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Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League
Ottawa 2-1 Forge: Ottleti Steal It Late
By It looked for a while like Forge was on their way to a similar run as last season, given how difficult they have been to break down. But, Atletico Ottawa raised their level, and their reward is three points in front of a home crowd.
A late goal from Joaquim Coulanges helped the hosts defeat the previously-unbeaten Hammers 2-1 at a rainy TD Place.
Heading into the match, Ottleti was finally starting to get into form: they won their last two, including a 1-0 defeat of HFX Wanderers last Sunday. Coach Diego Mejia, who was in the technical area for the last time at home before his departure to Liga MX pastures, maintained the same starting eleven.
Forge, who came out on top 1-0 over Supra, also chose to keep the same side who started that match. The Hamiltonians went into the contest unbeaten in their first seven across all competitions, winning six.
It was the home team who looked dangerous. They nearly went in front in the 13th minute when Ballou Tabla sprung free down the wing. Picking out Jonantan Villal in the box, the winger’s strike was kept out by Rezart Rama, who came to Forge’s rescue.
Ottawa continued to try for the opener, and had a half chance in the 32nd minute. Gabriel Antinoro went for goal on a slightly tight angle, but hit the side netting.
While Forge looked relatively comfortable defensively, they did not create much in the attacking third throughout the opening half. The best chance fell to Hoce Massunda, who could not control Tristan Borges’ pass in the box.
Villal had another effort on goal shortly after the break after some good movement from Ottawa, but he failed to keep his volley down.
Ottleti finally took the lead midway through the half. On the second phase of a corner, Emiliano Garcia’s initial header was kept out by Dimitry Bertaud. Noah Anatneh was there to follow up on the rebound to find the back of the net.
Having a total of 14 shots to Forge’s eight in the game, Ottawa nearly doubled the lead when Antinoro had a shot that was blocked and just went over the bar.
While the Hammers did step things up, their goal came from out of nowhere. Ben Paton’s cross found Mo Babouli, who passed it to a wide open Ismael Oketokoun. The Spaniard finished from close range to get his first for the club and for things up.
Despite conceding, the home side did not panic, and got their winner minutes later. Failing to clear their lines, Coulanges blasted his shot past Bertaud to regain the advantage.
Ottawa’s win keeps them in the top four, two points behind Inter Toronto. It also means that the club remained unbeaten at TD Place under coach Mejia’s tutelage, an impressive feat. Next for them is a trip to the west coast to battle Pacific.
As for Forge, their first loss of the year saw them drop to second spot after Cavalry’s win later on. Ironically, the Hammers’ next game will be at home to the Cavs next Sunday.
Header Image Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League
