Atlético Ottawa is set to return home after earning a point on their travels to face York United at TD Place on Saturday, April 29th marking the club’s first Ontario derby of the 2023 campaign.
Our busy opening week of action saw us play three matches, including two Canadian Premier League games against Halifax Wanderers – the Home Opener in support of CHEO which attracted over 7,000 fans – and Valour FC, with a comeback win in the Canadian Championship against the Wanderers sandwiched in between (Atlético’s first win in the competition). Eight new players have already made their debuts this season, and the team’s chemistry continues to improve. Striker Malcolm Shaw, who holds the record for most appearances and most goals for the club, and newly signed forward Gianni dos Santos are showing promising signs of a budding relationship on the field.
This weekend’s clash with York United is set to be a tight affair. Last year, Atleti was undefeated against York during the 2022 Canadian Premier League season, with one win and three draws and Ottawa will seek to capitalize on York’s difficult start to the season with Martin Nash’s side still seeking their first point.
Carlos González, the head coach of Atlético Ottawa, expressed his excitement for the upcoming match, saying, “After a tough, long starting week, we are really looking forward to this new week as an opportunity to keep improving on the details that will edge us closer to winning and of course, allow players to recover and ensure they are ready for the game this weekend. As always, we are privileged to have the fanbase we have here in Ottawa, whenever we play here in our home, we have this extra push forward and use that atmosphere to pick up a victory.”
Stand-out player
Ottawa’s defensive resolve has once again been a key talking point under González as we came from behind to remain undefeated in all three matches last week. Spanish defender Diego Espejo has already been named to the CPL Team of the Week twice this season. Espejo has the third most passes (130) in the league and has been vital in Ottawa’s build-up play. He also leads the team in tackles won (3), interceptions (3), clearances (20), and aerial duels won (3).
Local talent, 19-year-old Tyr Walker of Russell, Ontario, signed a U SPORTS contract with Atlético last week, completing his pathways from the youth ranks in the nation’s capital to being part of the professional team. Walker, who attends Carlton University and came through St-Anthony Futuros Soccer Academy, was an unused substitute after travelling with the squad to Winnipeg to face Valour FC.
The head-to-head record between Ottawa and York stands at 1W-8D-2L, with 15 goals scored and 14 goals conceded for the Rojiblancos. With the team’s undefeated streak and strong defence, Atlético Ottawa is poised to put on an exciting match for their home crowd and continue their positive start to the 2023 season – get your tickets by clicking here!