THE CPL KICKOFF
MATCH #3
VALOUR FC (2-0-0) vs ATLÉTICO OTTAWA (1-0-1)
When: Saturday, July 3, 2021, 9 p.m. CDT (Please note time change)
Where: IG Field, Winnipeg
How to watch: OneSoccer is broadcasting all CPL games live https://onesoccer.ca/
—
MATCH PREVIEW:
Valour FC is a perfect 2-0 to open the season following a pair of 2-nil wins over Forge FC in the Kickoff opener and then HFX Wanderers FC on June 30th. This represents another short turnaround, with the club’s second game in four days. It will be the same for Atlético Ottawa, which opened with a 1-nil win over FC Edmonton before falling 4-1 to Cavalry FC, also on the 30th.
Valour FC continues to get stellar goalkeeping from 20-year-old rookie Jonathan Sirois while a makeshift back line has been led by the dominant presence of co-captain Andrew Jean-Baptiste. On the attack, Valour has found the net with four different goal scorers in Moses Dyer, Austin Ricci, Jean-Baptiste and William Akio.
FYI, Wednesday’s decision over HFX marked the first time in franchise history Valour FC has posted consecutive victories.
For Ottawa, they were in tightly-contest match with Cavalry before two goals three minutes apart (75-78) turned a 2-1 deficit into a 4-1 setback.
—
VALOUR FC INJURY/ROSTER REPORT:
Brett Levis, who started the first match at fullback, did not dress against HFX and has been capably replaced by Andy Baquero. Veteran midfielder Jose Galán was also not available vs. Wanderers.
Brazilian midfielder Rafael Galhardo may now be available after finishing his quarantine, although he has yet to train with the club. Ditto for Mexican defender Rodrigo Reyes.
—
3 VALOUR FC PLAYERS TO WATCH
#82 Andy Baquero, D: Officially signed just before the season, Baquero has been more than steady since being substituted on for an injured Brett Levis at fullback, flashing the skills that has him play internationally for Cuba.
#14 Stefan Cebara, D: He’s been playing out of position for the first two matches, lining up beside Andrew Jean-Baptiste in the middle of the back line, but has been solid.
#24: Sean Rea, MF/F: His work has been somewhat overshadowed by the two clean sheets posted by Jonathan Sirois, his CF Montreal teammate on loan from the MLS club. He’s speed is noticeable, as is his creativity.
—
ALL-TIME VALOUR FC vs. ATLÉTICO OTTAWA
Overall (win-draw-loss): 1-0-0
August 19, 2020: Island Games, PEI: Atlético Ottawa 0 Valour FC 4
—
THE CPL’s 2021 KICKOFF
-Each CPL team will play eight matches inside the ‘Kickoff’ bubble through to late July. At that point the league is hoping the clubs can return to their home markets and begin playing matches at home, and in front of fans, for the remainder of the season.
—
UPCOMING
Valour FC ‘Kickoff’ schedule/results (times subject to change)
Match 1: Sunday, June 27 — Forge FC 0 Valour FC 2
Match 2: Wednesday, June 30 – Valour FC 2 HFX Wanderers FC 0
Recap: https://valourfc.canpl.ca/article/10553
Match 3: Saturday, July 3 vs Atlético Ottawa, 9 p.m.
Match 4: Wednesday, July 7 vs. York United FC, 9 p.m.
Match 5: Sunday, July 11 vs. Forge FC, 12:30 p.m.
Match 6: Thursday, July 15 vs. Atlético Ottawa, 4 p.m.
Match 7: Sunday, July 18 vs. York United FC, 9:30 p.m.
Match 8: Saturday, July 24 vs. HFX Wanderers, 1 p.m.