Atlético Ottawa claimed their first-ever Canadian Premier League (CPL) title with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over defending champions Cavalry FC in a snow-blanketed final at TD Place Sunday.
In a match defined by the relentless winter weather, David Rodriguez scored twice – a spectacular bicycle kick and a clever chip in extra time – to deliver Ottawa the North Star Cup after a four-hour contest played through heavy snowfall and freezing conditions.
The result also helps Ottawa qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, marking their first-ever entry into a continental tournament.
Adverse weather conditions dictate early chaos
Kickoff was initially delayed by 20 minutes due to snow removal, and throughout the match, play was interrupted regularly to clear the pitch lines as snow continued to fall steadily.
Both sets of players often struggled with footing and visibility and both sides had to adapt their usual tactics to the reduced pace and unpredictable bounces.
But despite the conditions, both teams came out with aggressive intent.
Cavalry took the lead on 30 minutes after Goteh Ntignee was brought down in the box by Ottawa’s Kevin dos Santos. Fraser Aird stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sending Nathan Ingham the wrong way.
- Photo gallery: Atlético Ottawa beat Cavalry FC in CPL final in blizzard
Ottawa responded soon after and levelled before the break through a moment of brilliance from Rodriguez. After a scramble from a corner, the midfielder launched into a perfectly timed overhead kick to beat Marco Carducci and make it 1-1.
It was a goal that drew widespread acclaim even amid swirling snowflakes, and was also referred to as the “greatest goal ever scored in CPL history” by the commentators.
The second half was no better as the weather continued to dominate the narrative with visibility at times near zero and the ball frequently stalling in the snow.
Ottawa looked the more threatening side in open play, but Cavalry created several late chances, including a double save in the 78th minute by Ingham and teammate Aboubacar Sissoko to deny Daan Klomp and Eryk Kobza from close range.
“It’s not the football match that we planned out,” said Cavalry head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. at halftime. “But it’s a final and it’s a Canadian one. You’ve got to adapt.”
Extra time decides it as clearer pitch shifts momentum
After 90 minutes, the match was paused again for over 40 minutes to clear the pitch for extra time. With the snow largely removed, the game’s tempo increased and both teams began to rediscover their rhythm.
In the 107th minute, Rodriguez struck again. Latching onto a long ball from Manny Aparicio, he beat the offside line, spotted Carducci off his line, and lofted a precise chip into the net.
It was his second goal of the night, which eventually also turned out to be the winner.
Cavalry did respond with urgency in the final stages. Substitute Sergio Camargo, returning from injury, combined well with Bradley Kamdem-Fewo, Tobias Warshewski, and Ayman Sellouf to create late chances. But Ingham stood firm to preserve the lead.
Atlético Ottawa beat Cavalry FC 2-1 in the 2025 Canadian Premier League Final in Ottawa Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. Photo: Martin Mendizabal/Total Soccer News
“It’s honestly unbelievable,” said Ottawa captain and goalkeeper Ingham. “No one deserves it like this city. Play us in snow, on the moon — this team finds a way.”
The win caps a record-breaking season for Ottawa, who finished the regular campaign with a league-best 54 goals and now add a championship to their resume under first-year head coach Diego Mejia.
From Cavalry’s side, there was disappointment but also perspective. The result ends their run of four consecutive playoff victories and leaves them as runners-up in their third straight final appearance.
“I think you got everything you could ask for in a final,” said Camargo. “Two teams going through a huge test — weather-wise, condition-wise — and then in the end, some quality football. It’s just a shame we couldn’t find that second goal.”
