Ollie Bassett Olimpico Rescues Point for Atlético Ottawa in 1-1 Draw with Valour
September 18, 2022 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release
Atlético Ottawa defender Diego Espejo de la Concepción vs. Valour FC
(Atletico Ottawa, Credit: Valour FC / Robert Reyes)
Atlético Ottawa embarked on the second leg of their four-week journey away from the capital when they face Valour FC in Winnipeg, MB on Sunday afternoon. Looking to regain their position on top of the table with 3 more matches left to play in the regular season, Atlético Ottawa remained undefeated in their fourth consecutive match, earning another 1-1 draw.
KEY MOMENTS
Atlético Ottawa battled Valour FC, who until today had only conceded 9 goals at home in 13 matches, to an otherwise uneventful 1-1 draw.
After a quiet first half, Ottawa had to deal with playing from behind after Valour took a one-goal lead in the 68′ minute.
Ollie Bassett brought his team back to level in the 78′ minute, scoring on a wonder strike – an Olimpico! – straight from the corner to the back of the net. This was his 8th goal of the season, and it earned him the Performance of the Match.
This was the fourth consecutive draw result for Ottawa, who have not dropped a result since August 21.
Head Coach Carlos González had most of his men available for selection going into Sunday’s match, with only MacDonald Niba still sidelined due to injury.
Malcolm Shaw returned to the pitch in the 58′ minute after a foot injury had kept him out of the lineup for several weeks.
With the team racking up air miles this month, González also showed his mastery of roster management with his starters selection and substitutions coordination, making the most of the 18-man squad at his disposal that afternoon.
In a very tight race for the four CPL playoff spots, this draw allows Ottawa to regain their number 1 rank for at least a couple hours and will keep a close eye on Sunday evening’s matchup between Forge FC and Pacific FC.
With a win, Forge FC would take over the first position (equal on points, one more win and match in hands). Any other results would allow Ottawa to remain on top of the standings until action resumes Friday night.
Up next for Atlético Ottawa will be another trip out West when they travel to ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows to face Cavalry FC one last time this season. The clash is set for Saturday, September 24 at 5:30PM ET, live on OneSoccer.
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