Atlético Ottawa Wins CPL Soccer Opener
A goal in the 82nd minute by Viti Martinez gave Atlético Ottawa a 1-0 win over FC Edmonton in their Canadian Premier League season opener played at Winnipeg’s IG Field Sat. June 26.
After applying steady pressure late in the game in Edmonton end, Rafael Núñez took a corner kick which found its way into the box. After a blocked shot, the ball bounced back to Martinez, whose half-volley froze Edmonton keeper Connor James for the only goal of the match.
Edmonton started the gamer strong in the first half. They controlled play for the first 20 minutes and appeared to score the first goal of the game at the 25 minute mark. Ottawa blocked a free kick, but German striker Tobias Warschewski blasted the rebound into the Ottawa net. The goal was nullified on the closest of offside calls, and the game remained scoreless.
From that point, Ottawa’s back four of Vachon Neufville, Milovan Kapor, Drew Beckie and Miguel Acosta were solid and stifled any potential Edmonton attacks.
Ottawa centre-back Drew Beckie was named the CanPL.ca Player of the Game. He had four interceptions, two tackles, eight clearances and five recoveries in a strong defensive effort.
Atlético Ottawa’s next game is against Cavalry Wed., June 30 at 10 p.m. EDT.
Tobias Warschewski of FC Edmonton and Drew Beckie of Atlético Ottawa vie for a ball in the air. (CanPL.ca Photo: CPL/Robert Reyes/William Ludwick)
