Sam Salter makes CPL History
Fans at TD Place were treated to a Canadian heritage moment as Sam Salter stole the show against Valour FC, becoming the first ever player to score four goals in a single CPL match. In the span of 30 minutes, Salter left Valour defenders stunned, calmy dispatching two goals on either side of the halftime break and turning the match on its head. Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth would also score four goals in their match on the same day, etching this incredible moment into shared Atlético history.
Noah Abatneh at the Death
After a move from Ontario rivals York United, defender Noah Abatneh would suit up against his former side in only his third ever Atlético match. With the match tied at 2-2 Atleti were awarded a free kick in promising position with the final whistle imminent. Kevin Dos Santos’s brilliant ball found the right foot of Abatneh, as he volleyed home the last gasp winner from short range, breaking York United hearts in the process.
David Rodriguez Magic
When David Rodríguez arrived on loan from Atlético San Luis for the 2025 season, not much was known about the 23-year-old attacking midfielder. It didn’t take long for him to start turning heads with his play, grabbing five goals and three assists in his first six matches, including a blistering solo run and stunning strike against Vancouver FC. Rodríguez, along with talisman Sam Salter appear to be forming one of the deadliest duos in the league with CPL fans and opposition now on full notice.
Uncharted Territory
As Atlético impressed with their CPL form, questions remained of a franchise that had yet to advance past the quarterfinals of the Telus Canadian Championship. After taking care of Ontario League1 side Scrosoppi FC, the Rojiblancos Ottawa had to beat York United over a two-leg tie to secure their spot in the semfinals. A 2-1 home win set the stage for a frenetic away match which saw York reduced to 10 men early on, yet able to score two goals against the run of play and level the aggregate score. However, a Sam Salter rocketed strike, and an Abou Sissoko moment of magic saw Atlético seal the deal and advance to their first ever semifinals of the competition.
The Kids are Alright
At the halfway point of the season, Ottawa not only occupy top spot of the CPL table, but also of the U-21 domestic minutes leaderboard. Atlético have smashed the required 2,000 minutes for the season, already accumulating just shy of 4,000 minutes. The trio of Gabriel Antinoro, Loïc Cloutier, and Noah Abatneh have led the way all contributing nearly 1,000 minutes each, as young 17-year-old defender Sergei Kozlovskiy has also featured prominently in the side at times. Atlético’s Father’s Day match against Valour FC even saw as many as seven U-21 Domestic players feature for Ottawa. The next generation are here, and ready to impress.
Honourable Mentions
Cavs Double at ATCO Field
Atlético Ottawa has been one of the few teams to find success at the home of the defending champs Cavalry FC in recent years. Of eight total regular season losses for Cavalry at ATCO Field, Ottawa accounted for three. 2025 proved no different as Ottawa visited ATCO Field twice this season, picking up convincing 3-1 and 2-0 statement wins in the process.
TSN at TD Place
In advance of the 2025 CPL season TSN announced their partnership with OneSoccer to broadcast four CPL matches in April, which saw Atlético impress in an away win at Cavalry FC on the national stage. Since then, TSN expanded their CPL broadcast schedule giving Ottawa the chance to play their first ever nationally televised regular season match at TD Place. Atleti did not disappoint, conquering Valour FC 3-0 in front of fans from coast to coast.
Sergei Call Up
16-year-old left-back Sergei Kozlovskiy arrived in Ottawa from CF Montreal’s Academy in advance of the 2025 CPL Season. Impressively, Kozlovskiy has gone on to make nine CPL appearances, frequently featuring in Diego Mejía’s emerging Atleti back three. Kozlovskiy also received a mid-season call to the U-17 Canadian Men’s National Team playing in friendlies against Japan and the United States (CONFIRM DID HE PLAY?).