Match Analysis: Cavalry FC 1-3 Atlético Ottawa

September 24, 2022 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release

Match in a minute or less

Atlético Ottawa is headed to the Canadian Premier League playoffs for the first time in club history after a 3-1 win over Cavalry FC at Spruce Meadows. They are also the first club in the league to clinch a spot in this year’s postseason.

A goal of the season candidate from Ballou Tabla opened the scoring for the visitors just four minutes into the match, while Brian Wright and Malcolm Shaw also found the back of the net in the second half to put the score beyond reach. José Escalante scored Cavalry’s lone goal from the penalty spot.

The victory also extends Ottawa’s lead at the top of the table to four points. With two matches remaining, they look to be the favourites to take home the league’s regular season title as well.

Three Observations

Atlético Ottawa clinch a playoff spot for the first time in club history

There has been no better story in the Canadian Premier League in 2022. The “worst to first” storyline might not be official quite yet, but the year-over-year improvement from Atlético Ottawa has been nothing short of remarkable as they head to the playoffs for the first time in club history.

Saturday’s playoff-clinching win came from yet another massive road result for Atleti. It was their seventh win away from home this season, one more than the six they had in total all of last year in league play. They also have now collected 25 road points, just one less than their overall total of 26 from 2021.

After several months of hard work reshaping this side on and off the pitch, tonight was a moment to celebrate for the club from top to bottom.

“It is a milestone for the club so I am very proud and very honoured to be part of the team that we’ve been working on since seven months ago to conquer this challenge for the first time in [our] history,” said Atlético coach Carlos González after the match. “I think that it is so important for the club, they have been fighting, having tough seasons before and I think that everybody deserves this, the players, people from Madrid that have worked really hard this year, and of course the fans. Today we didn’t have them here but they were pushing all season and all the city has been giving us the backup. So we are very proud and happy for them.”

After the final whistle, González passionately shared some insight into what he thinks has made his club so special this season.

“The secret is the attitude, is…