Ottawa concluded their three-game stretch away from the capital city with a 1-0 win over Valour FC in Winnipeg – going some way to make amends for the last time these two sides met.

Head Coach Carlos González hushed talks of redemption and revenge in the build-up to ‘just another’ game, but was very pleased with how his side performed in Winnipeg. Atlético Ottawa had a prolonged wait between fixtures – not playing for nine days – but used that time wisely.  “This week we went more in detail for the game plan,” González said speaking after the match. “I think the players did a great job believing in the plan first and then making it work on the field. They are the most important people in football, I am very proud of the performance and commitment of my players.”

Competition for places in the starting XI is rife under González’s reign. Carl Haworth and Zach Verhoven came off the bench to combine for what would be the game-winning goal as Atelti’s strength and depth was put on display again. “We knew that today we wanted to make it a long game, a game that wouldn’t be like the previous game,” revealed the 35-year-old. “We also knew the situation that when Ballou came [off] they would probably drop a little bit of energy and the substitutions would be a key point in the development of the game. The players that came off the bench gave us the extra that the team needed in that moment.”

Atlético Ottawa are back in action at home this weekend for our extra special Catalina Wine Mixer match at TD Place. 

Currently sitting joint-second place in the Canadian Premier League ranking, Ottawa face league leaders Pacific FC at 1pm.