June 21, 2024 – Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release
Under the Friday night lights at ATCO Field in Calgary, the Canadian Premier League weekend kicks off with a heavyweight bout as the 2023 CPL Shield winners Cavalry FC host top of the table Atlético Ottawa.
For the first time in 2024 in CPL action, Atlético Ottawa are coming off a loss, as they suffered their first defeat of the campaign 2-1 this past Saturday at home against York United. The team arguably put in a good enough performance to win, but now the challenge will be making sure that the result doesn’t compound and ruin the team’s significant positive momentum.
Meanwhile, Cavalry have not lost since the season’s opening day against Forge, but with seven draws in their last nine matches, including a 0-0 against Vancouver FC on Sunday in Kelowna during the CPL on Tour match, they have eight fewer points than Atleti this season. The Cavs, however, have lost just one of their last 21 CPL regular season matches at home, so will have plenty of confidence heading into Friday’s clash.
“We are really excited for the matchup and being back to play them.” said Cavalry FC manager Tommy Wheeldon Jr. “I think you’ve seen in big games, whether that be against the Whitecaps or Forge, our guys have liked to rise to the occasion, there’s no better than playing the first place in the league.”
Atlético Ottawa, however, have unquestionably been the exception to the rule of home-team dominance across the league so far this season, as they have already collected three wins on the road in four matches in 2024. No other team in the league has more than a single win away from home this season, while Cavalry still have not won away from home.
Atleti were the only team that beat Cavalry at ATCO Field in CPL action this past season, and have won four of their five all-time trips to the stadium. Cavalry, meanwhile, have just three all-time victories, and eight losses, against the capital club in 13 all-time meetings.
One Atleti player who will be particularly excited to return to Calgary is Ballou Tabla. The 25-year-old’s last trip to ATCO Field saw him score one of the best goals the league has ever seen. He also has two goals and an assist against the Cavs in five matches, and has not lost any of them.
The two sides played to a 1-1 draw back on April 20, with a late own goal from Kris Twardek cancelling out a goal from Amer Didić.
The challenge for Cavalry on Friday will get bigger based on…
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