Atlético Ottawa faces off against Valour FC in their second game. Valour FC is coming off a 2-0 loss to Cavalry FC. Along with Edmonton, are the only teams to have suffered a loss this season. This could be a continuation of their last year for them, when they weren’t particularly impressive. They finished last in the Spring season, though had some improvement in the Fall season finishing two spots higher. This may have prompted a big turnover in their lineup for the first game a few days ago, playing 10 different starters in in their starting XI.
This will be a huge game for Atlético Ottawa to keep momentum going. They were unlucky to only secure a draw after having to play most of the second half down a man. It felt like a tough draw after going up 2-0, but there was a lot to be excited about. They played organized and had played with intention in their passing and movement, particularly with Acuña and Neufville. Atlético will have to do without their star fullback after getting two yellows against York.
Lineup changes for Atlético Ottawa. We know Neufville would need a replacement, and Facchineri gets the call. I am very excited to see him step in. He is one of the young players I am most excited about. Plus he kind of looks like he could be cast as Batman! Ben McKendry gets tapped in for Ajay Khabra in the midfield. The rest of the lineup will remain the same but the formation will be different.
At first glance it seems that Mista is opting for a more defensive formation with a 5-3-1-1, with Kourouma dropping back to Neufville’s position at fullback. In the first game, they used a 4-2-3-1. I assume playing Kourouma in that role is to give a threat from the back, along the wings, that Neufville gave York9 a healthy dose of. His runs opened the game up for Ottawa, hopefully, Kourouma can be similarly confident. Since it is not his natural position, I presume this is why they opted to go for 5 at the back.
Pre-match thoughts:
- Most pundits seem to have pegged Ottawa to finish last. This game will go a long way to proving that their first match wasn’t beginners luck. But outside perceptions don’t matter. There are some areas for improvement, but we have a lot to be excited about.
- Mohamad Kourouma probably had a huge sigh of relief scoring a big and historic opening goal. He only scored once in 26 games last year in the CanPL. Hopefully, this gets the weight off his back and allows him to be the scorer he can be for us.
- Acuña was a monster in game 1. He was everywhere. The game seems to revolve around him. He is everywhere with the ball on a string. We will need him even more without Neufville.
- Mista was unable to make an appeal for Neufville, because of the regulations against appealing two yellow cards. Time to march on, anyway! Next man up!
- Mista is keeping his cards close to his body for who will replace Neufville. Jarred Phillips subbed in last game – he did give up a penalty shot that let York tie it up.
- Acuña was rewarded for his contributions on Saturday, getting league recognition as part of the Team of the Week.
- A win will put Atlético in a tie for first with Cavalry and Forge. Remember the top 4 make it to the second round.
- A Watch Party will be held at the Senate Tavern on Bank Street.
- Kickoff is at 1PM; stream the action live on One Soccer.
Squad Stats:
| Atlético Ottawa | Valour FC | |
| Points | 1 | 0 |
| Goals For | 2 | 0 |
| Goals Against | 2 | 2 |
| Games Played | 1 | 1 |
Player Stats:
| Atlético Ottawa | Valour FC | |
| Goals | Mohamad Kourouma (1) Malcolm Shaw (1) | Nil |
| Assists | Javier Acuña (1) Vashon Neufville (1) | Nil |
| Shots | Mohammad Kourouma (2) | Daryl Fordyce (2) |
| Clean Sheets | Nil | Nil |
| Saves | Nacho Zabal (4) | James Pantemis (1) |
| Yellow Cards | Nil | Dante Campbell (1) Fraser Aird (1) |
| Red Cards | Vashon Neufville (1) | Nil |
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