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Atlético Ottawa vs Pacific FC May 6, 2023 PHOTO: Tim Austen/Freestyle Photography
Gracias Miguel! Re-live Acosta’s top moments for Ottawa
January 18, 2024

Atlético Ottawa has bid farewell to the valiant defender and product of the Atlético de Madrid youth system, Miguel Acosta.

The 25-year-old leaves the Canadian capital as Atlético’s all-time appearance holder and as the author of some iconic displays since he joined in 2021. Let’s take a look back at some of Acosta’s greatest moments for Ottawa:

1. Hitting the ground running

In just his second match for the club, Acosta showed that he was a defender with an eye for goal. Atlético had fallen behind to an early goal from Ahinga Selemani at home to Cavalry FC but, with his wrong foot, Acosta drew Ottawa level following a front-to-back move that was kicked off by the Spaniard himself.

From the bubble in Winnipeg onwards, 2021 was a difficult inaugural season at TD Place for Atlético, and Acosta was a bright spark from the very start.

2. Stepping into a leadership role

Atlético Ottawa vs Pacific FC
May 6, 2023
PHOTO: Tim Austen/Freestyle Photography

Acosta was ever-reliable in his first two seasons in Ottawa, earning much-deserved accolades as one of the stand-out right-backs in the Canadian Premier League. His influence in the dressing room, relationship with his teammates and relentless efforts on the field naturally made Acosta a candidate for the leadership role in 2023, where he was named one of the club’s four captains.

3. Trademark marauding runs

Whether deployed on the right-hand side of a back three, a back four or even at left-back and into the midfield, Acosta was always a light breeze away from taking the game by the scruff of the neck. A low centre of gravity and deceptive pace allowed the versatile Spaniard to catch opponents off guard, breaking defensive lines with powerful drives.

During our title-winning season in 2022, Acosta was a foundational piece of the club’s success and was involved in some of the best goals of the season – including a marauding solo effort against Halifax Wanderers.

4. Setting up a touch of brilliance

Defensive displays, goals and wonderful assists. Acosta’s cross led to the Canadian Premier League goal of the season, and a moment in Alberta that solidified Atlético’s first-ever playoff spot.

5. Giving back to the community

As a leader in 2023, Acosta didn’t shy away from his duties. Through the Atleti Equal Access initiative, Acosta (joined by Zach Verhoven and Noah Verhoeven) took time out of his schedule to take part of the “Clean the Capital” campaign with Debra Dynes’s Family house, collecting trash, serving hot dogs and distributing ice creams.

6. A final telling contribution

Atlético Ottawa vs Valour FC
September 24, 2023
PHOTO: Matt Zambonin/Freestyle Photography

Despite the struggles of 2023, a season in which he was marred by injuries and was deployed in unfamiliar positions to best help the team, Acosta never left anything behind when he stepped off the field. Atlético Ottawa’s official supporters group, Capital City Supporters Group (CCSG), named the Spaniard as their “Player of the Season” and was the recipient of a Golden Scarf that he’ll be sure to treasure throughout his career.

Gracias Miguel.

As Atlético Ottawa continues to chart further success in the capital, fans who are eager to secure their part can join the Atleti Family by purchasing their Season Seat Membership now. Full details on benefits and perks are available at atleticoottawa.club.