinity Western University and joined CF Montréal in 2020 from Cavalry FC. His move was the first CPL-to-MLS transfer in league history.
In 2024, he logged 2,131 minutes across 25 matches (24 starts), helping Montréal qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs. He also hit career marks of 100 MLS games and 100 starts.
Season | Games Played | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 25 | 24 | 2,131 | 0 | 0 |
Career MLS | 112 | 108 | 9,581 | 4 | 11 |
Club and Player Statements
CF Montréal President and CEO Gabriel Gervais praised Waterman’s growth, calling him a veteran presence and a leader in the locker room. Gervais said Waterman’s consistency and leadership are key to the club’s future plans.
Waterman thanked his family, teammates, and fans. He said signing the extension shows his commitment to the city and the club’s ambitions.
He talked about how important stability is for both personal and team growth. He also mentioned the excitement of playing in front of Montréal supporters and the challenge of staying sharp in MLS.
Future Expectations
You can expect Waterman to keep anchoring the defense in league and cup matches. His experience in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América with Canada adds extra value in big moments.
CF Montréal will count on his aerial strength, positioning, and ability to organize the back line. Since he knows the league and its opponents, he should help the club push for deeper playoff runs.
With the option year in 2028, the team can keep him through his early 30s if they want. That kind of stability could help Montréal build a defensive core around his skill set and leadership.
For more details, check out CF Montréal’s official contract extension announcement.
International Experience with Canada
Joel Waterman has gradually built his place in the Canadian men’s national team, earning call-ups for big competitions and high-stakes games. He’s faced top opponents from North and South America, and his MLS experience with CF Montréal helped him handle the pace and physicality at the international level.
National Team Debut
You saw Waterman break into the senior Canadian squad in November 2022, just before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His selection was a rare leap from the Canadian Premier League to the world stage—not many defenders have done that.
He made his debut in a pre–World Cup friendly, showing the poise and positional discipline that caught coach John Herdman’s attention. Coming from Trinity Western University and Cavalry FC, his rise came from steady improvement, not an overnight breakthrough.
His early minutes were limited, but you could tell the staff liked how he read the game and handled pressure. That debut set the tone for his role as a trusted depth option in Canada’s defensive rotation.
Major Tournaments Participation
Waterman’s tournament résumé shows appearances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. In Qatar, you saw him as a steady squad member, always ready to jump in against tough teams like Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco.
By 2024, he took on a bigger role and played for Canada in the Copa América, facing some of the best South American teams, including a group stage game against Spain.
He had to adapt to different tactical setups in these matches, and honestly, he handled that challenge well.
Tournament Stats
Year | Tournament | Matches Played | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | FIFA World Cup | 1 | 45 | 0 | 0 |
2024 | Copa América | 3 | 210 | 0 | 0 |
You get a real sense from these games of how Waterman’s physical style and aerial strength work outside of MLS.
Contribution to Canada’s Success
You can really see Waterman’s impact not just by counting minutes, but in the defensive stability he brings every time he steps on the field.
His positioning, communication, and knack for winning headers give Canada flexibility in both a back three and back four.
During the 2024 Copa América, he helped Canada keep higher-ranked opponents quiet, even earning clean sheets in some big moments.
His calmness under pressure helped Canada keep their shape late in matches.
He doesn’t always start, but his readiness and professionalism make the squad stronger.
For a national team trying to stay competitive in Concacaf and beyond, those qualities matter as much as scoring or assisting.
You probably see him as the type of player who quietly makes the roster deeper, more flexible, and just better prepared for the grind of tournament play.
Notable Matches and Opponents
Joel Waterman, from Langley, BC and a Trinity Western University grad, has built a rep for steady defending and composure under pressure.
His best performances often show up in games against top Eastern Conference teams and especially in front of the home crowd in Montreal.
Matches Against New York City FC
When Waterman faces New York City FC, you notice how he adjusts to their quick passing game.
He positions himself to cut off through balls and pushes play out wide.
In several matches, he’s gone up against both physical strikers and creative midfielders.
NYCFC’s attacking overloads really test his aerial skills and split-second decisions.
Key Stats vs NYCFC
Season | Matches Played | Minutes | Goals Conceded | Clearances | Interceptions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | 2 | 180 | 2 | 9 | 4 |
2024 | 3 | 270 | 3 | 14 | 6 |
You can see his value in the way he talks with the back line, especially when CF Montréal defends set pieces against NYCFC’s taller players.
Rivalry with Inter Miami
Against Inter Miami, Waterman often shifts his role depending on their lineup.
When Lionel Messi’s on the field, you see him tighten his marking and really stick to his zone.
These matches usually turn into intense midfield battles and quick counterattacks.
Waterman reads the game well, stepping in early to break up plays before Miami’s attackers get dangerous.
In 2024, he helped Montréal grab a clean sheet at home against Miami, holding them to just a few shots on target.
His anticipation and timing in tackles really stood out that day.
You notice in these games how his composure under pressure helps Montréal keep their shape, even when Miami presses hard late on.
Highlights at Stade Saputo
At Stade Saputo, Waterman often puts in some of his most reliable performances.
The home crowd sees him organizing the defense, directing traffic, and starting attacks from the back.
One big moment came in the 2021 Canadian Championship final against Toronto FC, when he helped seal a 1-0 win and bring home a trophy for Montréal.
Playing on natural grass and in familiar surroundings seems to make his passing sharper and he just looks more comfortable on the ball.
You notice his confidence when he steps into midfield to intercept passes before launching a counter.
The atmosphere at Stade Saputo, mixed with his understanding of the pitch, really brings out his defensive leadership.
Media Presence and Off-the-Field Impact
Joel Waterman’s profile goes beyond what you see on the pitch.
His activity on social media and appearances in media coverage give you a better sense of how he connects with fans.
Engagement on TikTok
You’ll find Waterman on TikTok, sharing short behind-the-scenes clips from training, travel, and match days.
His posts show the lighter side of life at CF Montréal, mixing locker room moments with skill videos.
This lets you see a more personal side of a player who usually works in the structured world of MLS.
Younger fans, who scroll through sports content in quick, visual bursts, seem to love it.
He doesn’t post every day, but his videos usually get a lot of engagement.
Clips with teammates in casual settings or reacting to challenges tend to pull in the most interaction.
TikTok Metric | Estimate (2025) |
---|---|
Followers | 25,000+ |
Avg. Views | 8,000–15,000 |
Engagement Rate | 7–9% |
You get the feeling he uses TikTok to add to his on-field identity, not replace it.
Influence on Facebook
Waterman’s Facebook page feels more structured.
You’ll see match previews, post-game thoughts, and links to CF Montréal content.
This platform helps him reach an older crowd that follows the team and Canadian soccer in a more traditional way.
His posts often include community events, charity appearances, and team news.
He jumps into the comments sometimes, which helps fans feel like they can actually reach him.
Facebook’s format, with longer captions and photo albums, works well for sharing event recaps or celebrating milestones.
If you follow him there, it’s a steady place to keep up with his professional updates without the fast pace of TikTok.
Recognition in the News
Canadian and MLS media have featured Waterman for both his play and career milestones.
When he moved from Cavalry FC to CF Montréal in January 2020, headlines noted he was the first to transfer directly from the CPL to MLS, as MLSsoccer.com reported.
He made news again after signing a three-year extension in October 2024, covered by Deadspin.
These stories usually focus on his steady role in the back line and the way he’s shaped the club’s defense.
Local Quebec news also covers his community involvement, like youth soccer clinics and charity partnerships.
This mix of competitive and community recognition really rounds out his public image.
Potential Future Moves
Joel Waterman’s steady rise with CF Montréal, his international caps for Canada, and his durability season after season in MLS have put his name on the radar.
He’s got size, composure, and a passing range that could fit in a few European leagues.
His background at Trinity Western University adds a late-bloomer angle that probably catches a few scouts’ eyes.
Interest from Premier League
Some Premier League clubs have started tracking Canadian internationals lately, and Waterman’s profile fits a certain type of English team.
You’re probably thinking of clubs outside the top six that value defensive organization and aerial strength.
His ability to play in both a back three and back four adds to his tactical versatility.
In England, where managers change formations mid-season, that’s pretty useful.
Clubs looking for depth—not just a headline signing—could see him as a safe bet.
His MLS minutes and playoff experience show he can handle pressure.
Season | Club | League | Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | CF Montréal | MLS | 25 | 24 | 0 | 2 |
2023 | CF Montréal | MLS | 30 | 30 | 1 | 3 |
Jumping straight into the Premier League is tough, but if he keeps up his form through 2025, a smaller club’s interest wouldn’t be a shock.
Championship Opportunities
The EFL Championship is often a more realistic first step into English football for North American defenders.
The league’s physical play and busy schedule fit Waterman’s endurance and discipline.
You could see him slotting in at mid-table clubs looking to shore up their back line.
His leadership, built over five seasons in Montréal, would help any locker room with younger players.
Championship managers also like defenders who can hit long passes.
Waterman’s diagonal balls to wingers could really help teams that play on the counter.
With the pressure of promotion always looming, a player with international tournament experience—like the 2022 World Cup—has an edge in big matches.
Speculation Around Spain
Spain’s La Liga and Segunda División throw a whole different challenge at players. Over there, you really have to focus on ball control and quick decisions, which would push Waterman’s technical skills to the limit.
Some Segunda teams chasing promotion might actually look at him. His knack for winning headers on set pieces could make a real difference. Plus, he reads the game well, which comes in handy against teams that love to keep the ball.
Language barriers and getting used to a new place could pose problems. Still, more and more Canadian players are giving Europe a shot these days. If Waterman did head to Spain, he’d probably have to be patient—he’d need to earn his minutes over time.
Waterman likes structure, and Spain’s tactical demands might sharpen his play even more. Maybe he wouldn’t start out in the top division, but that’s not always a bad thing.