Atlético Ottawa clinched their inaugural Canadian Premier League championship on Sunday night by defeating Calgary’s Cavalry FC with a score of 2-1 at their home stadium amidst a snowstorm in November that left an indelible mark on players and fans.
David Rodriguez sealed the victory with a goal in the 106th minute, marking his second goal of the night on a field just cleared of snow after a tied regulation time. His initial goal, a spectacular bicycle kick, now dubbed the “icicle kick” due to the wintry conditions, thrilled fans. Rodriguez described the experience as “amazing” and expressed gratitude to the enthusiastic crowd.
The match kickoff was delayed due to the snowstorm, with stadium crews using leaf blowers and shovels to clear the pitch lines, while players also assisted in the efforts. Despite the challenging weather, over 13,000 dedicated soccer fans attended the game, with many embracing the unique atmosphere and staying until the final whistle.
The intense game saw Cavalry FC take the lead with a penalty kick by Fraser Aird, only to be equalized by Rodriguez’s remarkable bicycle kick shortly after. Despite the snow hampering play, Rodriguez secured the win for Ottawa with a second goal in extra time, leading to a jubilant celebration among the home supporters.
The victorious moment was particularly special for Ottawa’s top scorer, Sam Salter, who praised the fans’ unwavering support. Goalkeeper Nathan Ingham, who also played a part in clearing the snow-covered field, expressed his elation at the team’s triumph and dedication to overcoming adverse conditions for the win.
Atlético Ottawa, having previously reached the final in 2022 but fell short, now basked in the glory of their first CPL title, while Cavalry FC, the 2024 North Star Cup winners, aimed for a repeat victory but fell short in the face of Ottawa’s resilient performance.