Can we talk about how incredible Atlético Ottawa is? I continue to be in awe of this team. Take Wednesday night’s game when Cavalry, the number one team in the Canadian Premier League, was in town to take on the reigning, defending North Star Cup Champions.
Cavalry has only lost two games this year and has a goal differential of 33 goals over their opponents—they are dominating the CPL this season. But let’s remember that last November Atlético defeated them on home soil to become the CPL champions.
But like my childhood crush Janet Jackson used to say, ‘What have you done for me lately?’
From the start, Cavalry was very aggressive and seemed to have a size advantage over Atlético. They took the lead in the ninth minute with a goal from Eryk Kobza. Atlético evened it up in the 59th minute with a goal from Kamron Habibullah. But one goal wasn’t enough for the midfielder; he put another one away in the 73rd minute.
Goeth Ntignee of Cavalry might want to look into help with anger management. Referee Carly Shaw-MacLaren gave him a yellow card in the 80th minute. After voicing some choice words for Shaw-MacLaren, she demonstrated that she’s not to be trifled with and awarded Ntignee his second yellow card in as many minutes, thus giving him a red card and a quick exit from the game.
Being down to 10 men would slow most teams, but not Cavalry. Tobias Warschewski capitalized on a breakaway to even the score for Cavalry. The score was now two all in the 94th minute.
The crowd at TD Place groaned when the fourth official announced thirteen minutes of stoppage time. It turns out that was a blessing in disguise.
In the 76th minute, Atlético had subbed on Gabriel Antinoro. Gabi, a previous interviewee with Ottawa Life Magazine, has shown he can excel in a starting role or off the bench. Like a Lion stalking his prey, he bides his time, waiting for an opportunity.
When that moment came, I realized why this sport is the most popular in the world and why Atlético Ottawa is an absolute must-see. In the 100th minute, number 11, Gabriel Antinoro, pulled his leg back, connected with the ball, and put it over the head of former teammate, now Cavalry goalie, Nate Ingham, sending TD Place into a frenzy.
Cavalry, who had only two losses coming into this game, now had a third and were given a sharp reminder that Atlético Ottawa will not go quietly into the night, and that there is still a lot to be decided this season.
While Cavalry will most likely finish first place overall, the playoffs are a different beast, and I wouldn’t bet against Atlético.
The home team secured a playoff spot, and the crowd woke up their Glebe neighbours with what was, in my opinion, one of the most memorable Atlético games.
This team never gives up, and that determination has been a constant all season. Yes, they have lost games, but they don’t stop trying—one of the reasons I have profound respect for this team and organization.
Atlético Ottawa returns to TD Place on October 17th. You should be there to see what the fuss is all about and cheer on this exciting team.
Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster using this link: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/Atlético-ottawa-vs-forge-fc-ottawa-ontario-10-17-2026/
Photo: Michael Chisholm/Canadian Premier League
