A new chapter in the Ottawa-Edmonton soccer rivalry will begin when FC Edmonton and Atlético Ottawa meet at the Canadian Premier League’s Island Games on P.E.I. Sunday.
1. Edmonton vs Ottawa – a rivalry reignited
While it’s their first-ever meeting, Sunday’s match will feel familiar to some.
Ottawa Fury were the national rivals of FC Edmonton when the two clubs played in the now defunct North American Soccer League (NASL). And while the Fury folded last year, their fans have a new team to follow, Atlético Ottawa.
While the teams and league are different, the two sets of supporters have a history and will want the bragging rights going into next year when fans are hoping to be able to attend matches again.
- Story: FC Edmonton lose 2-0 to Cavalry FC, stay bottom of the table
- In Pictures: Cavalry FC beat FC Edmonton 2-0 at CPL Island Games, move top of table
This is the first meeting between FC Edmonton and Atletico Ottawa. But historically Ottawa and Edmonton teams have been similar in results. They shared a 3-3-3 record in the NASL.
But Edmonton will want to start their history against Atletico Ottawa with a win
2. FC Edmonton facing a must-win game
The feeling amongst some FC Edmonton supporters is that this is a must-win game. And they are not wrong as the window is closing on the Eddies to reasonably expect to advance to the Island Games’ second round.
With an unfortunate but tightly contested game against Forge FC, followed by a poor performance versus Cavalry FC, Edmonton now find themselves needing points fast.
Three points on Sunday will lift them back into the competition. A loss will leave them anchored to the bottom of the table.
3. Key absences for both clubs
Ottawa will be without defender Milovan Kapor and Edmonton will be without Amer Didic and Terique Mohammed. Kapor and Mohammed are out of their lineups due to red cards issued in their last games. While Didic remains sidelined by an injury he picked up against Forge FC.
Son Yong-Chan will likely replace Mohammed on the left wing for the Eddies.
The game will be on Onesoccer.ca at 11 am MST/ 1 pm EST on Sunday.
