After an early goal from Zach Verhoven, Atlético Ottawa seemed destined to pick up their third win of the season, but an 86th minute equalizer from FC Edmonton’s Kyle Porter saw the two sides share the points on Sunday night.

For the first time this season Drew Beckie didn’t start for Ottawa, replaced in the backline by Viti Martinez, and allowing Tevin Shaw to slot into the midfield. Malcolm Shaw also didn’t start for Mista’s team, with Brian Wright getting the start up top. FC Edmonton started both Easton Ongaro and Tobias Warschewski at striker for the first time, as Alan Koch looked to improve his side’s attack.

Atlético Ottawa wasted no time and got off to an early lead, making it 1-0 in just the fourth minute. After a cross in from Ottawa’s left wing, Edmonton failed to clear the ball, and it went up into the air. Brian Wright won the ensuing header, nodding it down to Zach Verhoven, who smashed it into the top left corner from the edge of the six-yard box.

If not for a big save from former Eddies goalkeeper Dylon Powley at the other end of the pitch moments later, the match could’ve been tied at 1-1. Getting on the end of a dangerous cross in from Sharly Mabussi, Shamit Shome headed the ball toward the Ottawa goal, forcing a stop from Powley.

Powley made another big stop a few minutes before halftime, turning away a Thomas Gardner shot that seemed destined for the back of the net. He made four saves in total in the opening 45 minutes, and was a big reason why Ottawa entered the break up 1-0.

Easton Ongaro came within inches of scoring his first goal of the season in the 72nd minute, firing a low shot across goal, but it went just wide of the far post as the FC Edmonton striker tried to even things up at one goal apiece.

Edmonton finally found their equalizer in the 86th minute. With a crowded box following a set piece, Edmonton midfielder Hunter Gorskie fired a shot in on goal past a diving Powley, but it was blocked by an Ottawa defender. The ball fell to Edmonton attacker Kyle Porter, who fired home the rebound from close range to tie it up at 1-1.

Ottawa looked deflated after the late equalizer, while FC Edmonton pushed for a winner, but they wouldn’t find it and an end-to-end match would end 1-1.

BOX SCORE

Goals

4′ — Zachary Verhoven (Atlético Ottawa)
86′ — Kyle Porter (FC Edmonton)

Discipline

27′ — Yellow: Sharly Mabussi (FC Edmonton)
28′ — Yellow: Zachary Verhoven (Atlético Ottawa)
70′ — Yellow: Chris Mannella (Atlético Ottawa)
83′ — Yellow: Paris Gee (FC Edmonton)