Newly promoted Ogre United have strengthened their squad with several young Latvian players as the club prepares for its debut season in the Latvian Virslīga, which begins on Friday.
The most notable addition is 19-year-old winger Markuss Ivulāns, who recently signed with FK Liepāja but will spend the season on loan with the league newcomers. Ivulāns impressed last season with FK Metta, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 28 Virslīga appearances.
Although Ivulāns still had a contract with Metta following their relegation, the young winger was eager to continue playing at the highest level. He eventually joined Liepāja on a permanent deal, and the initial plan was to loan him to FK Grobiņa. After featuring in several preseason matches there, however, the move changed direction and he ultimately landed at Ogre United. He joins another Liepāja loanee at the club – goalkeeper Ņikita Parfjonovs.
Another young addition is 20-year-old striker Emīls Evelons, who also spent last season with Metta. Evelons scored six goals in 36 league matches during his first campaign in the Virslīga. Before that, he played for JDFS Alberts and also spent a year in the youth system of NK Domžale in Slovenia.
The squad has also been reinforced by full-back Roberts Adītājs, another product of the JDFS Alberts academy. The 20-year-old, who can also operate as a winger, spent nearly five seasons with Alberts’ reserve side. Last year he made 25 appearances in the second division and scored five goals. The upcoming season will mark his debut in the Virslīga.
Ogre United will make their historic top-flight debut in the opening match of the new season on Friday, when they travel to face reigning vice-champions FC RFS.
