Historic First Ever Victory for Atlético Ottawa Against Top Ranked Cavalry FC

First Half:

The game started with the players taking a knee during the national anthem in support of Black Lives Matter. Additionally, all the players in the CPL linked arms on the sideline for the first 8 minutes and 46 seconds, symbolic of the tragic death of George Floyd. Another minute of silence was then made by the Atlético Ottawa and Cavalry players after a dust up with between Acuña and Cavalry.

The first 20 minutes were largely uneventful otherwise, though Ottawa was pressuring well, passing well when they had possession, and were organized defensively. Although Cavalry controlled 63% of possession, most of it was in their own half. Ottawa did a good job of keeping the ball in front of them and getting between passes made by Cavalry.

Crisis was averted in the 22nd minute, when Zabal tried to kick out a pass back from his defender. Heavy winds carried the ball back towards the keeper, and was forced to make a save amid pressure from the Cavalry forwards. The referee initially called an inside the box free-kick, but Acuña convincingly argued for the call to be reversed. Thankfully, the referee convened with her linesman and got the call right.

In the 30th minute, Neufville went down with an apparent hamstring injury. The huge blow forced Mista to make a substitution, putting Jarred Phillips in for the injured left-back.

For the rest of the half, Ottawa became a bit more one-dimensional, resorting to kicking the ball away against the wind. The more conservative approach did lead to a defensive breakdown, forcing Zabal to make a huge save on a break. This was the first real chance for Cavalry. Ottawa did what they needed to do in the first half. They overcame the wind blowing against them and an injury to one of their best players. Ottawa was very much still in the game going into the second half.

Second Half:

WHAT A HALF!

The first 15 minutes of the first half were largely uneventful. But things eventually happen when Acuña is on the field. Kourouma made a great interception in his own half before passing it off to Malyk Hamilton. A quick passing play between him and Viti sent Acuña off on a run down the right side before he dishes it to a late coming Ben Fisk. The finish wasn’t pretty, but the captain had all the time in the world to pass it into the far side.

Only 3 minutes later, Malyk Hamilton got in the way of a Cavalry chance. Brandon John cleared the ball from the box. On the other end, Malcolm Shaw disrupted the Cavalry centre-back. The forward immediately sends a strike on net as he caught Carducci standing between somewhere and nowhere. Shaw’s second of the season put Ottawa in familiar territory – 2 goals up in the second half. We’ve been here before!

At this point two thoughts came to mind: don’t get a red card and don’t sub off Acuña!

In the 71st minute, Mista made an unorthodox decision by using his third substitution! Will it be for Acuña, I thought! But no, it was for Brandon John! Facchineri came on to close out the game. The substitution was wise, to avoid the possibility of a second yellow against John, after he got one in the first half for being breathing or something.

Cavalry had relentless pressure for most of the remainder of the second half, especially down their right wing. Ottawa did a good job getting in front of chances, though were lucky not to concede when Mavilla had a wide open net. I have no idea how he was left so open, but I have less of an idea how he missed.

The final ten minutes was simply a dribbling clinic by Acuña. What a treat to watch. Man of the match, again. Was there any doubt?

Match Notes:

• Acuña. That is all.
• OK fine, just one note on Acuña. The team continues the streak of only scoring and never allowing a goal against when he is on the field. This was his first 90 minute game as he has increasingly played more minutes in each match.
• Nacho Zabal got his first clean sheet after it slipped through his hands last game in the final 3 minutes.
• It was a huge performance for many reasons, and not only for beating the top ranked team. They also overcame an injury to Vashon Neufville in the first half. Hopefully, he is OK and was only taken off for precautionary reasons. He is an integral part of this team’s success and they will need him to secure a spot in the top 4.
• Jarred Phillips came on and really redeemed himself in this game. He played a strong game in place of Neufville. He seemed to fall out of favour of the coach after giving up a penalty shot in the first game.
• Ben McKendry also came on for Ajay Khabra.
• I can’t believe Mista used 3 subs!
• There will be some questions about whether the game should have been played in light of the Black Lives Matter protests in other leagues. Perhaps the smaller size of the CPL doesn’t afford the league the same opportunity to make a stance like the NBA or even the MLS. I was happy to see the solidarity from the players, but more critically I hope that the league, teams, and players will engage in local Canadian communities and understand the issues that are most important in their cities.
• Next up: Forge FC on Sunday at 3PM ET.