Atlético Ottawa Make History: Snow, Grit & Glory in CPL Final Thriller

In a match that will be etched into Canadian soccer lore, Atlético Ottawa claimed their maiden North Star Cup with a heart-stopping 2-1 extra-time victory over defending champions Cavalry FC. Played under a relentless snowfall at TD Place on November 10, 2025, this Canadian Premier League (CPL) final delivered drama, dazzling skill, and icy resilience—culminating in a night Atlético Ottawa fans will never forget.

For ABNASS (Abbey Natty Soccer Scouting), games like these exemplify the pinnacle of development pathways we champion: raw talent honed through dedication, seizing moments on the biggest stage. Let’s relive the magic.

The Stage: A Quintessentially Canadian Showdown

From the moment the referee blew the whistle, TD Place transformed into a winter wonderland battlefield. Snow blanketed the pitch, creating slippery, unpredictable conditions—a true test of technical prowess, tactical intelligence, and mental fortitude. Over 10,000 passionate fans braved the cold, creating an electric atmosphere that pulsed through Ottawa’s stadium.

This final wasn’t just about the trophy; it was a clash of titans. Cavalry FC, the 2024 champions, sought a third North Star Cup. Atlético Ottawa, hungry for their first piece of silverware since joining the CPL, aimed to etch their name into Canadian soccer history.

“This is why we play football in Canada,” said Atlético Ottawa Head Coach, Carlos González. “The snow, the cold, the fight—it’s in our DNA. Tonight, we proved we belong at the top.”

First Half: Cavalry Strike First, Rodríguez Answers With Magic

Cavalry Take Early Command (1-0)

The game exploded into life within seconds. Atlético’s Gabriel Antinoro surged down the left, cutting the ball back for Ballou Tabla, whose shot flashed just wide. Moments later, Cavalry nearly capitalized on a goalkeeping error—Marco Carducci slipped while clearing, gifting possession to David Rodríguez. The Ottawa attacker attempted a cheeky chip, but the ball sailed over the bar.

The breakthrough came in the 31st minute. Cavalry’s Goteh Ntignee danced through Ottawa’s defense, drawing a foul in the penalty box. Fraser Aird stepped up, calmly sending Atlético goalkeeper Nathan Ingham the wrong way. 1-0 Cavalry—and the defending champs had the advantage.

Rodríguez’s Moment of Genius (1-1)

But Atlético responded in spectacular fashion. Just nine minutes later (40’), Gabriel Antinoro sent a mishit volley into the box. As the ball deflected, David Rodríguez—Ottawa’s talismanic #7—launched into a breathtaking overhead bicycle kick*. The ball arced over Carducci and nestled into the net. 1-1.

Rodríguez’s goal instantly became a CPL classic. Fans erupted; players mobbed him in the snow. For ABNASS scouts, this was a masterclass in composure, technique, and game-changing instinct—the exact traits we identify in emerging talent.

“That goal? That’s why Rodríguez is one of Canada’s most exciting prospects,” noted ABNASS Technical Director. “Under pressure, in brutal conditions, he produced perfection.”

Second Half: Battle in the Snow

Neither side relented as snow deepened. Atlético pushed for a winner, with Rodríguez again testing Carducci—his chip shot drifting just over the bar. Cavalry, lethal on the counter, created chances of their own.

The 73rd minute brought Ottawa’s best opening: a slick one-two passing combo between Sam Salter and Ballou Tabla. Tabla’s shot forced a stunning save from Carducci.

Then, in the 86th minute, Cavalry thought they’d retake the lead. A free-kick set piece saw Daan Klomp’s volley brilliantly palmed over by Ingham. The rebound was hacked off the line by Aboubacar Sissoko, and Tobias Warschewski skied the follow-up. Ingham’s heroics kept Atlético alive.

As regulation time ticked down, Rodríguez and Ntignee both spurned late chances. 1-1 at 90 minutes—extra time awaited.

Extra Time: Rodríguez Seals Destiny

Snow plows cleared the pitch after a 15-minute delay, resetting the stage for a winner.

Within 60 seconds of restart, Cavalry won a dangerous free kick. Goteh Ntignee’s delivery whipped across goal, but Sam Salter headed it narrowly wide—Ottawa’s backline held firm.

Atlético dominated the first 15-minute period, peppering Carducci’s goal. Rodríguez, ever-dangerous, played a cross that evaded teammates. But the defining moment came just after the interval.

Manuel Aparicio played a pinpoint ball over the top down the right flank. David Rodríguez, sprinting into space, controlled the pass with one touch, chipped Carducci with the next. This time, he got it perfectly. As the ball hit the net, Rodríguez slipped into a celebratory snowbank, arms raised. 2-1 Atlético Ottawa.

“I dreamed of this moment,” Rodríguez said post-match. “To win a final, in my hometown, in the snow… it’s surreal.”

Cavalry threw everything forward in the final minutes—including four added minutes. But Atlético’s defense, led by the imperious Kevin Dos Santos and Noah Abatneh, froze out the champions. When the final whistle blew, TD Place erupted. Atlético Ottawa were North Star Cup champions.

The Aftermath: History Made & Continental Ambitions

Atlético Ottawa’s victory is more than a trophy—it’s a gateway to the global stage. By lifting the North Star Cup, they’ve secured a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, Canada’s premier continental club competition. Matches against giants from Mexico, the USA, and Central America await—potentially back at a snowy TD Place in February.

For the players, this win validates years of development. David Rodríguez (2 goals), Nathan Ingham (match-saving stops), and Aboubacar Sissoko (last-ditch defending) showcased the elite skill ABNASS scouts prioritize: technical excellence, tactical IQ, and unwavering mentality.

ABNASS Spotlight: “Rodríguez’s performance is a textbook example of a player we scout,” says ABNASS Director. “His ability to influence a final in extreme conditions proves he’s ready for the next level—exactly the talent we place into professional academies worldwide.”

Player of the Match: David Rodríguez – The Wizard in the Snow

Rodríguez wasn’t just man of the match—he was the match. His bicycle kick and clincher displayed elite composure, creativity, and finishing under pressure. For young players aspiring to the professional game, Rodríguez’s performance is a blueprint: never let conditions define you; define the conditions.

What This Win Means for Canadian Soccer

Atlético Ottawa’s triumph underscores the rapid rise of the Canadian Premier League. Once a developmental league, the CPL now produces champions who compete on continental stages. This final—watched by millions—showcased homegrown talent ready for global challenges.

For academies and scouting networks like ABNASS, this is proof that Canada’s player development ecosystem is flourishing. Players like Rodríguez, Tabla, and Salter emerged through Canadian youth systems—a pipeline ABNASS actively monitors and nurtures.

Looking Ahead: Concacaf & Beyond

Atlético Ottawa now turns focus to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. With Rodríguez leading the line, they’ll aim to become the first CPL club to advance past the Round of 16.

For fans, the wait is already on for the next CPL season. For aspiring players, the message is clear: train relentlessly, seize your moment, and who knows? Your name could headline a final like this.

ABNASS Call to Action:
Dreaming of your own championship moment? ABNASS identifies and develops players just like Rodríguez. Visit our website regularly for opportunities, ABNASS Assessment Camps, and trials to begin your professional journey.

Final Word:

The 2025 CPL Final wasn’t just a game—it was a celebration of resilience, skill, and Canadian spirit. Atlético Ottawa’s snow-soaked triumph will be remembered for decades. And for ABNASS, it’s a powerful reminder: the next generation of soccer stars is already out there, waiting to be scouted. ⚽❄️🇨🇦