The 2022 season was a special one for Ottawa soccer fans. Last year, Atlético Ottawa had the most outstanding season in the city’s professional soccer history, surpassing the often-mentioned 2015 Ottawa Fury. Going from last place in 2021 to regular season champions in 2022 was an astonishing accomplishment and a testament to the structure implemented by head coach Carlos González. For his efforts, González was named CPL Coach of the Year. The team narrowly missed out on a fairytale end to the season, losing the CPL playoff final 2-0 to Hamilton’s Forge FC at home in front of 15,000 fans at TD Place.
The loss was a disappointing moment in an otherwise stellar season, but it did serve as a crucial reminder: Since the inception of the Canadian Premier League, Forge FC has been the marquee club. Easily the league’s most successful team, both domestically and in international competition, they are the kings of the CPL. Atlético Ottawa put the league on notice in 2022 (and a new trophy will be unveiled by the league at some point to recognize their regular season title), and in 2023, they’ll be coming for the throne.
Who’s new: Karl Ouimette (DF), Aboubakary Sacko (DF), Luke Singh (DF, on loan from Toronto FC), Noah Verhoeven (MF), Gabriel Antinoro (MF), Jean-Aniel Assi (MF, on loan from CF Montréal), Sam Salter (FW), Gianni Dos Santos (FW)
Who’s gone: Ballou Tabla, Drew Beckie, Sergio Camus, Ivan Perez, Brian Wright, Gabriel Carvalho, Abdoul Sissoko, Ben McKendry, Keven Alemán, Chris Mannella, Vladimir Moragrega, Owen Antoniuk, Omar Darwish, Anthony Domanico
New format
A new and controversial five-team playoff format was unveiled by the league, which will change how teams approach the regular season. In past seasons, the regular season title, with no trophy or honours awarded, meant very little versus winning the North Star Shield, which is awarded to the playoff champion. The regular season was merely a way to qualify for the playoffs. But in 2023, the regular season champ will lift a real trophy and earn an automatic berth into the CONCACAF Champions League. The top five teams will qualify for the playoffs, with the North Star Shield and an additional Champions League berth up for grabs, in a more convoluted format that, I believe, encourages upsets. I think, for the first time, the top teams will value the regular season championship above the playoffs, so don’t be surprised if there is plenty of drama in the standings come September.
Players to watch
Atlético Ottawa vs. CF Montreal U23, April 8, 2023. Photo: Chris Tanouye/Freestyle Photography.
Ollie Bassett: Winner of last year’s Player of the Year award and Players’ Player of the Year award, there was some question regarding whether Bassett would be back on the roster this year when both he and goalkeeper Nathan Ingham were invited to trial with Atlético San Luis in LigaMX. While fans would have been happy for either player if they’d signed on with the Mexican side, they’ll be relieved to see them back in Ottawa stripes. “Ottleti” is now a team with a target on its back, and repeating as regular season champs will be an even more difficult task this season. They’ll need Bassett healthy to have a shot at the repeat.
Sam Salter: The most surprising move in the off-season was arguably the signing of Sam Salter from HFX Wanderers FC. It was the first inter-league transfer for a fee in CPL history, so clearly, Carlos González and CEO Fernando López saw something in Salter that they felt they needed. It’s easy to see the appeal. The 22-year-old from Laval scored 11 times for HFX in 2022, nearly half of the 24 goals HFX scored as a team all year. In Salter, they have one of the most talented young finishers in the league.
Jean-Aniel Assi: The departure of Ballou Tabla in the offseason to Turkish side Manisa left an enormous hole on the roster. Ballou became Ottawa’s talisman last season and their most electrifying player. While it’s impossible to expect one young player to fill such a void, 18-year-old Assi has the talent to be a starter on the team, and the 1v1 ability to make fans stand up and take notice. He’ll be essential for the U21 minutes he’ll contribute, but with his ability, he’ll contribute far more than that.
Atlético Ottawa vs CF Montreal U23, April 8, 2023. Photo: Chris Tanouye/Freestyle Photography.
CarGo’s future
Coach Carlos González proved last season that he is one of the top soccer minds in this country and, at just 37 years old, a rising coaching talent in world football. Entering the second year of a two-year deal, with a proper pre-season under his belt and his identity all over this team, expectations are high going into 2023. But the CPL is a stepping stone, and Carlos has made it clear he has even greater ambitions. It likely won’t be addressed until after the season, but there is a good chance “CarGo” will decide to move on after this campaign, especially if it’s another successful season and he decides there’s nothing left to prove at this level. Clubs at higher levels surely have their eyes on him already.
Expectations
A surprise regular season title in 2022 brings even greater expectations for 2023. The league’s level continues to rise, and there are no free spaces on the bingo card this year. With many key players returning and improved depth, Ottawa has the pieces in place for another title. If Ottawa doesn’t come out of 2023 with at least one piece of hardware and a Champions League spot, it’ll disappoint all involved.
Apt613 Predictions
CPL standings:
1 – Atletico Ottawa
2 – Forge FC
3 – Pacific FC
4 – Cavalry FC
5 – Valour FC
6 – Vancouver FC
7 – HFX Wanderers FC
8 – York United
Top scorer: Sam Salter (10 goals)
Who will score the goal of the year: Carl Haworth
MVP: Ollie Bassett
Goals for: 42
Goals against: 35
Clean sheets: 8
Most heated rivalry: Forge FC
Atlético Ottawa kicks off their season this Saturday, April 15, when they take on HFX Wanderers at TD Place at 1pm. Tickets for Saturday’s match are pay-what-you-can, with proceeds supporting CHEO and Lily Millett. Every game will be available to stream on paid streaming service OneSoccer. TSN1200 will also carry every game on the AM dial.
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