Preview: Atlético Ottawa at Pacific FC September 11
September 9, 2022 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release
Atlético Ottawa start their month-long road trip at the home of last season’s Canadian Premier League Champions, Pacific FC (KO 4 pm ET, live on OneSoccer). The Capital city side fell to a narrow defeat during their previous visit to Vancouver Island but, with an even record against Sunday’s opponents across the season, will be hoping to push on in their pursuit of a playoff finish.
Having not conceded in the past three outings, Head Coach Carlos González’s side continues to showcase its resolute defensive capabilities – an attribute that could prove key in this stretch of four consecutive games away from Ottawa.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s kick-off.
Atlético Ottawa are on a four-game unbeaten run and remain top of the CPL table.
Pacific FC recently fell out of the playoff spots, although they remain in touching distance in 5th place (35 points).
Valour FC’s recent run of form has blown the playoff race wide open, with only five points separating Ottawa in 1st place (40 points) and this weekend’s opponents.
Ottawa has not conceded a goal in their past 3 matches, their last goal against/loss coming against Pacific FC on August 13th.
Ottawa were held to a goalless draw at home last weekend went they faced a spirited FC Edmonton during the hit ’80s Night’ at TD Place.
Thanks to yet another clean sheet, goalkeeper Nathan Ingham moved up to a joint first place for most shutouts this season (level with both Forge FC keeper Triston Henry and Marco Carducci of Cavalry FC).
Following another resolute defensive performance, 19-year-old defender Diego Espejo was named to the CPL ‘Team of the Week’. This is the fourth time this season the Spaniard has been selected for the TOTW.
Results between Ottawa and Pacific this season have been very even (1W-1D-1L).
Pacific FC ended González’s side’s unbeaten run in early August, courtesy of a 1-0 win on Vancouver Island.
This is the final time these two sides will meet in the 2022 regular season.
Head Coach James Merriman and his side have struggled with their form since the last meeting between these two teams (1W-0D-4L).
Pacific were knocked out of the CONCACAF League Round of 16 against Herediano on penalty kicks.
Whilst in the CPL, three consecutive defeats (against HFX Wanderers, Valour FC and York United) saw them drop down the table and out of a playoff spot.
Record head-to-head (all-time): 2W-1D-4L; 6 goals scored, 9 goals conceded
Injury report: Abdou Sissoko out (suspension, accumulation); MacDonald Niba out (injury); Malcolm Shaw out (injury); Zach Verhoven tentative (injury).
QUOTES
Ollie Basset, midfielder, Atlético Ottawa
“We’re feeling good, we know it’s a five-horse race for the four playoff spots but overall we just need to focus on what we do and what we can control. As long as we take care of our business and put the performances in that have led to good results for us already this season, we’ll do enough to secure our place in the playoffs.”
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