CPL Atletico Ottawa

Atlético Ottawa Edged by Valour FC

September 24, 2023 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release


Carl Haworth of Atlético Ottawa vs. Valour FC
Carl Haworth of Atlético Ottawa vs. Valour FC
(Atletico Ottawa, Credit: Matt Zambonin / Freestyle Photography)

A crowd of over 7,000 supporters said a potential final farewell to club captain, and Ottawa soccer legend Carl Haworth at TD Place as Atlético Ottawa slipped to a last-minute defeat. Despite providing the bulk to the attacking threat, Ottawa was caught with a clinical counter deep into stoppage time, setting up a mouth-watering "win and you're in" clash at York United next weekend as both teams chase playoff qualification.

KEY MOMENTS

Atlético Ottawa remains in 5th place in the Canadian Premier League despite slipping to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Valour FC.

Ottawa came close with a number of efforts throughout the match but was unable to find the finishing touch.

Whilst pushing for a winner, Valour broke Ottawa hearts as Walter Ponce finished off a sweeping counter-attacking move (90'+4).

After an even first period, Atlético looked to turn the screw in the second half - boosted by strong performances by attacking players from the bench.

Ottawa outshot Valour (11-8), had more shots on target (3-1) and hit the woodwork as Head Coach González's side pushed for victory in front of a record crowd for 2023.

Striker Samuel Salter followed up his two goals against Halifax last week with another strong performance but was unable to convert any of his chances on the day.

The 23-year-old had three shots, with two on target (most of any Ottawa player) but was unable to beat Valour goalkeeper Rayane Yesli.

Salter also had more aerial duels won and successful dribbles than any other Atlético player, whilst also winning more fouls helping to relieve pressure.

A record-breaking crowd for the season attended the match, as captain Carl Haworth took to the field in Ottawa for what could be the final time having announced his upcoming retirement earlier this week.

Haworth was commemorated before the match, having signed his first professional contract in the capital over a decade ago.

Attendance: 7,044

Playoffs at a glance:

The top five teams qualify for the postseason.

Atlético remains in fifth place with 33 points from 26 matches.

York United is in 6th place with 32 points from 26 matches.

Ottawa plays at York next weekend, and a win would confirm their spot in the playoffs.

Halifax is three points clear in fourth (36 points) with two matches remaining.

Pacific FC is in third place with (40 points), Forge FC is second (42 points) and Cavalry FC leads the table (49 points) after 25 matches each.

Cavalry, Pacific and Forge have qualified for the playoffs.

Cavalry has been crowned Canadian Premier League Regular Season Winners.

OTHER NEWS

Atlético Ottawa has opened up the deposit process for the 2024 Canadian Premier League season and you can secure your place in the Atleti Family now. For more information click here.

Club Captain, and Ottawa soccer legend Carl Haworth has this week announced that he will be retiring from professional soccer at the end of this season, over a decade after first signing in Ottawa. Click here to find out more.

The Canadian Premier League has announced this week that there will be two new trophies implemented for the 2023 CPL season, with the "North Star Shield" (formerly awarded to the Playoff Champions) being replaced by a North Star Cup and a new Canadian Premier League Sheild to be awarded to the Regular Season Winners.

Check out the Atletico Ottawa Statistics




Images from this story

Carl Haworth of Atlético Ottawa vs. Valour FC
Carl Haworth of Atlético Ottawa vs. Valour FC
(Matt Zambonin / Freestyle Photography)		   



Canadian Premier League Stories from September 24, 2023


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