York9 FC vs. Atlético Ottawa
Kickoff: Saturday, August 15th 2020 – (12:00 P.M.)
Watch Live: OneSoccer.ca, OneSoccer App, CBC & CBCSports.ca
(Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island – August 14th) – Atlético Ottawa are set to start their inaugural season against York9 FC on Saturday; albeit in different circumstances than they expected when the club was announced as the CPL’s first expansion team in January 2019.
Mista, Atlético’s manager, has been busy building his squad ahead of the much anticipated match, which sees his team tested early. While York9 FC stumbled in the spring season, they finished a respectable 3rd in the fall with a record of 7-2-9.
This season sees a new forward line for York9 FC as only Ryan Telfer returns from last year. Telfer, who transferred to cypriot side, Nea Salamis, returned home to Canada in June. He will look to keep his momentum going from last season. In 26 starts he netted eight goals cutting in from the wing.
The midfield looks similar to last year for the Nine stripes with Manny Aparicio and Joe Di Chiara returning looking to play big minutes throughout the season. New recruit Chris Mannella will round out the midfield, dropping deep to allow York’s pacey full backs to push up the pitch.
Ottawa will look to Ben Fisk, the ex-Pacific FC captain and the clubs first ever signing to lead the team to victory on Saturday. The 27 year old finished with six goals last campaign, five of which came in the fall season. The left winger will look to combine with centre forward Malcolm Shaw and central attacking midfielder Francisco Acuña in what Atletico hope will be a potent attack.
Two ex-West Ham United academy prospects in Vashon Neufville and Malyk Hamilton will provide defensive width to Atletico but also look to get forward and wipe in crosses.
Watch Parties
Inaugural Match Watch Party
TD Place Field
SOLD OUT
Hometown Sports Grill
1525 Bank Street
The Senate Tavern on Bank
Bytown Boys S.C. Hosted Watch Party
1159 Bank Street
Restaurants at Lansdowne are also being encouraged to show the match.
Players to Watch
Atlético Ottawa – Ben Fisk
Coming up against tough opposition early, Fisk’s leadership qualities will be called upon. Atletico are yet to play even a friendly match so a strong presence on the field will be important in the team’s inaugural match.
York9 FC – Ryan Telfer
The 26 year old is coming off a fantastic first year and will look to further imprint himself on the CPL. Deadly when cutting in from the wing, Telfer will look to exploit the space between full back and central defender with his pace and dribbling.
