Atlético Ottawa Makes Strides on the Field as Fans Continue to Forge a Fortress

July 5, 2022 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release

As head coach Carlos González would say, Atlético Ottawa have ‘shown a new face’ this season. Results are improving after two turbulent campaigns but, once again, the stand-out performers can be found in the stands.

If you’ve visited TD Place to see Atlético Ottawa play this season, we don’t need to tell you about the electric atmosphere created by the home fans – but let’s talk about it anyway.

Whether it’s a dreary Tuesday night or a radiant Saturday afternoon ‘the Dub’ (the name given by the supporters to their section – ‘W’) has been intoxicating so far in 2022. The rowdy crowd roars their chants after the National Anthem has been sung and they do not stop until long after the final whistle as Atleti’s dedicated and passionate fan base remains behind to serenade the players.

Soccer is a game of tension; a low-scoring team sport that can be decided in a single moment. This tension, this feeling of anticipation is never more apparent than when a crowd connects with the team they are watching – it’s a cornerstone of why the game is considered so ‘beautiful’.

“Since time and memorial, football’s life blood has been its supporters. Their passion for the beautiful game is unprecedented in all of sport,” explained Daniel Duff, President and Founder of the Capital City Supporters Group (CCSG). “We have, and continue to grow our group with the same passion and enthusiasm you find across the pond.

“The Dub is electric because we have started to see the seeds of an authentic football culture here in the capital. We are just beginning to see the fruits of our labour here in Ottawa.”

As much any other sport, fans influence the outcomes of soccer games. The encouraging lyrics of “Allez, Ottawa” drive the Rojiblancos forward, whilst opposition players are often visibly influenced by the berating they receive from the home team’s faithful (attempting to distract them, even for just a second, to give their side the advantage).

Against the defending Canadian Premier League champions, Zach Verhoven came off the bench to score a late winner, immediately running to the supporters’ section to relish in the moment with them. Having conceded an equalizer only moments earlier, the explosion of emotions within the grounds was palpable.

Verhoven wasn’t alone in his celebrations. Every Atleti player on the pitch – as well as those on the bench – sprinted over to join him. A cry of “Oh my god, it’s…