Atletico Ottawa 0-0 Forge: Few Chances in Stale Match

It was not a game many would consider to be the most exciting in the Canadian Premier League this season. However, Atletico Ottawa and Forge will have to be satisfied with a point each after a 0-0 stalemate in the nation’s capital.

Ottawa, coming off a 3-1 victory over Valour last week, named two changes to their starting eleven: Miguel Acosta and Malcolm Shaw came in for Zachary Roy and Tyr Walker. Both changes were made at the back, as the midfield and attack remained unchanged.

As for Forge, they drew their last game 1-1 at home to HFX Wanderers. Going into Saturday night’s match, the Hammers saw three changes in their 11. Out came Malik Owolabi-Belewu, Khadim Kane, and Alessandro Hojabrpour. Replacing them were Garven Metusala, Rezart Rama, and Aboubacar Sissoko.

The first big chance came to Forge eight minutes in. Off a corner, Kyle Bekker played a pass to the middle of the box. The pass went to Terran Campbell, but the Hamiltonians’ leading scorer could not keep his shot down.

While shots were at a premium for much of the opening half hour, Gianni Dos Santos was able to cut in and take one for himself. Unfortunately for the winger, his effort was a rather comfortable save for Triston Henry.

A few moments before the break, Bekker had the visitors’ first shot on target. Sissoko found his captain in the box, with Bekker’s effort forcing a save out of Nathan Ingham. In the end, it was a fairly routine save for the Ottleti keeper.

The final meaningful play of the half saw Henry be tested once again. From a free kick on a tight angle, Alberto Zapater whipped in a shot directly at goal. Henry was forced to backpedal, ultimately getting a hand on the ball to push it over the bar.

Trying to do the same thing as he did in last week’s match, Beni Badibanga took a free kick from distance. This time, however, it went straight to Ingham, who gathered without any issues.

Jut past the hour mark of the game, Ottawa had a great chance in front of goal. Gianni Dos Santos found Ollie Bassett, but despite beating Rama, the defending CPL Player of the Year could not get proper contact on his shot. Henry had an easy save as a result.

With less than 10 minutes to play, Forge had another glorious chance: Bekker played a perfect ball in to Sissoko, but the Malian international failed to direct his effort on target. It was a great chance for Forge late on.

It would be Forge who had the last attempt in the match. Badibanga toed the ball to substitute Woobens Pacius, but the latter could not find the target with his shot.

The game ended as it started, as both teams failed to really create many serious chances. Thus, both clubs earned a point, with both sitting on 32 points.

Atlético Ottawa will welcome Cavalry next Saturday as two of the in-form teams in the league will tussle for crucial points in the race for the regular season title.

As for Forge, they will remain on the road. The Hammers will take the trek out west to face Vancouver FC. Having now drawn their last three, the defending champions will hope to finally put an end to their four-game winless run.

Head Image Photo Credit: Tim Austin / FreeStyle Photography