Scoring change moves Atletico Ottawa forward Sam Salter into CPL record book

Atletico Ottawa forward Samuel Salter (in black) is shown scoring his 15th goal of the season, setting a single-season record in the Canadian Premier League. The goal was initially credited as an own goal by Vancouver FC’s Aidan O’Connor but was changed to Salter by the league upon review. Ottawa won the game 3-1 on Aug. 30, 2025, at TD Place. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Atletico Ottawa-Philippe Lariviere (Mandatory Credit)

OTTAWA — A scoring change has moved Atletico Ottawa striker Sam Salter into the Canadian Premier League record book.

A goal originally credited as an own goal to Vancouver FC’s Aidan O’Connor in Ottawa’s 3-1 win over Vancouver FC on Saturday has since been credited to Salter by the league, lifting his season total to 15.

The previous record of 14 was set by Brazil's João Morelli, in 2021 for the Halifax Wanderers.

The league said it gave the goal to Salter after determining that he initially directed the ball toward goal. Because this was judged to be a shot on target, it required defensive intervention to prevent a goal.

"This ruling follows global standards and the CPL’s official stats provider, OPTA, whose rules state that when a shot on target is deflected by a defender, the goal is always credited to the attacker. In this case, Salter’s attempt was deemed to be on target before O’Connor’s last-line clearance attempt," the league added.

The 25-year-old from Laval, Que., had tied the record with a goal in the 40th minute Saturday. His second goal came in the 80th minute.

With three assists, Salter has also set a CPL mark for most goal contributions in a single season with 18. Forge attacker Tristan Borges had 12 goals and five assists in 2019.

Salter, who joined Ottawa from Halifax ahead of the 2023 season, has 41 regular-season CPL goals, tied with Terran Campbell for second all-time behind Alejandro Diaz (43).

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2025.

The Canadian Press