Lucas Covolan Explained

Lucas Covolan
Fullname:Lucas Covolan Cavagnari
Birth Date:6 June 1991[1]
Birth Place:Curitiba, Brazil
Height:1.93m
Position:Goalkeeper
Currentclub:Braintree Town
Clubnumber:33
Youthyears1:2007–2009
Youthclubs1:Trieste
Youthyears2:2009–2012
Youthclubs2:Vasco da Gama
Years1:2012–2013
Clubs1:Atlético Paranaense
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2013
Clubs2:Esportivo (loan)
Caps2:0
Goals2:0
Years3:2014
Clubs3:Toledo
Caps3:0
Goals3:0
Years4:2014
Clubs4:Rio Branco-AC
Caps4:7
Goals4:0
Years5:2014–2015
Clubs5:Atlético Rafal
Caps5:23
Goals5:0
Years6:2015–2016
Clubs6:Alaró
Caps6:35
Goals6:0
Years7:2016–2017
Clubs7:Whitehawk
Caps7:23
Goals7:0
Years8:2016
Clubs8:Lewes (loan)
Caps8:5
Goals8:0
Years9:2017–2019
Clubs9:Worthing
Caps9:59
Goals9:0
Years10:2019–2021
Clubs10:Torquay United
Caps10:49
Goals10:0
Years11:2021–2023
Clubs11:Port Vale
Caps11:21
Goals11:0
Years12:2022–2023
Clubs12:Chesterfield (loan)
Caps12:13
Goals12:0
Years13:2023–2024
Clubs13:Maidstone United
Caps13:46
Goals13:0
Years14:2024–
Clubs14:Braintree Town
Caps14:1
Goals14:0
Nationalyears1:2010
Nationalteam1:Brazil U20
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0
Club-Update:16:14, 21 August 2024 (UTC)

Lucas Covolan Cavagnari (born 6 June 1991) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for club Braintree Town.

A Brazil under-20 international, he began his career with Trieste before turning professional at Vasco da Gama. He later had spells with Atlético Paranaense, Esportivo, Toledo and Rio Branco, winning a Campeonato Acreano title with Rio Branco in 2014. He then spent two years in Spain with Atlético Rafal and Alaró before joining the English club Whitehawk in 2016. He had a loan spell with Lewes and spent two seasons with Worthing before earning a move to Torquay United in May 2019. He scored a goal in the 2021 National League play-off final, which Torquay lost, before signing with English Football League club Port Vale in June 2021. He helped the club to win promotion out of League Two via the play-offs in 2022. He returned to the National League on a season-long loan with Chesterfield in July 2022. He signed with Maidstone United in August 2023 and was an unused substitute in their 2024 Kent Senior Cup final victory. He started the 2024–25 season with Braintree Town.

Early and personal life

Born in Curitiba,[2] Covolan grew up supporting hometown club Atlético Paranaense.[3] He has an Italian passport.[4]

Club career

Brazil

Covolan spent his early career with Trieste in his native Brazil. He was scouted by Vasco da Gama. After impressing on a two-week trial, he signed a professional contract at Vasco at 17.[5] He acted as the practice goalkeeper for Juninho Pernambucano's free kick training sessions, later recalling that such was the player's ability that "I was basically just a cone".[6] He returned from Rio de Janeiro after three years to sign with boyhood club Atlético Paranaense.[5] He later recalled that Atlético had eight goalkeepers on their books and that he realised halfway into his three-year contract that he would never play a first-team game for the club. He tried to gain experience in senior football by leaving on loan but was injured in a warm-up exercise and sidelined for four months.[5]

Covolan went on to feature in four match day squads as an unused substitute for Esportivo Bento Gonçalves, before joining Toledo in December 2013[7] [8] [9] and then Rio Branco in March 2014.[10] He helped Rio Branco to win the Campeonato Acreano (Acre state league) in 2014 following a penalty shoot-out victory over Atlético Acreano,[8] [11] but was one of the three players released by the club on 7 May 2014.[12]

Spain

Covolan moved to Spain later in 2014 and joined Tercera División team Atlético Rafal. He switched to fellow Mallorcan side Alaró the next year, making 35 appearances. He left the club following the death of head coach Julián Ronda.[6] He spent three months on trial at Mallorca but was deemed to be too old at the age of 24.[5]

English non-League

In 2016, he was approached by an agent to play for English National League South club Whitehawk, who were managed by the Argentinian Pablo Asensio.[8] [13] He made 23 league appearances for Whitehawk, and also spent a month on loan with Lewes,[14] before signing for Isthmian League Premier Division side Worthing after a pre-season trial.[7] He was named Supporters Player of the Year by Worthing's "Away Boys Fanatics" in the 2017–18 season and had trials at Aldershot Town, Luton Town and Stevenage.[9] [15] He broke his arm during a win at Moneyfields in the FA Cup on 6 October 2018.[16] [17]

Torquay United

He moved to Torquay United in May 2019 after impressing manager Gary Johnson on trial.[18] [19] [2] He competed with Shaun MacDonald for a place in the first-team, but had to wait for his opportunity after picking up an injury in pre-season, making his first-team debut in a 2–1 win at Dover Athletic on 17 August.[2] Covolan would play 25 league games in the 2019–20 season, with MacDonald playing the remaining 11 league matches in a season that was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[20] He featured 26 times in the 2020–21 campaign, whilst MacDonald played 19 league games, as Torquay qualified for the play-offs with a second-place finish. On 20 June 2021, he scored an injury-time equaliser against Hartlepool United in the National League play-off final, which Torquay eventually lost on penalties, despite two saves from Covolan.[21] His goal earned him comparisons to compatriot Alisson, a goalkeeper who had scored a headed goal for Liverpool earlier in the year; the pair had actually played against each other some years earlier in a tournament for under-23 players when Atlético Paranaense came up against Internacional.[22]

Port Vale

On 23 June 2021, he signed a two-year contract with League Two side Port Vale; manager Darrell Clarke said that "he is hungry to prove he’s a league-level player and we feel he has all the attributes to succeed at this level".[23] [24] However, the move would turn out to be the "lowest point" of his career as he struggled to handle the pressure of league football and suffered with depression as a result.[6] Having already been shown a red card in a pre-season friendly, he was sent off on his English Football League debut after rushing off his goal-line to trip Nicke Kabamba during a 1–0 defeat at Northampton Town on 7 August.[25] [26] He returned after a serving a one match suspension and kept four clean sheets in his next seven games, saying that "you learn from every mistake and that is what makes you stronger".[27] He was criticised by Clarke for an error during a win over Barrow on 16 October, but responded by saving a penalty in a 1–1 draw with Mansfield Town three days later.[28] On 15 January 2022, he was sent off for kicking out at Swindon Town's Harry McKirdy after the pair jumped for a high ball moments before half-time during what would finish as a 3–1 home defeat; a furious Clarke said after the match that "he has got to learn from that otherwise he won’t be staying at the club for very long".[29] Covolan, who was suspended for four games for the incident, was supported by captain Tom Conlon, who said "he's one of us, he is a big part of the squad, the boys love him to bits".[30] He was an unused substitute as Vale secured promotion out of the play-offs with victory over Mansfield Town in the final at Wembley Stadium. He played 22 games in the 2021–22 season, keeping seven clean sheets.[31] David Flitcroft, the club's director of football, confirmed that the player's contract would not be renewed beyond June 2023.[32]

Chesterfield (loan)

On 5 July 2022, Covolan returned to the National League to join Chesterfield on a season-long loan deal.[33] On 6 August, he made his debut for the Spireites in a 2–2 draw with Dorking Wanderers, receiving a red card after 28 minutes for an "off the ball incident".[34] Manager Paul Cook had stern words for Covolan after the match, saying that "it is something that Lucas will learn from quickly [and] if he doesn’t learn quickly he won't be at the club, it is that simple".[35] Covolan was returned to the starting eleven after Ross Fitzsimons stood in during his suspension, and by September was linked with a permanent move to Chesterfield.[36] However, after making eight further starts he was sidelined with an ankle injury, whilst during Covolan's absence Fitzsimons was praised for his good form.[37] He was not named in the 2023 National League play-off final matchday squad for the defeat to Notts County.[38]

Maidstone United

On 4 August 2023, with less than 24-hours until the start of the 2023–24 season, Covolan signed with newly-relegated National League South club Maidstone United.[39] Maidstone defeated EFL clubs Barrow and Stevenage to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they then knocked out Championship side Ipswich Town 2–1 at Portman Road, with Covolan named as man of the match having made a "string of saves" to help pull off the upset.[40] Manager George Elokobi said that Covolan was the best goalkeeper in the National League South.[41] He played every league game as Maidstone finished the 2023–24 season in fourth place, qualifying for the play-offs. He was an unused substitute in the 2024 Kent Senior Cup final victory over Ebbsfleet United.[42] His teammates voted him as Players' Player of the Year.[43] He was offered a new contract in May 2024.[44]

Braintree Town

On 20 August 2024, Covolan made his debut for Braintree Town in their 2–1 victory over Aldershot Town in a National League game at Cressing Road.[45]

International career

Covolan spent time with the Brazil under-20 national team, winning two caps in 2010.[8] [13]

Style of play

He has been described as an aggressive goalkeeper who helps the team defend with a high line, though tends to be caught in possession.[46]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueState LeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Esportivo2013Gaúcho0000
Rio Branco-AC2014[47] Série D00701080
Atlético Rafal2014–15[48] Tercera División230230
Alaró2015–16[49] Tercera División350350
Whitehawk2016–17National League South230000000230
Lewes (loan)2016–17[50] Isthmian League Division One South5000001060
Worthing2017–18[51] Isthmian League Premier Division440100020470
2018–19[52] Isthmian League Premier Division150301000190
Total59000401020660
Torquay United2019–20National League2501010270
2020–21National League2401031281
Total490200041551
Port Vale2021–22League Two210100000220
Chesterfield (loan)2022–23National League1301010150
Maidstone United2023–24[53] National League South460700050580
Braintree Town2024–25National League0000000000
Career total274015080101313111

Honours

Rio Branco

2014

Port Vale

2022[54]

Maidstone United

2024

Individual

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lucas Covolan - Goalkeeper - First Team - Port Vale . Port Vale F.C. . 4 July 2021.
  2. News: Lucas Is United's Samba Star! . 24 June 2021 . Torquay United . 12 May 2020.
  3. News: First & Best... With Lucas Covolan Cavagnari . 24 June 2021 . Torquay United . 3 July 2020.
  4. News: Thomas . David . James . Stuart . Torquay United complete first signing of the summer . 24 June 2021 . DevonLive . 28 May 2019 . en.
  5. News: Smith . Louis . The Journey Of Lucas Covolan: From Parana To Plainmoor . 24 June 2021 . World Football Index . 11 April 2020.
  6. News: Butler . Michael . Maidstone’s Lucas Covolan: ‘Playing for Brazil’s under-20s was a dream come true’ . 5 December 2023 . The Guardian . 1 December 2023.
  7. News: Rebels Sign Brazilian Keeper After Successful Trial . 24 June 2021 . Pitchero Non-League . 9 August 2017.
  8. Web site: Lucas Covolan: Torquay United's Brazilian goalkeeper 'living the dream' at Plainmoor . 17 October 2019 . 23 June 2021 . BBC Sport.
  9. Web site: Lucas Cavagnari . worthingfc.com . 24 June 2021.
  10. Web site: Rio Branco contrata goleiro ex-Vasco; jogador se apresenta nesta quinta. Rio Branco sign former Vasco goalkeeper; player presents himself this Thursday. ge. pt-BR. 20 March 2014. 7 November 2021.
  11. News: Branco . Por GloboEsporte comRio . Rio Branco bate Atlético-AC nos pênaltis e conquista Acreano 2014 . 24 June 2021 . globoesporte.com . pt-br.
  12. Web site: Rio Branco dispensa três jogadores: "Abrir espaço para outros", diz diretor. Rio Branco release three players: "Open space for other ones", says director. ge. pt-BR. 7 May 2014. 7 November 2021.
  13. Web site: Owen . Brian . Covolan played with Coutinho and the national team - but the Worthing keeper is in no rush to return to Brazil . The Argus . 11 November 2017 . 23 June 2021 .
  14. Web site: Hawks bring in keeper Flitney . Non League Daily . 16 October 2016 . 26 June 2021.
  15. News: Brazil-iant News As Covolan Commits . 24 June 2021 . worthingfc.com . 3 August 2018.
  16. News: Injury Update Lucas Covolan . 24 June 2021 . worthingfc.com . 11 October 2018.
  17. News: Hard Fall For Worthing Stopper . 24 June 2021 . worthingfc.com . 6 October 2018.
  18. Web site: Lucas Covolan Cavagnari Signs For United . 28 May 2019 . 23 June 2021.
  19. Web site: Torquay sign Brazilian keeper Cavagnari . Non League Daily . 28 May 2019 . 23 June 2021.
  20. News: Barrow promoted after National League vote . 24 June 2021 . BBC Sport . 17 June 2020.
  21. Web site: Torquay stopper Lucas Covolan joins list of keepers to score dramatic goals. 20 June 2021 . 23 June 2021 . The Independent.
  22. News: Pilnick . Brent . Hartlepool seal dramatic EFL return . 24 June 2021 . BBC Sport . 20 June 2021.
  23. Web site: Lucas Covolan: Port Vale sign goalkeeper who scored for Torquay in play-off final . . 23 June 2021 . 23 June 2021.
  24. News: Baggaley . Michael . Port Vale sign Lucas Covolan . 24 June 2021 . StokeonTrentLive . 23 June 2021 . en.
  25. News: Baggaley . Michael . Darrell Clarke's verdict on Port Vale's defeat at Northampton . 7 August 2021 . StokeonTrentLive . 7 August 2021 . en.
  26. News: Northampton Town 1-0 Port Vale . 7 August 2021 . BBC Sport . 7 August 2021.
  27. News: Baggaley . Michael . Lucas Covolan talks Port Vale and Brazil flag in the Bycars End . 23 September 2021 . StokeonTrentLive . 23 September 2021 . en.
  28. News: Baggaley . Michael . 'I asked a question' - Darrell Clarke's praise for Port Vale star . 21 October 2021 . StokeonTrentLive . 21 October 2021 . en.
  29. News: Baggaley . Michael . Port Vale boss Clarke's message to Covolan after Swindon defeat . 17 January 2022 . StokeonTrentLive . 15 January 2022 . en.
  30. News: Baggaley . Michael . Tom Conlon issues message about Port Vale team mate Lucas Covolan . 17 January 2022 . StokeonTrentLive . 17 January 2022 . en.
  31. News: Lucas Covolan makes loan move to Chesterfield FC . 5 July 2022 . Port Vale F.C. . 5 July 2022 . en-gb.
  32. News: Port Vale FC Confirm 2022/23 Retained List . 9 May 2023 . Port Vale F.C. . 9 May 2023 . en-gb.
  33. Web site: Brazilian keeper joins Spireites. chesterfield-fc.co.uk. 5 July 2022. 5 July 2022.
  34. News: Dorking Wanderers 2-2 Chesterfield . 6 August 2022 . BBC Sport . 6 August 2022.
  35. News: Norcliffe . Liam . Frustrated Cook tells Covolan 'he must learn' after red card and slams referee's decision as 'joke' . 6 August 2022 . Derbyshire Times . 6 August 2022 . en.
  36. News: Norcliffe . Liam . Lucas Covolan open to joining Chesterfield on permanent basis from Port Vale . 28 September 2022 . Derbyshire Times . 27 September 2022 . en.
  37. News: Norcliffe . Liam . Ross or Lucas? Who comes on top in stats? Chesterfield's keeper conundrum . 16 November 2022 . Derbyshire Times . 16 November 2022 . en.
  38. News: Aloia . Andrew . Notts clinch promotion to EFL with shootout win . 14 May 2023 . BBC Sport . 13 May 2023.
  39. News: Catch of the day as Covolan signs for the Stones . 4 August 2023 . Maidstone United FC . 4 August 2023.
  40. News: Sessions . George . Maidstone goalkeeper Lucas Covolan eyes Championship move after FA Cup heroics . 28 January 2024 . The Independent . 28 January 2024 . en.
  41. News: Tucker . Craig . ‘Lucas is the best in the league...of course he had suitors’ . 6 August 2024 . Kent Online . 6 February 2024 . en.
  42. News: Tucker . Craig . DFDS Kent Senior Cup Final . 26 April 2024 . Kent Online . 18 April 2024 . en.
  43. News: Tucker . Craig . Corne on double award . 25 April 2024 . Kent Online . 22 April 2024.
  44. News: Tucker . Craig . Big changes at Maidstone as retained list announced . 17 July 2024 . Kent Online . 2 May 2024 . en.
  45. News: Braintree Town vs Aldershot Town: National League . 21 August 2024 . BBC Sport . 20 August 2024.
  46. News: Baggaley . Michael . Port Vale fans' forum recap with Darrell Clarke and Carol Shanahan . 3 September 2021 . StokeonTrentLive . 2 September 2021 . en.
  47. Web site: Goleiro ex-Rio Branco-AC marca gol pela 1ª vez na carreira; relembre passagem dele no Acre. Former Rio Branco-AC goalkeeper scores for the 1st time in career; remember his stint in Acre. ge. pt-BR. 27 June 2021. 7 November 2021.
  48. Web site: CAVAGNARI, LUCAS. Balearic Islands Football Federation. es. 7 November 2021.
  49. Web site: CAVAGNARI, LUCAS. Balearic Islands Football Federation. es. 7 November 2021.
  50. Web site: Lewes Appearances Lucas Covolan 2016-2017 Football Web Pages . www.footballwebpages.co.uk . 8 November 2021.
  51. Web site: Worthing Appearances Lucas Cavagnari 2017-2018 Football Web Pages . www.footballwebpages.co.uk . 8 November 2021.
  52. Web site: Worthing Appearances Lucas Cavagnari 2018-2019 Football Web Pages . www.footballwebpages.co.uk . 8 November 2021.
  53. Web site: Lucas Covolan Player Profile · Aylesbury United Archive . www.aylesburyunitedarchive.com . 26 April 2024.
  54. News: Aloia . Andrew . Vale beat 10-man Mansfield to reach League One . 28 May 2022 . BBC Sport . 28 May 2022.