Atlético Ottawa Braves Weather, York United FC in Win
April 13, 2024 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release
Kris Twardek of Atlético Ottawa reacts after his goal against York United FC
(Atletico Ottawa, Credit: Tim Austen / Freestyle Photography)
Professional soccer is back in the nation's capital as an electric crowd gathered at TD Place to witness the start of the 2024 Canadian Premier League season. A revamped Atlético Ottawa came from behind to beat Ontario-rivals York United, as thousands of soccer fans created an electric atmosphere in the cold and the rain in support of the 'Save a Life' Home Opener in partnership with Canadian Blood Services.
KEY MOMENTS
Atlético Ottawa continues to work hard to bring together the much-changed roster for the 2024 CPL season and showed great grit and determination to come from behind to win 2-1.
York striker Austin Ricci gave the visitors the lead (48') minutes after the re-start, collecting a loose ball in the box before beating Nathan Ingham at his near post.
New signing Manny Aparicio took the game by the scruff of the next, scoring the equalizer with a close-range header (63') before getting an assist for the game-winning goal.
Kris Twardek, of Kinburn, ON, capped off a fine second-half performance as the right-back met Aparicio's cross with a composed right-foot volley to seal the three points (79').
This was the first time Atlético Ottawa beat York United at TD Place.
Atlético Ottawa defender, Twardek (27) - the Kinburn-kid - had spent the last decade playing professional soccer in Europe (including England and Ireland).
This was Twardek's first professional soccer match in his hometown (having played youth soccer for 'Powered by Atlético' club Ottawa South United)
"Playing in front of 100 friends and family, it's impossible to put into words what that means," he said in the post-match press conference.
Twardek had 13 entries into the final third (1st), six duels won (1st) and two aerial duels won (1st) to add to his winning goal.
Today marked professional debuts for multiple Atlético Ottawa players, including Barrhaven-raised Matteo de Brienne.
Twardek, Aparicio, Amer Didić and Abou Sissoko also made their full debuts.
Kevin dos Santos also made his debut, coming off the bench in the second half.
Attendance: 4,049
OTHER NEWS
Atlético Ottawa kicked off the 2024 season with an electric Season Seat Member Exclusive event at TD Place.
At the event, Canadian international defender Amer Didić was officially unveiled as an Atlético Ottawa player for the 2024 season, with an option to extend into 2025.
In support of Atlético Ottawa's Home Opener community partner, Canadian Blood Services, Atlético's front office team visited the Carling Donor Centre with many giving blood for the first time.
Images from this story
 Kris Twardek of Atlético Ottawa reacts after his goal against York United FC (Tim Austen / Freestyle Photography) |
Canadian Premier League Stories from April 13, 2024
- New-Look Atlético Ottawa Battle Back to Down York United in 2024 Opener - Atletico Ottawa
- Atlético Ottawa Braves Weather, York United FC in Win - Atletico Ottawa
- Atlético Ottawa Open with a Victory - Atletico Ottawa
- Match Notes - VFC vs Val - April 14 - Vancouver FC
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