Match Preview 5: Atlético Ottawa vs. Forge FC

What a game it was against Cavalry. What I loved about it is they finally played a full 90 minutes. Not 88 but 90!

I also loved that they played like Atlético. Mista has instilled upon this team an identity already, a philosophy. He has made it clear that there is a responsibility with putting on the Red and White Stripes.

There seems to be an arrogance in this league with regards to Cavalry and Forge. Maybe justified, but they’re acting like they’re a dynasty. Relax, it’s been one year. And you didn’t face Atlético! I don’t want to sound too cocky, but Ottawa is better than the league anticipated. They could easily have had 9 points so far, and if the team had some preseason matches, they could have ironed out the kinks, and been seen as a true contender.

With only 3 games remaining it will be tough road ahead, starting today against defending champions, Forge. Ottawa will have to play the same way they did against Cavalry. Hard, fast, organized soccer. As always, Acuña will be the key to the game. But you know that by now.

The win today would put Ottawa tied with these Cavalry on points, but with less games played, surpassing York9 in the process. The victory will also really put the league on notice if they can secure two straight wins against the top two teams.

Forge will likely have to play more youth in their final two games. They are well short of the 250 minutes teams are required to give U-21 domestic players. If the team fails to meet the requirement, they will be forced to pay an undisclosed fine.

With only 47 of these minutes played, the team will have a harder time finding the players to do it, as the injury bug has hit them. Only two healthy U-21 players are available to fill the remaining 203 minutes, defender Monti Mohsen and backup goalkeeper Baj Maan.

This comes at a tough time for Forge, as they are also coming off a loss to York9, which only puts them two points clear of the 5th place Wanderers. Remember, the top 4 make it to the next round – and the games are becoming all the more meaningful.

Let’s hope Atlético keeps the momentum rolling and can better control their fate heading into the final two games. All the teams will be more desperate from here on out.

The starting lineup will include Jarred Phillips filling in for Neufville. He deserves the start after a better game from him when Neufville got hurt last game. Neufville is expected to only miss this game.

Pre-Match Thoughts:

• With Ottawa already satisfying the U-21 domestic minutes requirement, I imagine Mista will go with the same line-up as he did against Cavalry.
• Ben Fisk scoring last game had to have been a huge relief. He has been unusually quiet. We will need the captain firing on all cylinders down the stretch.
• Nacho Zabal got his first clean sheet last game. He should probably have two by now if it wasn’t for the late collapse against Edmonton.
• I was happy to see that Ottawa didn’t let up when Neufville went off with injury. They continued to play well. Jarred Phillips had a lot to do with that, as he redeemed himself from his play in his first and only appearance, against the York9.
• Mista made 3 subs last game. One was forced by injury. Will he use 3 again?
• A Watch Party is being held at TD place. Hope to see you there!
• Kickoff is at 3PM; stream the action live on One Soccer and CHCH TV.
• Fans can also watch the matches for free on the One Soccer YouTube Channel.

Squad Stats:

Player Stats: