April 10, 2024 – Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release
Atlético Ottawa and professional soccer returns to the nation’s capital as the 2024 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season kicks off at TD Place (KO 1 pm ET, live on OneSoccer). Ottawa hosts Ontario-rivals York United in the ‘Save a Life’ Home Opener, in support of Canadian Blood Services and presented by Sean Frost Real Estate.
Here’s everything you need to know before Saturday’s clash in Ottawa.
The ‘Save a Life’ Home Opener is the continuation of Atlético Ottawa’s long-standing community-oriented initiatives in the first match of the season.
Atlético is supporting Canadian Blood Services and looking to get more people on the Stem Cell Registry.
Eligible supporters can participate in a five-minute cheek swab (less invasive than a COVID test) which could help one of the 1,000+ people in Canada in need of a life-saving transplant. Click here to find out more.
Atlético Ottawa’s squad was given a comprehensive make-over during the off-season, with fans dubbing it the “Winter of Fernando”.
11 players have joined Ottawa, including five of the six best free agents in the league, according to OneSoccer.
CPL stars such as Canadians Abou Sissoko, Manny Aparicio and Amer Didić joined from Forge FC and Pacific FC respectively, whilst 2022 star Ballou Tabla returns to the capital.
A focus on local talent sees Barrhaven’s Matteo de Brienne return to Ottawa (2023 u21 CPL Player of the Year) and Kinburn-native Kris Twardek move back to Canada after a decade of playing in England and Ireland.
Kevin dos Santos and Rayane Yesli were stand-out players in the 2023 CPL season, while experienced Guyana international Jonathan Grant unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury in pre-season.
CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan will be in attendance for the match. Noonan will present Atlético Ottawa with the Canadian Premier League Sheild for the club’s 2022 Regular Season triumph.
Capital City Supporters Group and other Atlético Ottawa fans will be marching from Glebe Central Pub to TD Place at 12pm ET.
Ottawa staple Sí Señor Mexican Food Truck will be at Atlético Ottawa matches all season long.
The ‘Community First Jersey’ will have its first official appearance at TD Place, with each sale of Atlético Ottawa’s 2024 Primary kit leading to 30 meals provided to low-income residents.
This is in collaboration with the Caldwell Family Centre and thanks to front-of-shirt sponsor Maple Lodge Farms.
Record head-to-head…
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