Atlético Ottawa Falls to Forge FC

May 9, 2023 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release

Atlético Ottawa’s Sean Ross Melvin in action
(Atletico Ottawa, Credit: Jojo Yanijao Qian/Forge FC Hamilton)

Atlético Ottawa travelled down to Hamilton, ON, for a Canadian Championship quarter-final clash with Forge FC. Having played on Saturday in Ottawa, Head Carlos González’s side came from behind but ultimately fell short in a penalty shoot-out defeat, exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage.

KEY MOMENTS

Atlético Ottawa’s resolute display in Hamilton was rewarded with a late goal to tie the game at 1-1 but weren’t able to overcome Forge FC in the penalty shoot-out.

Kyle Bekker gave the hosts the lead with an emphatic strike, high into the roof of the net from an almost impossible angle in the 78th minute.

Ottawa got level with only three minutes of regular time remaining when Ollie Bassett converted from the spot following a handball by Manjrekar James.

González’s side would come up short in the shoot-out, missing four of their six attempts as Forge won 3-2.

Sean Melvin, in the for injured Nathan Ingham, came up with a massive save to keep the shoot-out going but Zach Verhoven wasn’t able to find the target in the sudden death.

González shuffled the pack, adapting to the busy schedule, with Karl Ouimette, Niba Macdonald, Zakaria Bahous and Jean-Aniel Assi all coming into the team.

This was Niba’s first start of the season and, playing as a left-back, put on a resolute defensive display.

The 28-year-old led Ottawa in tackles (8), tackles won (7), interceptions (2) and clearances (7), as well as duels (16), duels won (12), and aerial duels won (3).

Atlético now plays back-to-back away matches in the Canadian Premier League, with a trip out to expansion side Vancouver FC this Saturday followed by a visit to Spruce Meadows to face Cavalry FC the following weekend.

González’s side returned to Ottawa on May 27, 2023, in a rematch of the 2023 playoff final against Forge FC.

OTHER NEWS

Atlético Ottawa has signed local goalkeeper Brogan Engbers to a Short-Term Replacement Standard Contract following an injury to Nathan Ingham.

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