Valour FC were held to a draw in their season opener against Atlético Ottawa, as a Gianni dos Santos strike equalized an early goal from Diego Gutiérrez. It was Ottawa’s second consecutive 1-1 draw to kick off the 2023 season.
The home side got off to a perfect start, as within three minutes they had already found an opener. Kian Williams beat his man down the left flank and sent in a quality cross that Gutiérrez connected with, using the back of his head to flick the ball past Nate Ingham. It was the second straight week that Atléti had conceded early, after allowing a goal against Halifax after just 16 minutes in their season opener.
As the half wore on, the hosts continued to push the tempo, using their width in attack to cause Ottawa’s backline all kinds of headaches. Pacifique Niyongabire, in particular, was a constant threat as his dribbling abilities were on full display in particular when he combined with teammates to get a shot off from the top of the box in the 25th minute. His strike of the ball was always rising, however, and went well wide of Ingham’s net.
As they do, however, Ottawa equalized with their first real chance of the match. Malcolm Shaw controlled a clearance from the Atleti backline well off the bounce and quickly played Dos Santos in behind. Dos Santos hit a deft strike across goal, off the post and into the back of the net beyond Rayane Yesli.
Valour looked to respond quickly as Pianelli tested Ingham from a flicked header after a quality central free kick from Gutiérrez. Matteo de Brienne, who is known for the spectacular, then nearly scored on a stunning volley off of a corner kick a few moments. later.
Ottawa seemed destined to take the lead just before the stroke of half-time as youngster Jean-Aniel Assi had the net gaping from just a few feet out. Somehow, the 18-year-old managed to strike the bouncing ball over the crossbar. As a result, the match would remain tied after 45 minutes of action.
Valour were back on the front foot to start the second half, looking to regain the lead. Anthony Novak, in particular, had a few good looks as his teammates were able to find him a little bit more frequently in the box, but none of them ultimately troubled Ingham.
Novak came close again from another quality Gutiérrez free kick, which he headed just over the bar in the 74th minute as Valour continued to press for a second goal. Ottawa then nearly took the lead in the 79th minute, but substitute Zach Verhoven rushed his chance and dragged it wide.
Andy Baquero had a golden opportunity to nab a late winger in the 87th minute as a cross that Ingham punched clear fell into his path, but his left-footed volley was lashed wide of the target.
As a result of the draw, both sides remain undefeated through the first two weeks of the Canadian Premier League season.
BOX SCORE
Goals
3′ — Diego Gutiérrez (Valour FC)
32′ — Gianni dos Santos (Atlético Ottawa)
Discipline
10′ — Yellow: Anthony Novak (Valour FC)
59′ — Yellow: Dante Campbell (Valour FC)
68′ — Yellow: Diego Espejo (Valour FC)
80′ — Yellow: Max Tissot (Valour FC)
90+3′ — Yellow: Sam Salter (Valour FC)