Atlético Ottawa Blanked by Pacific FC
August 13, 2022 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release
Atlético Ottawa on the field
(Atletico Ottawa, Credit: Pacific FC/Sheldon Mack)
Atlético Ottawa were back on the road, this time travelling to Victoria to face Pacific FC looking for a win and a shot at increasing their foothold in the playoff positions. In a tightly defended match, it was, unfortunately, the home side that made the most of its chances, serving Atlético Ottawa a 0-1 loss.
A loss Ottawa can't afford to dwell on as they look to bounce back once more when they host Halfiax this Wednesday at TD Place (KO 7PM ET).
KEY MOMENTS
With both sides having bested each other once before this year, and with this second win by Pacific FC, Ottawa will circle the September 11th date for their shot at a rematch and potential win at Starlight Stadium.
Pacific FC made the most of a single - yet costly - mistake by the back line of Atlético Ottawa to slip the ball in the back of the net and collect the win.
Both sides split the ball possession quite evenly, but seemed to struggle breaking through the final third to threaten with any dangerous shots on target. Real opportunities were few and sadly for Ottawa, the home team was more assertive on the day.
Ottawa remains in a good position for a playoff spot, still with a 6-point advantage over Valour FC in fifth place.
Sunday's clash in Langford marked the first time former-Pacific-FC-turned-Atlético-Ottawa-star Ollie Bassett returned to Starlight Stadium since joining his new CPL club.
Bassett had indicated he chose to come to Ottawa this offseason in search of more consistent playing time. In 19 matches with ATO (all CPL matches so far) this season, he has played 1,662 minutes, tallying 5 goals (team co-leader) and 1 assist, in addition, to quickly becoming a fan darling.
Bassett had what turned out to be the most promising strike of the night in the added time of the second half, curling a free kick just wide of the near post.
Atléti continued to showcase their hermetic defensive form, remaining one of the toughest teams to score against in the league.
Ottawa has conceded more than 1 goal only three times this season, allowing only 21 goals against in 19 matches.
On the other hand, Pacific FC averaged over 1.5 goals scored per match, having scored 29 this season, the third most in the league. They were held to a lone, uncharacteristic goal on Sunday.
U21 minutes: Zakaria Bahous 90'; Owen Antoniuk 14'; total +104' = 1,154 after 19 matches
Ottawa returns to TD Place to host Halifax Wanderers this Wednesday, August 17th (KO 7PM ET).
Images from this story
 Atlético Ottawa on the field (Pacific FC/Sheldon Mack) |
Canadian Premier League Stories from August 13, 2022
- Atlético Ottawa Blanked by Pacific FC - Atletico Ottawa
- Heard Goal Lifts Pacific to Narrow Win vs. Atlético Ottawa - Atletico Ottawa
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
