Atlético Ottawa look to lock up third place in the CPL table when they visit the B.C. capital on Sunday.
Last Wednesday, they guaranteed their place above the playoff line with a big 3-2 comeback win over Cavalry FC at TD Place in a 2025 CPL Final rematch.
Win on Sunday, and Atlético Ottawa know they finish in third with at least a chance that this year’s final could return to the nation’s capital. Holding onto third place was a key goal for the club in this final stage of the season.
Their win over Cavalry was also the 20th point they have collected from losing positions this season, which is a new single-season CPL record. That ability to fight back in games will serve them well at this vital time of year.
The Tridents are searching for their first-ever win at Royal Athletic Park, having lost both their matches in Victoria this season and drawing 1-1 with Vancouver FC in their first-ever match at the stadium last season.
They hope a return to Vancouver Island will help some of their recent woes, after a difficult road trip out east saw them fall 5-0 to FC Supra du Québec, and 3-0 in Hamilton.
They’ve played Atlético Ottawa close all season, however, leading in two of three meetings before conceding late. The most recent match ended 0-0 in Ottawa. Their most heartbreaking result was a 3-2 stoppage-time loss in Ottawa in Terry Dunfield’s debut as head coach.
For Atleti, this is an important chance to sharpen themselves away from home. They have lost seven of their 12 road matches this season, tied for the most in the league,
They did pick up a gritty 1-0 win in Halifax in their last foray away from home. But they have not won back-to-back away matches since Aug. 10, 2025.
For both clubs, this game is about finishing the season strong, and a win on Sunday would be huge in accomplishing that goal.