Match Preview 3: Atlético Ottawa vs. Edmonton FC

I don’t want to sound like an alarmist or hyperbolic, but this is a must-win game for Atlético Ottawa.

Edmonton FC is coming off a pair of 2-0 defeats. However, both games were against league leaders Forge and Cavalry, with the latter game having Edmonton pull off their best Ottawa impression, playing a man short for an entire half. Both scores are misleading though, as they conceited goals in stoppage time of the 90th minute in both games (an own goal and a penalty shot). Make no mistake, despite the fact that Edmonton is sitting last right now, Ottawa will have their hands full.

Ottawa will have to do it without Milovan Kapor who received a red card on Wednesday. I expect the team to start Gianfranco “Batman” Facchineri at centreback in Kapor’s place. He, along with Nacho, were the only bright spots for the team against Valour FC. If he can continue playing this way, I believe he should be a starter for this team.

He will have some help in the back with the welcomed return of star full-back Vashon Neufville. He proved to be a huge loss for Ottawa, as they haven’t been able to generate much since his sending off in the early part of the second half against York9.

Acuña will especially benefit from Neufville’s return in the lineup. One of the keys to this game will be Acuña’s return to form. He was dominant against York9 but was largely absent against Valour FC. Ottawa needs him to play like the team’s best player. Neufville’s threatening runs from the flank created a lot of space for Atlético’s attackers, which Acuña was able to take advantage of with precise passing and beautiful runs.

A quick start will be crucial for Ottawa. The team seems to be managing Acuña’s minutes, as he has effectively played only the first half in both games so far. However, so long as the team plays organized, with good movement and passing, they can come out on top against Edmonton. And for goodness sake, DON’T GET ANOTHER RED CARD.

One thing is certain, Ottawa cannot afford to play like they did last game. The team simply gave up. There was no urgency, and that was even before the red card. The score was reflective of that. In a short competition, goal differential will be ever more important. The team seems to have the right energy and mentality in preparation:

Atlético Ottawa will likely play a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-1-4-1. Facchineri as expected will start in place of Kapor. Surprising omission is Viti will come out for Ajay Khabra at defensive midfield. Viti has played every minute so far this season, so this could be fitness related in the condensed schedule.

Pre-Match Thoughts:

• Brandon John will be today’s captain. It is believed that this decision is to honor the passing of John’s father. RIP. Have a helluva game for your dad Brandon!
• Last game, Atlético was looking a lot like the team pundits predicted to be last . Was the game against Valour FC a step-back or the norm? I reserve judgement until after their performance today with a stronger lineup.
• The depth of this team is probably its weakest point. That was seen with Neufville’s suspension. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but let’s not get a red today, maybe!
• I wonder if we will see Matteo de Brienne today. I was happy to see that Mista was not afraid to use younger options like Facchineri and Coupland.
• Facchineri especially looked good. I know it is strange to sing praises of a defender after their team loses 4-0, but it was to no fault of his. He played with poise, made great runs, and set great through ball from the back. And he’s only 18! He has the skill-set to be a star for this team. I hope he earned Mista’s trust for another start.
• Mista opted to only use three and two substitutes out of an allowed five in his previous two games, respectively. The team is already one of the thinnest in the league with only 20 players. It is a condensed schedule and I can’t understand why he won’t use more of his bench. Especially after two straight games with a red card, you’d expect that you’d want to keep fresh legs.
• A win could put Atlético Ottawa in the 4th, which is the final spot for a spot in the second round.
• A Watch Party will be held at Hometown Sports Grill on Bank Street.
• Kickoff is at 1PM; stream the action live on One Soccer.

Squad Stats:

Player Stats: