The Forward Press: Coach Carlos says "We have to look at ourselves" before third match-up vs Cavalry
By Jon Hopkins
Photo Credits: Matt Zambonin/Freestyle Photography
ATO is in need of a bounceback game, and a match-up against Cavalry FC at home presents a hard climb to getting back into the win column. While Ottawa has historically beaten Cavalry fairly consistently (All time record being 7-1-2 in ATOs favour), the two teams have each won one of the two matchups at ATCO Field. Now back at TD Place, Ottawa needs to start winning points if they hope to make the playoffs. Nothing to say of any title defence. Before the game, we caught up with Coach Carlos Gonzalez, and here’s what they had to say in the pre-game presser:
The Quotes: Carlos Gonzalez
On the upcoming Cavalry game and ATOs history with them:
“The last few games from last season, we got good points in those games, but we cannot focus on the past. I think it is going to be a new game against a team that is in a good stride that they are now the leaders of the CPL. So what we have to do is look at ourselves, try to improve the overall performance of the last game and then try to fight for the 3 points at home. They are going to be very important for us.”
On the win streak at Home and the importance of finding success at home:
"I think that we are playing good games here at home. I think that the chemistry and the synergies that we are creating with our fans over here in the TD is great. We always have an extra energy to fight for, and we hope we can continue with that. At the moment, we’ve won the last 4 games at home. So looking forward to do a good performance and try to win a new 3 points that will be very important for the season.”
On injury updates:
“Yeah, we continue with the injury of Abou Sacko, and Miguel was substituted last game because of a muscle problem, so we will see. We will see how he evolves in the next two training sessions and if he could be ready for the game.”
Coach Gonzalez seems energized to be back at home and ready for a new game. As the saying goes, "One more Game, One more Final", so it is on to the next. Facing the prospect of missing Miguel Acosta is certainly a stressful one for the Atleti faithful. Having played as a Central Defensive Midfielder, Left-back and Right-back this season, he has been a mainstay of Ottawa's defence. Sacko continuing to miss time only makes those concerns more dire. However, this game may see the return of either MacDonald Niba or Maxim Tissot to the starting eleven, who could see a return to form. Additionally, Cavalry FC will be missing Myer Bevan due to a late red card against Vancouver FC, a golden boot contender and Cavalry's most potent offensive weapons, however, Ali Musse, Goteh Ntignee and William Akio are likely to fill that gap. Whether ATO can disrupt the Cavs winning streak once again, only time will tell.
This week's game will be back at TD Place and promises to be a competitive contest. Be sure to come down to the Glebe Central Pub for a drink before the match as we take on Cavalry FC Saturday, July 29th, at 7:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there and cheering loud and proud in the dub to energize our lads into the win column. See you there!
About Jon
Jon Hopkins is a fresh face on the pro-football fandom scene, being introduced it through Atlético Ottawa and the CPL. He grew up playing the beautiful game through his high school years in the Niagara Region. He has worked to support the growth of footie in Ottawa with CCSG since 2022 and now acts as the lead editor for the Writers at CCSG.
