Latest News

Akpabio, Sarwar and Duarte stood out throughout April with impactful performances across OPL1 and OPL2

The opening month of the 2026 Ontario Premier League men’s season delivered no shortage of standout performances across both OPL1 and OPL2.

From experienced veterans leading by example to rising young talents continuing their development journey, players across the province wasted little time making their mark to begin the new campaign. These three players stood out throughout April through their leadership, consistency and impact in key moments for their clubs.

George Akpabio – International FC (OPL1)

Few players opened the 2026 season with the same level of presence and leadership as International FC captain George Akpabio.

Born in Jos, Nigeria, the veteran forward brought both experience and attacking quality to International FC throughout April, consistently creating dangerous moments in the final third while helping lead the squad through the opening month of OPL1 action. The 2025 L1O Championship MVP continued to showcase why he remains such an influential figure for the club, combining composure, physicality and strong movement up front. At 33 years old, Akpabio’s leadership and experience continue to play a major role both on and off the pitch for International FC.

Muhammad Sarwar – Pickering FC (OPL2)

One of the youngest players among April’s standouts, Sarwar continued to show why he is viewed as one of the province’s exciting emerging talents.

Born in 2008, the Pickering FC and Team Ontario midfielder delivered dynamic performances throughout the opening month of the OPL2 season, using his technical ability, athleticism and creativity to consistently threaten opposing defences. Dangerous in 1v1 situations and confident driving into attacking areas, Sarwar also impressed with his work rate and willingness to contribute defensively throughout matches. Following his commitment earlier this year to Fort Hays State University in Kansas, U.S., April served as another strong step forward in the young midfielder’s development journey.

Brandon Duarte – Oakville SC (OPL1)

Duarte’s leadership and experience were on full display throughout April as he once again captained Oakville SC to begin the 2026 campaign.

Returning after leading the squad throughout the 2025 season, Duarte brought composure, intensity and attacking quality to Oakville’s performances during the opening month of OPL1 action. The 29-year-old’s soccer journey has included time competing at both the NCAA Division II and NCAA Division I levels, first at Ancilla College before advancing to St. John’s University, while also spending many years developing within the Oakville Blue Devils system. With a wealth of high-level experience and strong leadership qualities, Duarte continues to be an important driving force for Oakville SC both on and off the field.

With the 2026 OPL men’s season continuing to build momentum, performances like these continue to showcase the experience, leadership and talent spread across both OPL1 and OPL2. Whether through veteran leadership, attacking quality or continued player development, Akpabio, Sarwar and Duarte each played an important role in helping set the tone for their clubs throughout the opening month of the campaign.