Atlético Ottawa Clinch Playoff Spot For First Time In Club History With Win Over Cavalry

September 24, 2022 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release

Atlético Ottawa battles Cavalry FC
(Atletico Ottawa, Credit: Cavalry FC)

With only three matches left in their regular season schedule, Atlético Ottawa travelled to Calgary to face Cavalry FC on Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash that could partially determine the course of their playoff picture. And it was a determined Ottawa side that took full control of its destiny, raking up 3 goals in an emphatic 3-1 win over the second-rank Cavs, officially clinching the club’s first-ever playoff appearance.

KEY MOMENTS

With a convincing 3-1 win on the road, Atlético Ottawa officially clinched their playoff spot, the franchise’s first-ever post-season appearance, and the first team to do so this year.

Atlético Ottawa took the early lead on a highlight-reel-worthy strike – some say goal of the year contender – by Ballou Tabla (4′).

It was Ottawa’s first goal from open play in 364 minutes of action, going back to the last time these two sides faced off at Spruce Meadows (goal by Ollie Bassett).

Brian Wright added to Ottawa’s tally in the second half (54′) for his sixth goal of the season.

Malcolm Shaw secured the win late in the match (87′), showing great resolve, minutes only after seeing a previous shot in goal called off for offside.

With all eyes on Atlético Ottawa as they are the only club in playoff contention that has yet to reach to mandatory 2,000 minutes of play by U21 players, Ottawa needed an average of 99 minutes per match entering Saturday’s game.

Zachary Roy got a start and featured for 57 minutes.

U21-minutes leader for the club, Zakaria Bahous, entered the match in the 70th minute.

Atlético Ottawa will close out their 4-match road trip next Saturday in Halifax, NS when they make their final visit of 2022 at Wanderers Ground. The HFX Wanderers v Atlético Ottawa match kicks off at 2 PM ET, live on OneSoccer.

Ottawa returns to TD Place for the final match of the regular season on Sunday, October 9 (KO 6 PM ET).

PLAYOFFS CLINCHED: Atlético Ottawa will still need to see the rest of the season through to know who, and when, they will play their first-ever home playoff match, which will be determined by the final standings.

The top four teams at the end of the regular season on Sunday, Oct. 9 will advance to the 2022 CPL playoffs. The first-place team will take on the fourth-place team and the second-place team will face the third-place team in a two-leg semifinal round (Oct 15-16 & Oct 22-23). The higher seed hosts the second leg of the semifinal. The final will be a one-match knockout game, hosted by the highest-seeded team remaining.

Season Seat Members can reserve their spot now by checking their email, or logging in to their Account Manager.

Fans that do not have season seats can visit atleticoottawa.club to register to be notified when the tickets go on sale.

Images from this story

• Discuss this story on the Canadian Premier League message board…

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.