CPL Atletico Ottawa

Preview: Atlético Ottawa at FC Edmonton May 22

Published on May 20, 2022 under Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release


Atlético Ottawa continue with their away travels as they venture outside of Ontario for the first time this season, taking on FC Edmonton on Sunday (KO 4 PM ET, live on OneSoccer). This is the second of three consecutive way games for Ottawa as next week they travel to Winnipeg to face Valour FC.

Despite coming close on multiple reprises, Atleti have been unable to grind out three points since hosting HFX Wanderers last month. Sunday's clash against a struggling, yet spirited Edmonton side offers a great opportunity to get back to the 'winning mentality' that Head Coach Carlos González is seeking.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Sunday's kick-off:

Carlos González returns to lead Atlético Ottawa after completing his one-match touchline ban.

Ottawa have never lost to FC Edmonton, besting their Albertan opponents twice in three encounters last season.

The final game between the two sides was a thriller that ended 4-3. Forward Brian Wright bagged a brace and midfielder Ben McKendry scored what was his only goal of the past campaign.

After his stellar performance in Hamilton last week, midfielder Ollie Bassett was named in the CPL 'Team of the Week' for the third time this season.

Bassett is one of the only two players to have featured three more times in the 'Team of the Week'.

The Northern Irish-native opened his account for the club last weekend, as he scored the opening goal (and Atlético Ottawa's first ever goal) against Forge FC.

FC Edmonton are yet to win a CPL game this season, drawing twice and losing five times.

Edmonton had a change in ownership during the off-season and, with the club in a transitional phase, faced an uphill battle getting their side ready for the 2022 campaign.

Nonetheless, they have been able to put together a competitive squad - including former-Atleti defender Nyal Higgins - who have caused problems for their opponents.

Record head-to-head (all-time): 2W-2D-0L; 8 goals scored, 6 goals conceded

Quotes

Carlos González, Atlético Ottawa Head Coach

"It was important that most of the team got through last week in a good fitness condition. Mentally we're in a good state and showing that we are competing in every single game. Now we've had two or three more days to analyze our last three games and we're feeling ready for the next challenge."

Ben McKendry, Atlético Ottawa midfielder

"[Comeptition for places] is fantastic. It's important for any team to make it difficult for the coach to select his XI and this is a huge strength of ours this season, we have depth in positions all over the park. Everybody is ready to contribute and add something to this squad."

IN OTHER NEWS

Tiny Football Car, the darling of last summer's European Championship, returned to the field last weekend, delivering the game ball ahead of the Canadian Premier League's Come On! Match of the Week between HFX Wanderers and Cavalry FC at Wanderers Ground in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was Tiny's first in a series of appearances in Canadian Premier League (CPL) markets across the country this season, after joining the league as a summer signing. Follow Tiny's journey on the CPL's social media channels, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Atlético Ottawa have signed Spanish defender Iván Pérez, who has joined the club on-loan from UD San Sebastian de los Reyes to add more strength and depth to the left full-back position.

Check out the Atletico Ottawa Statistics

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Canadian Premier League Stories from May 20, 2022


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.

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