Atlético Ottawa secured their inaugural Canadian Premier League championship on Sunday night by defeating Calgary’s Cavalry FC 2-1 in a thrilling match played amidst heavy snowfall that will be etched in the memories of both players and fans.
The decisive goal was scored by David Rodriguez in the 106th minute, marking his second goal of the night on a snow-covered field that had just been cleared for extra time after a deadlock in regulation play. Rodriguez’s first goal, a spectacular bicycle kick in the first half, has already been dubbed the “icicle kick” due to the wintry conditions.
Following the match, Rodriguez expressed his awe at the experience, thanking the fans for their support and eagerly anticipating the celebration in the warmth of the locker room.
The intense weather conditions challenged both teams throughout the game, causing a delay in kickoff as crews worked tirelessly to clear the pitch using leaf blowers and shovels, with players even lending a hand at times.
A determined crowd of 13,132 braved the cold to witness the historic event, with many embracing the unique spectacle of soccer played in such extreme conditions. Fans like Jacinthe Duval found ways to stay warm by dancing along with the crowd.
Jason Skokos, unprepared for the cold, resorted to buying a blanket from the team shop and using hand dryers in the restroom to combat the freezing temperatures, embodying the resilient spirit of Canadian soccer enthusiasts.
Cavalry FC initially took the lead with a penalty kick by Fraser Aird, but Rodriguez’s remarkable bicycle kick quickly leveled the score, showcasing Atlético Ottawa’s superior ball control on the snow-covered field.
After a hard-fought battle, Rodriguez sealed the victory for Ottawa with a well-timed goal in extra time, ultimately thwarting Cavalry FC’s attempts to equalize and prompting a jubilant response from the home crowd.
Top scorer Sam Salter commended the unwavering support of the fans, while goalkeeper Nathan Ingham struggled to articulate his elation, emphasizing the team’s unwavering determination to secure the win under any circumstances.
Ingham expressed his joy in delivering the trophy to the deserving fan base, highlighting the team’s relentless pursuit of victory and their commitment to overcoming challenges, regardless of the playing conditions.
Atlético Ottawa’s triumph in the final marked a significant achievement for the club, which had previously fallen short in the 2022 final against Forge FC. Meanwhile, Cavalry FC, previous North Star Cup winners in 2024, aimed to defend their league title but faced a resilient Ottawa side that emerged victorious in the end.