Atlético Ottawa secured their inaugural Canadian Premier League championship on Sunday night by defeating Calgary’s Cavalry FC 2-1 in their home stadium during a relentless November snowstorm that left a lasting impression on players and fans alike.
David Rodriguez clinched the victory in the 106th minute with his second goal of the night on a cleared snow-covered pitch after regulation time ended in a draw. His initial goal, a remarkable bicycle kick dubbed the “icicle kick” by supporters due to the wintry weather, came in the first half.
Following the match, Rodriguez described the experience as “amazing” and expressed gratitude to the fans for their support. Despite challenging conditions, both teams battled fiercely, with the kickoff delayed due to snow. Stadium crews, aided by players, continuously cleared the pitch using leaf blowers and shovels throughout the game.
A resilient crowd of 13,132 soccer enthusiasts braved the cold, staying until the final whistle. Many spectators embraced the unique setting, adapting to the weather with enthusiasm. The atmosphere was described as uniquely Canadian, with fans making the most of the snowy spectacle.
Cavalry FC took the lead with Fraser Aird’s penalty kick in the 32nd minute, only for Rodriguez to equalize with his stunning bicycle kick shortly after. Observers noted Ottawa’s adeptness on the snow-covered field, managing ball control better than their opponents despite the challenging conditions.
In extra time, Rodriguez scored his second goal, securing the victory for Ottawa. Despite a valiant effort from Cavalry FC, Ottawa’s defense held strong, leading to a jubilant celebration among the home crowd at the final whistle.
Top scorer Sam Salter praised the fans’ resilience, emphasizing the team’s joy in winning in front of their supporters. Goalkeeper Nathan Ingham, who also contributed to snow clearing efforts, expressed overwhelming happiness at the victory and dedicated the win to the dedicated fan base.
Atlético Ottawa, having previously reached the final in 2022 and lost, claimed their first CPL title. Meanwhile, Cavalry FC, aiming to defend their 2024 North Star Cup win, fell short in their bid for back-to-back league championships.