Preview: Atlético Ottawa at HFX Wanderers FC October 1: APERÇU
September 29, 2022 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release
Playoff-bound Atlético Ottawa conclude their four-week venture away from the capital city this weekend as Carlos González’s side face HFX Wanderers in Halifax (KO 2 PM ET, live on OneSoccer). Having already made history during the recent trip to Alberta, Ottawa are now chasing their first piece of silverware as winners of the regular Canadian Premier League season.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s kick-off.
Atlético Ottawa have clinched their place in the 2022 playoffs – for the first time in the club’s short history, they will participate in the post-season.
Ottawa remain top of the CPL table – with 45 points from 26 games – and, should they win their remaining fixtures will be crowned regular season champions.
HFX Wanderers sit in seventh place with 29 points from 26 games.
Ottawa confirmed their spot in the playoffs in style, beating third-placed Cavalry FC 3-1 in Alberta.
Canadian forward Ballou Tabla opened the score with an outrageous bicycle kick from the edge of the penalty area – watch it here!
The goal has gained global attention, with FIFA (soccer’s global governing body) even hinting at a potential nomination for the Puskás Award, given to the best goal scored every year.
Malcolm Shaw, on his second appearance since returning from injury, came off the bench to seal the game in the 86th minute after Brian Wright had doubled the lead ten minutes after the break.
Atlético Ottawa trio, Ollie Bassett, Diego Espejo and Tabla have been named to the CPL ‘Team of the Week’ with Tabla also named as ‘Player of the Week’.
Stephen Hart’s side was officially ruled out as a playoff candidate after a 2-0 defeat at home to Pacific FC on Tuesday.
The Wanderers’ last victory came over the British Columbia-based side in August, and have picked up two points from a possible 15 since then.
González has bested Hart three times this season, including a thrilling 3-2 victory at TD Place in which both sides scored after the 90th minute.
Record head-to-head (all-time): 4W-2D-4L; 11 goals scored, 10 goals conceded.
Squad update: Niba Macdonald (injury) and Ballou Tabla (suspension, caution accumulation) are unavailable for this weekend’s fixture.
OTHER NEWS
Playoff soccer is coming to the Nation’s capital this October.
This week, the Canadian Premier League released information relating to the end of the season awards, including an introduction to the awards, the voting process, the artists behind the awards themselves and when they are set to take place.
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