Atlético Ottawa secured their inaugural Canadian Premier League championship on a snowy Sunday night by defeating Calgary’s Cavalry FC 2-1 at home. The match saw David Rodriguez clinching the victory with his second goal in the 106th minute after scoring a remarkable bicycle kick earlier in the game, fondly referred to as “the icicle kick” due to the wintry conditions. Rodriguez expressed his delight, labeling the experience as “amazing” and thanking the supportive crowd. The game was delayed due to the snow, prompting stadium crews and players to clear the pitch with leaf blowers and shovels.
Despite the challenging weather, over 13,000 dedicated soccer fans braved the cold to witness the historic match, with many embracing the unique atmosphere. Some spectators improvised to stay warm, resorting to activities like dancing and utilizing hand dryers in the restrooms. Atlético’s goalkeeper, Nathan Ingham, was seen assisting with snow shoveling during breaks.
Calgary initially took the lead with a penalty kick by Fraser Aird, but Atlético quickly equalized through Rodriguez’s spectacular bicycle kick. The intense game saw Atlético maintaining control despite the adverse conditions, ultimately securing the victory with Rodriguez’s decisive goal in extra time. The home crowd erupted in joy as Atlético claimed their first CPL title, with top scorer Sam Salter praising the resilience of the fans.
Ingham, overwhelmed by the victory, emphasized the team’s adaptability and determination to win under any circumstances. He expressed gratitude towards the loyal fan base and reflected on the team’s journey to success, highlighting their unwavering commitment. Atlético’s triumph marked a significant achievement, especially after their previous final loss in 2022, while Cavalry FC aimed to defend their 2024 title but fell short in the challenging snowstorm showdown.