Atletico Ottawa Claims First Title in Blizzard-Hit Canadian Premier League Final

Atletico Ottawa Claims First Title in Blizzard-Hit Canadian Premier League Final

Atletico Ottawa secured their first-ever North Star Cup in a dramatic Canadian Premier League final, defeating Cavalry FC 2-1 in extra time amid freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall in Ottawa. The match, played in -8°C conditions, saw players battling both opponents and the elements, with snowplows clearing the pitch before extra time.

Chaotic Conditions Define the Final

The game was repeatedly paused as officials struggled to keep the pitch playable. Lines were cleared every 15 minutes, goalkeepers shoveled snow from their boxes, and visibility became nearly impossible in the second half. Despite the chaos, the match delivered unforgettable moments, including a viral bicycle kick goal that stunned spectators.

Rodriguez's Acrobatic Heroics Seal Victory

Cavalry FC took the lead in the 33rd minute through Fraser Aird, who converted a penalty before celebrating with a knee slide in the snow-only to be pelted with snowballs by Atletico fans. But 23-year-old David Rodriguez stole the show, equalizing with a breathtaking bicycle kick that rattled the crossbar. Rodriguez, who had "zero" experience in snow before joining the team in February, then scored the 107th-minute winner with a delicate chip over Cavalry's goalkeeper.

"The whole night feels fake. You play us in sand, you play us in snow, you play us on the moon-this team is going to win."

Nathan Ingham, Atletico Ottawa goalkeeper

Rodriguez's Journey and Historic Feat

Born in Mexico, Rodriguez became the first player to score twice in a Canadian Premier League final. His post-match comments reflected his disbelief: "I saw it was snowing, and I was like, 'It's gonna be a good day.'" The win marks a milestone for Atletico Ottawa, founded in 2020 as a franchise of Spain's Atletico Madrid, in a league that began in 2017.

Unforgettable Scenes Beyond the Pitch

The surreal atmosphere extended beyond the players-even Santa Claus made an appearance, seemingly taking a break from pre-Christmas preparations to witness the spectacle. Cavalry's Aird, a former Rangers midfielder, played in short sleeves despite the cold, adding to the match's legendary status.