It wasn’t the result Atletico Ottawa fans were hoping for as the team came up short in its bid for its first North Star Shield. Hamilton Forge FC defeated Atletico 2-0 in the Canadian Premier League final Sunday evening at TD Place, their third CPL title in four years. “It’s a tough result, credit to Forge. That’s just how soccer goes sometimes,” said Atletico captain Drew Beckie. A disappointing end to a successful season that saw the club finishing the regular season in first place, one year after finishing last in the standings. “The fact they came from nothing to this is incredible… I’m super proud of where they come from,” said Farrah Sanjari. “Obviously it’s disappointing we couldn’t get the championship, but in the regular season we came in first so we won a title this year. There’s two titles and we won one of them, “ said Eddie Benhin, one of the leaders of an Atletico supporter group. Despite the loss, it was still a historic moment for Ottawa. The club—only in its third year—made its first championship appearance and it was the first time the city hosted a CPL final. Ahead of the match fans packed Bank Street and Lansdowne to celebrate Canadian soccer. The attendance drawing record numbers with nearly 15,000 fans filling the stadium. “It started with a handful of us it was literally 20 of us and almost the full stadium,” said Billy Strathdee. “We never thought we could do this here.” Even after the 90th minute, dedicated supporters like Strathdee remained in their section. Proud of the team and the culture they built here in Ottawa. “I believe in the process of the team… we’re going to make it here next year,” he said. That devotion did not go unnoticed by the players. “Thank you very much,” said Beckie, addressing the fans. “It’s been amazing to see the progression in the past seven years that I’ve been a part of the city. I hope it continues to go upward especially after the world cup and I’m just excited. If this is what it is this year I can’t wait to see it this year and the year after.”
