González – the Day You Cannot Win, Don’t Lose

June 16, 2022 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release

Atlético Ottawa increased their unbeaten run to five games despite being held to a frustrating draw at home to York United

Carlos González’s team are now joint top of the Canadian Premier League table, whilst still having a game in hand on Pacific FC. Last night’s clash with York was a scrappy encounter, lacking in fluidity as both teams were reduced to 10 men.

“Little by little we started to play the game they wanted,” said Head Coach González. “If you see the previous results of York, their games are these kinds of games. I felt that we did 20 very good minutes from the start but then we started to get into the rhythm they wanted.

“They started to stop the game, slow the game down. Little by little, they started to be more comfortable and we started to be more uncomfortable.”

Despite the frustrations felt at not being able to produce a fourth consecutive victory in front of yet another electric crowd at TD Place, González acknowledged it was important to pick up the point.

“There is a phrase in Spanish that says – the day you cannot win, don’t lose,” said the 35-year-old. “Obviously, there are a lot of things we can improve but the reality is the last fifteen minutes were tough and it was a good point at the end.

“We have to keep on working hard as now opponents they play with different approaches against us. There will be moments of good football and moments where it’s going to be tougher for us [to win], so we have to be prepared for all scenarios.”

Atlético Ottawa owe their point, in part, to the heroics of goalkeeper Nathan Ingham. The 28-year-old shot-stopper was called into action twice in the final ten minutes of the game, denying Sebastián Gutiérrez speculative effort and Osaze Di Rosario from point-blank range.

“Every player has a role, the forward players have to score, the goalkeeper has to not concede,” said González. “We know what Nathan is capable so it doesn’t surprise me. He did a good job and, for the defence today, to have a clean sheet is also good.”

Atlético Ottawa now embark on another three-game stretch away from home, facing FC Edmonton, HFX Wanderers and Forge FC before hosting Cavarly FC at TD Place on July 9, 2022.

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