It’s been almost three weeks since Atlético Ottawa won our first North Star Cup in the most incredible fashion.
The global attention received was worthy of the spectacle on offer that night in the heart of the Glebe. In fact, the ‘Icicle Kick’ highlights have been viewed over a billion times and over 350,000 Canadians tuned in live to watch the game on TV.
For 13,000 soccer crazy fans in Ottawa though, the experience was a live spectacle of Atleti on Ice. Here are our top 5 moments:
1. The ‘Snow Globe’ weather conditions
What could possibly be more Canadian than playing the CPL Final in blizzard like conditions? A special occasion for all involved and so many rose to the occasion.
From the grounds crew making sure the playing surface was top notch (with a helping hand from Nathan Ingham), to the supporters who turned up in numbers.
The world was watching Ottawa, and the fans showed what passionate Canadian soccer support was all about.
2. David Rodriguez Performance
The ‘Icicle Kick’ has been viewed more than a billion times across the globe. Almost every major news outlet had it as a top story and the man at the heart of it was Mexican star David Rodríguez.
On loan from our sister club Atlético San Luis, Rodríguez took the league by storm from the first match week. His first effort in the final caught all the headlines, but the brilliance of his deft chip won Atletithe title (following another outstanding play by Manu Aparicio).
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Rodríguez’s name has been etched into the lore of Ottawa soccer.
3. Goal line clearance
Goals win you games, and in such a low scoring sport each time the ball hits the back of the net leads to an explosion of emotion. Because of this, other decisive moments in the match can quickly be forgotten.
With the score level, Nathan Ingham’s double save followed by Abou Sissoko’s goal line clearance kept Atleti from falling behind.
This unsung moment may not have won us the match, but it certainly helped ensure we didn’t lose it. Quickly forgotten but not to be ignored, the unsung heroics of the CPL Final.
4. Trophy lift/celebrations
The trophy. The lift. The euphoria.
After five hours in the snow, and five years in the marking – your Atlético Ottawa lifted the North Star Cup in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Diego Mejía and the Atleti squad wrote a new chapter into the city's sporting legacy, winning the first professional playoff trophy since the 2016 Grey Cup. The celebrations were massive.
We’ve since taken the trophy to the Mayor’s office as November 10 was declared “Atlético Ottawa Champions Day”, Glebe Central Pub for a special supporters night, center ice at the Ottawa Senators and to visit children and staff at CHEO.
A victory lap for the ages, and just the start of our legacy.
5. Zapa final hurrah
Any list without a mention of El Toro would be incomplete.
A storybook ending to an incredible career that spanned over three decades.
From the heights of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese soccer to the blizzard in Ottawa, Alberto Zapater’s incredible career came to an end with a trophy above his head.
It was an honor and a privilege to watch him play, watch him work and hear him talk about soccer.
Enjoy your retirement Zapa, and see you soon.
Atlético Ottawa will return to TD Place in 2026 as reigning CPL champions, with fans invited to follow the club’s title defense throughout the upcoming season. Season seats for the 2026 campaign are now on sale.
