Dramatic bicycle Kick Secures Championship for Atlético Ottawa in Snow-Swept Final
OTTAWA – A stunning bicycle kick goal by David Rodríguez leveled the score and ultimately propelled Atlético Ottawa to victory in the 2025 Canadian Premier League (CPL) final against Cavalry FC, played Sunday in blizzard conditions at TD Place. Rodríguez later added another goal in extra-time, securing a 2-1 win for Atlético and earning them the North Star Cup, along with a berth in the Concacaf champions Cup.
Up to 20cm of snow fell in Ottawa on Sunday, prompting officials to call in snowploughs to clear the pitch and allow for a delayed kickoff.Play was repeatedly halted to ensure visibility of the pitch markings, and at one point, ottawa goalkeeper Nathan Ingham assisted in clearing the field with a shovel.
A sideline dispute erupted between Atlético coach Diego Mejia and Cavalry FC boss Tommy Wheeldon Jr over Atlético’s decision to keep their substitutes indoors at kickoff, citing the example of players at the FIFA Club World Cup remaining in dressing rooms to avoid extreme heat. Wheeldon Jr protested, and referees ultimately instructed the Atlético bench to return to the sidelines.
Rodríguez’s equalizer, a spectacular bicycle kick, quickly went viral on social media. He then sealed the victory in extra-time with a chipped goal over Cavalry keeper Marco Carducci. The match is already being hailed as a classic in Canadian footballing history.
