UPDATE: An extraordinary soccer final unfolded in Ottawa on July 15, 2023, as Atletico Ottawa clinched the Canadian Premier League title amid a fierce snowstorm. The match against Cavalry FC, played in temperatures plummeting to -8C, featured a stunning goal dubbed the ‘icicle kick,’ propelling it into the global spotlight.
The match began as a nail-biter, with both teams battling to a 1-1 tie after regular time. However, the inclement weather led to breaks every 15 minutes, during which goalkeepers took to the field with snow shovels to assist grounds staff in clearing the lines. The atmosphere was electric, with 13,000 fans braving the elements, some donning snow goggles to shield against the blizzard.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 107th minute when Mexican striker David Rodriguez scored a breathtaking goal, chipping the ball over Cavalry goalkeeper Marco Carducci. This clinched the victory for Atletico Ottawa, who finished as runners-up in the regular season behind Forge FC. “I came to the locker room and I was excited,” Rodriguez told reporters. “I saw it was snowing, and I was like, ‘It’s going to be a good day.’”
Earlier in the match, former Glasgow Rangers player Fraser Aird had opened the scoring with a penalty, celebrating with a dramatic knee slide in the snow. Cavalry veteran Sergio Camargo expressed his astonishment at the conditions, stating, “I had experience playing in snow in my college years, but nothing like that, where the snow was that thick and that difficult to dribble and manipulate the ball.”
With the match played on an artificial surface, the snow posed unique challenges but also created memorable moments for players and fans alike. The combination of a thrilling finish and extraordinary weather has turned the final into a viral sensation, captivating audiences beyond Canada.
As the dust settles on this historic showdown, all eyes will be on how Atletico Ottawa builds on this momentum in the upcoming season. The remarkable goal and the resilience displayed by both teams under such extreme conditions will undoubtedly be talked about for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the world reacts to the incredible scenes witnessed in Ottawa.
