WATCH: Historic Snowstorm and Bicycle Goal Highlight Canadian Championship Final

The Canadian Championship final on Sunday was nothing short of cinematic, testing the resilience and skill of both teams. Amid a historic snowstorm in Ottawa, Atlético Ottawa defeated Cavalry FC 2-1 at TD Place Stadium, securing the club’s first-ever national title. The match, held in a stadium with a capacity of around 25,000, will be remembered not only for the decisive goal but also for the extraordinary weather conditions that covered the pitch in snow.

The game started under extreme conditions, as the snowfall forced referees to temporarily suspend play. With the field blanketed in white, players and staff grabbed shovels to clear snow from the lines—a rare scene in professional football. The use of a bright orange ball ensured visibility on the icy surface, allowing the game to continue despite the challenging environment.

Once play resumed, Cavalry FC took the lead in the 33rd minute with Fraser Aird converting a penalty, putting the visitors ahead. But the moment that captured everyone’s attention came just six minutes later. In the 39th minute, David Rodriguez scored a stunning bicycle kick in the snow, leveling the match amid cheers and astonishment from the frozen spectators. The goal instantly became a defining highlight of the championship, showcasing both technical brilliance and determination.

The extra time saw the snowstorm ease slightly, but the drama continued. Atlético Ottawa’s number 10 led a swift counter-attack, receiving a deep pass and finishing with precision to beat the goalkeeper, completing the comeback and securing the historic 2-1 victory.

Founded in 2020, Atlético Ottawa had previously finished as runners-up in 2022, making this triumph a significant milestone in the club’s young history. The squad features Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Antinoro, born in Brasília, who has developed his career entirely in Canada and played a key role in the championship-winning campaign.

The match will be remembered for its extraordinary conditions, incredible goals, and historic significance. Fans and analysts alike praised both teams’ resilience, noting how the snowy pitch added an extra layer of challenge and spectacle to an already exciting final.