Atlético Ottawa clinched their inaugural Canadian Premier League championship on Sunday night, triumphing over Calgary’s Cavalry FC with a 2-1 victory amidst a fierce November snowstorm that left a lasting impression on players and fans alike.
David Rodriguez secured the winning goal in the 106th minute, his second of the night, on a freshly cleared pitch after heavy snowfall during regulation time. His initial goal, an impressive bicycle kick in the first half under wintry conditions, has already been dubbed the “icicle kick” by enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the match, Rodriguez described it as an “incredible” experience and expressed gratitude to the supporters for their presence. The intense game saw both teams battling not only each other but also the challenging weather conditions, causing a delay in kickoff as stadium crews worked tirelessly to clear the snow-covered pitch lines.
Despite the harsh conditions, a dedicated crowd of 13,132 soccer fans braved the cold, with many staying until the final whistle. One spectator, Jacinthe Duval, highlighted the unique experience of witnessing soccer played in such wintry conditions. Meanwhile, Jason Skokos commended the resilience of both teams and fans, emphasizing the quintessentially Canadian spirit displayed throughout the match.
Cavalry FC initially took the lead with Fraser Aird’s penalty kick in the 32nd minute, but Rodriguez swiftly equalized with his remarkable bicycle kick. Fans observed that Ottawa seemed to adapt better to the snow-covered field, maintaining control of the game despite the adverse weather conditions.
As the game progressed into extra time, Rodriguez capitalized on a pass from Manny Aparicio to score his second goal, ultimately securing the championship for Atlético Ottawa. The home crowd erupted in jubilation as the final whistle blew, celebrating the team’s historic victory.
Top scorer Sam Salter expressed delight at winning in front of the dedicated fans, while goalkeeper Nathan Ingham, who also helped clear the pitch, described the win as an indescribable feeling. Ingham praised the team’s resilience and determination, emphasizing their commitment to securing the victory regardless of the playing conditions.
The championship triumph marked a significant milestone for Atlético Ottawa, who had previously reached the final in 2022 but fell short. In contrast, Cavalry FC, the 2024 North Star Cup champions, aimed to defend their title but fell short against a resilient Ottawa side in the intense final showdown.