The last time that Vancouver FC took on Atlético Ottawa was at Willoughby Park on May 12 that concluded in a 1-1 draw. At the time, VFC was coming off a difficult two-game road trip looking to use the fortress of home against an undefeated Ottawa-side in their first five matches of the season.
The game began with a spectacular save from goalkeeper Callum Irving in the 11th minute who was facing a dangerous Ballou Tabla who snuck his way behind Vancouver’s backline and released a close-ranged shot. Irving stretched out to make a diving save by just getting his hand on the ball before wrapping up the rebound.
In the 30th minute, Tabla challenged Irving once again but was denied by the charging goalkeeper who blocked the initial point-blank shot. Tabla found his rebound and tried for the back of the net again but was denied by a sliding Anthony White before clearing the ball. Irving would amass a season-high of five saves in the game and ultimately earned himself Performance of the Match by final whistle.
Vancouver actually found the back of the net first from Mikaël Cantave in the 53rd minute off a cross from Kadin Chung. However, the goal was waived off after Chung’s tough battle in the box with ATO’s Ollie Bassett was called a foul and created momentum for the visiting side.
Just two minutes later, ATO would break the deadlock from Rubén del Campo who took advantage of a missed play by Vancouver. But the Eagles were not going to go into the night quietly. Vancouver followed up with a great chance off a long free kick which was taken by Renan Garica and challenged ATO’s keeper who produced an easy rebound for Gabriel Bitar to try his luck on, which was ultimately stopped and cleared.
The momentum moved into the home-side’s favour and finally paid off in the 68th minute with an equalizer from Alejandro ‘Wero’ Díaz. The play began with a switch pass from Vasco Fry to Chung on the right wing and after a great move to create space crossed the ball into the box. Díaz was waiting towards the back post and headed the ball in for a forceful second goal of the season for the native of Mexico.
After another diving save from Irving in the final minutes of added time, the match would ultimately close out tied at one-a-piece for the Eagles’ second consecutive match earning at least a point against Ottawa.
Now Ottawa will be returning to Willoughby Park for the second and final time in 2024 for Vancouver’s next home match on Friday, July 12. Kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT for what will be a fantastic night under the lights. Make sure to get your tickets to the match, and all of VFC’s remaining home games, online here.
