On May 5, 2026, Atlético Ottawa achieved a historic victory by defeating Toronto FC 3-1 in the preliminary round of the TELUS Canadian Championship. This match marked the first time a team from the Canadian Premier League (CPL) has triumphed over an MLS side.
Ottawa’s journey to this groundbreaking win was fueled by determination and skill. Toronto FC initially took the lead with a goal from Deandre Kerr in the 16th minute. However, Atlético Ottawa responded with resilience — Ballou Tabla scored a hat trick, netting goals at the 70th and 90+7 minutes that sealed their fate.
Key statistics from the match:
- Final score: Atlético Ottawa 3, Toronto FC 1
- Goals: Deandre Kerr (Toronto FC) at 16′, Ballou Tabla (Atlético Ottawa) at 70′ and 90+7′
- Total yellow cards: Atlético Ottawa (3), Toronto FC (2)
This victory not only sends Atlético Ottawa to the quarterfinals of the tournament but also highlights their growth within Canadian soccer. The Telus Canadian Championship features 15 clubs competing for the coveted Voyageurs Cup, and this win signifies a shift in competitive balance.
Toronto FC has struggled since their last Canadian Championship win during the pandemic-shortened edition in 2020. Coach Robin Fraser expressed disappointment, stating, “Felt like we weren’t assertive enough in the moments we needed to be.” In contrast, Tabla emphasized his team’s forward momentum: “I always want to go forward in this competition.”
The next challenge for Atlético Ottawa will be against either FC Supra du Quebec or Woodbridge Strikers in the quarterfinals. This matchup promises to be another test of their mettle as they continue to make strides in knockout competitions.
