David Rodriguez’s Spectacular Goal Leads Atletico Ottawa to Victory in Canadian Premier League Final
On a snowy Sunday, Atletico Ottawa triumphed over Cavalry FC with a 2-1 scoreline in the Canadian Premier League final, thanks to an astonishing bicycle kick from 23-year-old David Rodriguez. The win not only crowned Ottawa champions but also earned them a place in the upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup.
Rodriguez’s incredible equalizer came amidst a heavy snowstorm that blanketed the pitch. His remarkable ability to maneuver through the slick conditions, alongside his stunning kick that struck the underside of the crossbar, stirred astonishment among fans and players alike.
As snow piled up to 20 centimeters in Ottawa, match officials struggled to maintain visibility on the field, frequently stopping play to clear away the snow. Ottawa’s goalkeeper, Nathan Ingham, even took it upon himself to help remove snow from the field with a shovel. Tensions bubbled over between Atletico’s coach Diego Mejia and Cavalry FC’s Tommy Wheeldon Jr over the absence of substitutes on Atletico’s bench due to the severe weather conditions.
“GOAL! DAVID RODRIGUEZ, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!! BICYCLE KICK GOAL IN THE 2025 CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE FINAL TO LEVEL THINGS UP FOR @atletiOttawa”
Despite the hardship, the match proceeded with both teams showing resilience in the harsh weather. Atletico’s strategy of keeping reserve players indoors to dodge the elements drew criticism from Wheeldon Jr, leading officials to insist that all players should be present on the bench.
Rodriguez’s contributions didn’t end with his equalizer; he also found the net again during extra time, deftly chipping the Cavalry goalkeeper, Marco Carducci, sealing a memorable victory for Atletico. This match is now destined to be remembered in the annals of Canadian football history.
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