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Out-Of-Contract Nathan Ingham: Ottawa Is A Special Place
By It wasn’t how last year’s regular season champions thought it would go: after a worst-to-first season in 2022 and a run to the finals, 2023 saw Atletico Ottawa bow out of playoff contention on the final day of the regular season.
Atletico Ottawa goalkeeper Nathan Ingham had urged his side on following a last-gasp defeat to York United just one week earlier – one of an uncanny number of late goal losses suffered by the side – but it just wasn’t meant to be.
Speaking with media following the season’s end, the veteran goalkeeper revealed that it remains to be seen where he’ll wind up next season given that he’s now out of contract with Atletico Ottawa.
In the negotiation stage, nothing is ever guaranteed: when Ingham was with York United, he was the player with the highest payroll. After joining Atletico Ottawa on a two-year deal, the assumption is that his services don’t come cheap by CPL standards.
Still, we’ve heard that Atletico Ottawa hope to retain the veteran goalkeeper. He’s accumulated 17 clean sheets for them over the last two years, which by chance is the same number he had with York United.
“There’s been a little bit of communication which has been positive. It’s not something I can worry about. I’ve just got to wait until things go in motion, and then we’ll handle it then,” said the goalkeeper.
When it comes to saves in the Canadian Premier League, Ingham literally stands unequaled: as per Adam Jenkins, he made history this year as the first goalkeeper in the league to crack over 300 saves made with 307, some 47 above second-placed Triston Henry at the time.
Having been betwixt the sticks for them no less than 22 times this season, all five of his Canadian Premier League seasons have seen him lock down a starting role wherever he is. For his part, he settled quickly in the nation’s capital after arriving last year, developing a strong bond with the fans who pack into ‘The Dub’ at TD Place.
“I think they started it – they made me feel at home from the very beginning. The way they treated me, the way they talked to me after games or in the media, on social media, it was just so refreshing,” reflected the keeper.
“I felt very welcome, and they welcomed my family when they were here. I just try to return the favour: I know what they give, and I know what it means to them to be successful. It’s a special place, and they make it a special place.”
While he’s clearly got an affinity for the nation’s capital, this summer saw the veteran goalkeeper put forth a statement of intent to reach a higher level. Having turned thirty this year and cracking the 10,000 minute marker for his pro career, he’s got ample experience to back his perspective.
Two Golden Glove nominations from five seasons is nothing to sneeze at, either.
For the short term? The plan is simple.
“I’m excited to have a good offseason and be better.”
Header Image Photo Credit: Matt Zambonin / Freestyle Photography