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Photo Credit: John Jacques
CPL Final: Rodriguez Shines As Ottawa Prevails
By A wintery scene highlighted the Canadian Premier League in Sunday’s final. Two hours of snow-laden football saw Atletico Ottawa come from a goal down to beat Cavalry 2-1 in extra time.
Both clubs booked their place in the final by beating Forge in their last match. Ottawa did so in the first semifinal to have hosting rights for the final. Cavalry, who defeated York in the quarterfinal, edged Forge last week to book their place. It was the first time that the Hammers were not involved in the CPL final.
Less than two minutes in, Ottawa nearly took the lead. Marco Carducci whiffed a clearance that fell to David Rodriguez. The winger went for goal from just inside the midfield line, narrowly missing the target.
Both teams spent much of the opening 10 minutes getting a feel for playing in the conditions. It was difficult to even see the midfield line.
Sam Salter had a chance nine minutes in. The CPL Player of the Year went for goal on a tight angle, going just wide.
Play had to be halted as the crew had to come onto the field to clear the lines. It was continuously snowing throughout the first half.
The Cavs took the lead in the 33rd minute. Goteh Ntignee won the ball and got forward into the Ottawa box. When he got there, Kevin Dos Santos brought him down. The referee did not hesitate in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Fraser Aird, who sent Nathan Ingham the wrong way to give the visitors the lead.
Less than 10 minutes later, Ottleti equalized, and in truly special fashion. Off the second phase of a corner, Gabriel Antinoro got the ball into the box. It took a bounce while several players were jostling for space. Ultimately, David Rodríguez got his foot on it, hitting a bicycle kick that hit the bar and went in. Given the conditions, it is an incredible goal.
As the half wore on, more players continued to slip due to the snow piling up on the field. There were no more clearcut chances after the goals, but the intensity continued to show.
Ottawa nearly went in front two minutes into the second half. The ball went forward, and after some confusion at the back for the Cavs, Rodríguez went for goal again. He tried to chip everyone, but his effort went just over the bar.
The hosts came out of the locker rooms more confident to star the second half. However, save for a free kick from Manny Aparicio – which Carducci saved – they did little to truly challenge the Cavs.
The best opportunity of the second half came towards the end. A free kick was sent in, requiring Ingham to make a save. Another shot was made, but it was cleared off the line by an Ottawa defender.
The snow was once again a big factor in the second half, with many players slipping, overrunning the ball, and struggling to dribble. Nevertheless, it was hardly a surprise that extra time was needed to determine a winner.
The first half of extra time came by with no major chances. Ottawa was the more adventurous side of the two, having control of the possession. However, they failed to call Carducci into action.
Two minutes into extra time, Aparicio played in Rodriguez, who found himself free on the left-hand side. The winger made no mistake, chipping it over an onrushing Carducci to give Ottawa the lead.
Cavalry only managed one chance after going behind. Aymane Sellouf had an attempt that Ingham kept out to maintain the lead.
Ottawa wins their first North Star Cup title, and will join Forge and Vancouver FC in next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup. The draw for the competition is next month.
Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques
