Ottawa’s freezing temperatures couldn’t cool the heated battle at TD Place Stadium yesterday as Atlético Ottawa claimed the North Star Cup with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Cavalry FC. The season’s first snowfall created a winter wonderland backdrop for what will surely become an iconic moment in Canadian soccer history.
The match began with both teams struggling to adapt to the increasingly slippery conditions. Snow accumulated steadily throughout the match, forcing grounds crews to clear field markings during stoppages. Despite the challenging weather, over 9,500 dedicated fans created an electric atmosphere that defied the frigid conditions.
“This is what Canadian soccer is all about,” said Atlético captain Carl Haworth, his breath visible in the cold air during post-match interviews. “Playing through whatever Mother Nature throws at us and putting on a show for these incredible fans who braved the elements with us.”
Cavalry FC struck first in the 37th minute when Sergio Camargo capitalized on a defensive miscue, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage they carried into halftime. The Calgary-based squad appeared poised to spoil Ottawa’s championship hopes until Ballou Tabla equalized in the 72nd minute with a stunning left-footed strike from just outside the box.
The match remained deadlocked through regulation time, forcing an additional 30 minutes of play. As exhaustion and the elements took their toll, it was Atlético’s midfielder Ollie Bassett who emerged as the hero, scoring the championship-winning goal in the 112th minute with a perfectly placed shot that sent the snowbound crowd into a frenzy.
“I couldn’t feel my toes by the end,” Bassett admitted with a laugh. “But the moment that ball hit the net, I felt nothing but pure joy. This is for Ottawa.”
The victory marks Atlético Ottawa’s first North Star Cup in club history, continuing the capital city’s remarkable sports renaissance following the Ottawa Senators’ promising NHL start and the Ottawa Redblacks’ recent resurgence.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who attended the match wearing the team’s red and white colors, announced plans for a celebration at City Hall later this week. “What these players accomplished today represents the best of our city—resilience, determination, and community spirit,” Sutcliffe said while joining jubilant fans on the pitch after the final whistle.
The match’s dramatic conclusion highlighted Canadian Premier League’s growing prominence in the national sports landscape. CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan praised both teams for delivering a memorable final despite challenging conditions.
“Today’s match showcased everything that makes our league special,” Noonan stated. “World-class talent, passionate fans, and the unique character of Canadian soccer played in distinctly Canadian conditions.”
For Cavalry FC, the defeat was particularly bitter after dominating much of the regular season. “Full credit to Ottawa,” said Cavalry manager Tommy Wheeldon Jr. “They found a way to win when it mattered most. That’s the mark of champions.”
Atlético’s championship run seems even more impressive considering their early-season struggles when they sat near the bottom of the standings in June. Head coach Carlos González’s tactical adjustments and several key mid-season acquisitions transformed the club into title contenders.
“We never stopped believing,” González said, snowflakes collecting on his shoulders during the trophy presentation. “This group showed incredible character all season, and today was the perfect culmination of our journey together.”
The snow-covered pitch provided stunning visuals throughout the broadcast, with social media quickly filling with images of snow-covered celebrations and orange match balls contrasting against the white playing surface.
As Ottawa celebrates its newest champions, attention now turns to the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup, where Atlético will represent Canada on the international stage next spring.
“Today we made history,” Haworth said, clutching the glistening North Star Cup trophy. “But this is just the beginning for soccer in this city.”
