Atlético Ottawa secured their inaugural Canadian Premier League championship on Sunday night by defeating Calgary’s Cavalry FC 2-1 in a dramatic November snowstorm. David Rodriguez clinched the victory with a second goal in the 106th minute, following his earlier spectacular “icicle kick” goal in the first half. Rodriguez expressed his excitement about the unforgettable experience and thanked the fans for their support.
The match saw both teams battling not only each other but also the challenging weather conditions, leading to a delayed kickoff and efforts to clear the snow from the pitch. Despite the frigid temperatures, over 13,000 dedicated fans braved the cold to witness the historic event. Their enthusiasm and resilience in the face of the extreme weather added to the unique atmosphere of the game.
Atlético’s goalkeeper Nathan Ingham, who also contributed to clearing the snow, described the victory as an indescribable feeling and emphasized the team’s determination to win under any circumstances. The elated players and fans celebrated the hard-fought victory as they lifted the North Star Cup, marking Atlético Ottawa’s first CPL title triumph in the league’s history.
The intense match saw Cavalry FC taking an early lead with a penalty kick, but Atlético Ottawa rallied back, showcasing better ball control on the snow-covered field. Despite the challenging conditions, Rodriguez’s decisive goals secured the victory for his team, leaving the home crowd jubilant as they savored the historic moment.
As the players basked in the glory of their triumph, top scorer Sam Salter commended the unwavering support of the fans and expressed his joy at winning in front of them. Goalkeeper Ingham echoed the sentiment, highlighting the team’s unity and dedication to delivering a memorable win for the deserving fan base. The victory marked a significant achievement for Atlético Ottawa, who had previously fallen short in the final, while Cavalry FC aimed to defend their 2024 title but fell short against a resilient opponent.