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.
This unprecedented win underscores a shifting landscape in Canadian soccer. The match took place at BMO Field in Toronto, where Ottawa faced off against a club that has dominated the domestic scene for years. Early on, Toronto FC took the lead with a goal from Deandre Kerr in the 16th minute. However, Atlético Ottawa responded with determination and skill.
Key match statistics:
- Atlético Ottawa scored three goals by Ballou Tabla, who completed a hat trick.
- The game featured a total of five yellow cards—three for Atlético Ottawa and two for Toronto FC.
- This victory sends Atlético Ottawa into the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Ballou Tabla expressed his ambition, stating, “I always want to go forward in this competition.” His performance not only secured this win but also showcased the potential of CPL players to compete at higher levels. Meanwhile, Toronto FC’s coach Robin Fraser lamented their missed opportunities: “Felt like we weren’t assertive enough in the moments we needed to be.”
That context matters because it highlights how far Atlético Ottawa has come. This win serves as a significant boost for the CPL and its clubs, further validating their competitiveness against established teams like Toronto FC. Notably, Toronto has not won the Canadian Championship since the pandemic-shortened edition in 2020.
The next challenge for Atlético Ottawa will be facing either FC Supra du Quebec or Woodbridge Strikers in the quarterfinals. As they advance deeper into this knockout competition, fans are eager to see if they can continue their historic run.
