Vancouver FC Defeats Ottawa to Set Up Final Showdown with Whitecaps in Canadian Championship

Vancouver FC reached the Telus Canadian Championship final by defeating Atletico Ottawa 3-2 on aggregate, even though they lost the second leg 1-0, as reported by Canadian Press.

The team, currently at the bottom of the CPL standings with a 2-15-6 record, entered TD Place with a two-goal lead from the first match. David Rodriguez scored for Ottawa just before halftime, but Vancouver’s defense held firm under pressure, thanks to key saves from Callum Irving.

Ottawa had more possession and shots on goal but couldn’t score the necessary goals. “We lost this tie in the first leg,” said Ottawa coach Diego Mejia.

The final will take place on Oct. 1 at B.C. Place Stadium and will feature an all-Vancouver matchup, as the defending champion Whitecaps advanced by defeating Forge FC 6-2 on aggregate. This game will also see interim coach Martin Nash face his brother Steve Nash, who is part of the Whitecaps’ ownership group. For Vancouver FC, their cup journey, including penalty shootout wins over Pacific and Cavalry, offers a chance for silverware in a challenging season.