Atletico Ottawa Claims North Star Cup in Epic Snowy Final
The "icicle kick" has emerged as a defining moment in the Canadian Premier League final, showcasing a stunning bicycle kick that captivated fans.
The match, held in Ottawa amidst a blizzard with temperatures plummeting to -8°C, was a true spectacle of Canadian sportsmanship.
Home team Atletico Ottawa secured their first title, the North Star Cup, with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Cavalry FC in extra time.
However, the scoreline only scratches the surface of the dramatic events that unfolded.
The game faced multiple delays as snow accumulation necessitated regular clearing of the pitch every 15 minutes, with goalkeepers using shovels to maintain their areas. By the second half, conditions became nearly unplayable, prompting the arrival of a snowplow before extra time commenced.
Fraser Aird, a former Rangers midfielder, opened the scoring for Cavalry with a penalty in the 33rd minute, celebrating with a knee slide on the snow before being showered with snowballs from the home supporters.
Just seven minutes later, 23-year-old David Rodriguez delivered a moment of brilliance, equalizing the match with an acrobatic bicycle kick that struck the underside of the crossbar. He then netted the winning goal in the 107th minute with a deft chip over Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci.
Rodriguez, who hails from Mexico, admitted to having "zero" experience before joining the team in February. "I came to a locker room and was excited. I saw it was snowing, and I thought, 'it's gonna be a good day,'" he recalled.
Atletico goalkeeper Nathan Ingham remarked, "The whole night feels fake. You play us in sand, you play us in snow, you play us on the moon, this team is going to win."
The Canadian Premier League was established in 2017, while Atletico Ottawa, affiliated with Spanish side Atletico Madrid, was founded in 2020.