Atlético Ottawa will look to bounce back tonight after a loss to Forge FC. They didn’t play a very inspiring game, but this team has shown an ability to overcome and stick around.
Pacific FC is coming off two straight wins, against Valour and Cavalry. They have only lost one game this season and that was against Forge. They also have two draws. Pacific is sitting 5th with 8 points, one point behind the Wanderers, who Ottawa plays in the season finale on Sunday. Pacific, on the other hand, play Edmonton, who haven’t won a game yet.
This is a playoff game. If Ottawa loses, they are out. If they win, they move into a tie with Pacific. York9 and Cavalry both sit at 10 points. So if Ottawa wins out, they would move ahead of one of those teams and will secure a spot in the second round. The stakes are high!
Unfortunately, Ottawa will have to do it without Neufville in their starting lineup. His absence is proving to be tough for the team to create chances and open space in passing lanes. I believe it is making Acuña do too much. Acuña will need his teammates to create space and get themselves open, without Neufville being a threat on the flank.
Although Ottawa out-possessed and out-passed Forge on Sunday, they need to do more to create threatening chances. Most of their possession and passing was done in the midfield or in their half.
The starting lineup is:
Pre-Match Thoughts:
- Ottawa will have to do its best not to get overwhelmed by the pressure. Pacific is riding with a lot of momentum, but Ottawa has shown they can play organized, possession soccer – it is time to be consistent through a full 90 like they did against Cavalry.
- Ben Fisk playing his old club that he captained. He wanted to re-sign with them but they didn’t want him. Their loss, he’s ours now. Score a goal on them – best way to show them!
- Ben McKendry will also get the start, marking the only change for Ottawa, as he replaces Ajay Khabra.
- Jamar Dixon is one yellow card from a suspension.
- Nacho Zabal will get the start.
- Glebe Central Pub is hosting the Watch Party, and they will finally have a Nacho special inspired by our man in net.
- Game starts at 8PM ET, streaming on One Soccer.
Squad Stats:
| Atlético Ottawa | Pacific FC | |
| Points | 5 | 8 |
| Goals For | 6 | 8 |
| Goals Conceded | 10 | 6 |
| Matches Played | 5 | 5 |
Player Stats:
| Atlético Ottawa | Pacific FC | |
| Goals | Javier Acuña (2) Malcolm Shaw (2) | Marco Bustos (2) Alejandro Díaz Liceága (2) |
| Assists | Javier Acuña (2) | Victor Blasco (2) |
| Shots | Mohamad Kourouma (9) | Marco Bustos (9) Alejandro Díaz Liceága (9) |
| Clean Sheets | Nacho Zabal (1) | Callum Irving (1) |
| Saves | Nacho Zabal (19) | Callum Irving (8) |
| Yellow Cards | Brandon John (2) | Jamar Dixon (3) |
| Red Cards | Milovan Kapor (1) Vashon Neufville (1) | Nil |