Atlético Ottawa secured their inaugural Canadian Premier League championship on Sunday night by prevailing over Calgary’s Cavalry FC with a 2-1 victory in a memorable November snowstorm. David Rodriguez sealed the win with his second goal of the night in the 106th minute on a freshly cleared pitch after a snow-covered regulation time.
Rodriguez’s first goal, a remarkable bicycle kick, was aptly named “the icicle kick” by fans due to the wintry conditions. Post-match, Rodriguez expressed his excitement, describing the experience as “amazing” and thanking the fans for their support. The game, delayed due to snow, saw stadium crews and players working together to clear the pitch using leaf blowers and shovels.
Despite the challenging weather, a resilient crowd of 13,132 soccer enthusiasts braved the cold, with many embracing the unique atmosphere. Fans like Jacinthe Duval found ways to stay warm by dancing along with the crowd. Others, like Jason Skokos, resorted to buying blankets to combat the cold.
Cavalry FC initially took the lead with a penalty kick from Fraser Aird, but Rodriguez’s equalizer shifted the momentum in Ottawa’s favor. The intense match saw both teams battling the elements, with Ottawa ultimately emerging victorious. The final whistle brought jubilation to the home crowd, celebrating Ottawa’s first CPL title.
Top scorer Sam Salter and goalkeeper Nathan Ingham expressed their elation at the win, highlighting the unwavering support of the fans. Ingham praised the team’s resilience and determination to secure the victory, emphasizing the fans’ deservingness of the championship.
Atlético Ottawa had previously reached the final in 2022 but fell short, while Cavalry FC aimed to defend their title after winning the North Star Cup in 2024. The thrilling final showcased the determination and spirit of both teams in challenging conditions, culminating in Ottawa’s historic championship victory.