Atlético Ottawa Blow 2-0 Lead in Historic First Game

What. A. First. Game.

It’s a shame the first game wasn’t in front of fans, because the game had goals, energy, drama, and controversy.

On Saturday afternoon, Atlético Ottawa played their first game in franchise history. Everyone saying that Atlético will struggle this year was quickly quieted when they either went shot for shot with York9 or carried the weight of play.

This is in large part because Javier Acuña was a force. He was everywhere before he was subbed off for Jarred Phillips. Particularly, he seemed to have good chemistry with Vashon Neufville along the flank, who much like many modern wingbacks, likes to make runs from the back.

The play in the first half was mostly even with York9 and Atlético trading chances. It wasn’t until the final minute of stoppage time in the first half did Atlético breakthrough, with their first goal in franchise history, scored by Mohamad Kourouma. Alphonso Davies Vashon Neufville made a beautiful run into the penalty area before connecting with Kourouma at the edge of the 6-yard box, who picked his corner with poise.

At the half, Ottawa fans had a lot to feel good about. The mood at the watch party at TD Place was emblematic of that. Atlético Ottawa weren’t going to stop there either.

Very quickly, in the 47th minute, Malcolm Shaw tapped in a similar goal from a nearly identical spot as Kourouma. He received a pass from Acuña, after the latter delivered a beautiful run set up by neat team passing in midfield.

It was too good to be true, however, as Neufville got his second yellow, only moments after taking a 2-0 lead. This was very controversial and acted as a catalyst for York9 to comeback in this game. In my opinion, the referee needs to show constraint in these moments. The call was right, the discipline was harsh. Mista will understandably appeal the suspension.

York9 took advantage of the man advantage 10 minutes later, when Lowell Wright became the youngest scorer in CPL history, at only 16 years old.

The decision by York9 manager, Jimmy Brennan to shake things up and change 4 players after the red card proved to make a big difference tactically. Lowell Wright paid his manager back with that opportunity. I know Mista was likely looking to have his veterans’ experience hold on to the lead, but I hope moving forward, he will give opportunities to some of our younger players (and this is not to take anything away from the players that played today).

Only two minutes later, substitute Jarred Phillips committed a foul in the box, giving York9 another controversial call. I think this was fairly a penalty, even if a little harsh. It did feel like everything was unfair after the red card, but Phillips did not need to make that tackle from behind from that location in the box.

Ottawa fought hard to gain a 2-0 lead, however, since the red card, York9 carried the majority of possession, though never looked very threatening outside the two minutes they scored. Jimmy Brennan expressed at the half that Atlético Ottawa is “OK”. For a team that finished third best in the Fall Season and second last in the Spring Season in 2019, they seem to be, by definition, “OK”, too. An unfortunate and controversial call proved to be a pretty “OK” gift for Brennan’s squad.

For a team that has never played together, if you asked any Ottawa supporter if they would take a 2-2 draw in their first ever game, they’d take it. Remember, the team didn’t even play any warm-up matches, and all the teams they are playing against each have an entire season of playing together last year.

Consistency will be key for Ottawa moving forward. They had a good first game and some questions about the depth of this team will surround them, especially on defense. But if the team plays similar to how they played before the red card, and continue to play organized football as they showed they can, the likes of Jimmy Brennan will start to put some respect on our name.

Game Notes

• What a thrill having the first game under our belt. This edition of soccer in Ottawa just feels different! First game and first of many points secured.
• I was a bit iffy/undecided about the away jerseys when I saw them in the graphic. I was happy that Macron didn’t go with a generic design, but they look great in person and on the field.
• If there was any doubt about Acuña (not sure why there was) there shouldn’t be now. The team will continue to rely on his skill and playmaking to create chances. They were not able to generate nearly as much when he was subbed off.
• Watch this highlights clip of Acuña’s work yesterday: https://twitter.com/martythompson_/status/1294804134659596295
• I did not know too much about Milovan Kapor other than he plays a tough brand of soccer, in the back. He confirmed that today. He plays like a bully. I kind of like that.
• Interestingly, Mista only used 3 substitutes. With a condensed schedule, I wonder if this was largely because of the red card changing the game plan. I hope it is not because he is afraid of using some of the team’s depth, particularly the younger players.
• The team went too defensive after the sending off. I know a lot of their success was running through Acuña and Neufville, but tactically (and partly because it is natural to do so) they decided to sit back, never really attempting to hold possession after the 50th minute.
• Last comment about this game: I am not calling games between these two, ONRoutico. Just stop it.
• Next up, Valour FC. Kick-off will be 1PM on Wednesday.
  • You would think the CPL would play more games when people are not working (weekends aside). I mean, I know many people are home during the pandemic, but come on…