CCSG Player Ratings: Matchday 27 @ Forge FC
It’s only been six weeks since the last time I was genuinely excited to write this column, and yet it has felt like an eternity. Atlético Ottawa’s 2-0 win over Forge felt like the team’s most complete performance since their 3-0 win away to Vancouver in July, with the regular-season champions never feeling a real threat to the visitor’s goal. Will some of that be put down to Forge not having much to play for in this fixture, possibly, but to emerge with more wins this season than we had managed against Forge in our entire history prior is a bit of light in an otherwise dreadful last couple of months. The biggest point of emphasis was that we saw what we had wanted to see from this team more than anything, which was a willingness to get forward and push for a greater advantage rather than to be content with what they had. The press was constant in this game, and while it opened up one or two avenues for Forge to sneak something by, there was coordination in defence that prevented anything catastrophic from occurring. It was a complete win, and that deserves celebration, no matter what the opponent was on the day.
#9 Samuel Salter
(7.7): With a little salt sprinkled on top for Forge’s final home game of the season, a rare start for Sam Salter proved fruitful for Atlético Ottawa. The goal he scored, his sixth of the season in all competitions, was a classic poacher’s goal, the likes of which we haven’t seen from many players in an Atléti shirt. Finding a way to lose his marker and pounce on the chance that Koleilat let slip following a deft touch from Amer Didic is exactly the type of goal Atléti needs to score, especially to take control of games like this. Outside of the goal, Salter produced arguably his most complete 90 minutes leading the line for Atlético Ottawa, perhaps bolstered by the formation with a second striker like Tabla playing just behind him. A 60% success rate on duels, relentless pressure from the front, and a couple of successful dribbles all combined to form the success Salter enjoyed against Forge, not to mention drawing the second yellow for Hojabrpour and what should’ve been a red for Daniel Parra. It’s a real boon to have two players that can play this way up top. Del Campo hasn’t quite been at that level recently, but can certainly get back there, and the way the two worked together in the second half shows that there might be some potential to sticking them up top if the rest of the forward line isn’t working as well.
#13 Ballou Tabla
(6.7): While Ballou didn’t match the attacking output of the rest of the front five, his play on Saturday did not totally fall short in ways it had done on a number of occasions this season. Prior to his substitution, he still looked engaged and hungry on the ball when his teammates got it to his feet after turnovers. Yes, he may have only attempted 11 passes in the 64 minutes he played, but those passes looked more dangerous than they have for much of the season. He occupied pockets of space that he had managed to in his recent, successful, performances, and that allowed the rest of the team to put pressure on Forge with their runs. Yes, he still has only scored three times this season, and that certainly falls short of expectations, but at least we’re getting an engaged version of Ballou - the one we saw for much of 2022, rather than the one that was here at the beginning of 2024. Whatever new life has been brought to him is welcome, and if it continues, the lack of threat I thought we would have in the playoffs might not exist.
#19 Rubén Del Campo
(6.8): While he only managed to play 25 minutes, Rubén did still manage to make a pretty significant impact as Atlético Ottawa chased their third goal. The ball he played to a charging Ilias Iliadis late in the game deserved a goal, and the fact that the chance was skied over the bar was terribly disheartening. Between that and the shot on target, there was enough to be happy about for Rubén, even if he didn’t find the score sheet, again. This is the slightly worrisome point, in that Rubén has not managed to score since the penalty against Valour, and that was, obviously, only a penalty. Getting him on the scoresheet against Vancouver to get him in peak form before the playoffs feels important, even if the attacking pieces are rounding into shape regardless.
#7 Kevin dos Santos
(NR): Not much to say for Kevin, as he only stepped onto the field for about a minute or so. Hopefully next year will be a better one for the Portuguese winger, or at least one where he can showcase his talents and not be hampered by injury.
#34 Manny Aparicio
(8.1): More than half of Manny’s goals this season have been headers. It’s weird to type this for a player who, in the words of Adam Jenkins, “is kindly 5 foot 6”. That Manny also somehow missed from within the six-yard box mere minutes after opening the scoring in this game shows that he is playing at the height of his ability, and it’s happening exactly when you would want. The goal was just the tip of the iceberg though, as Manny was ever present in the middle third of the pitch on Saturday. In distribution, he managed to complete 87% of his passes and 83% of his long balls, and he won more than half of the 15 duels he contested. In defence, nine recoveries combined with eight other defensive actions paint the picture of the chaos that Manny best operates under in the middle of the park. Along with the rest of the front five, Manny applied the press more effectively than we’ve seen in a long time, and his aggression in those instances really was the catalyst for that effectiveness. It’s no coincidence Manny played this well in the most complete game this team has had in a while.
#10 Ollie Bassett
(8.8): Not only has it been a while since this team has had a complete game, but it’s also been a long time since both Ollie Bassett and Manny Aparicio have been at their best together in the ATO midfield. The ginger wizard was at his most magical on Saturday, with the attack most often flowing through him and his decision making. The corner that found Manny Aparicio’s head was the standout, but the ball in on the subsequent chance Manny missed at the back post was equally as delicious. In all, by himself Ollie created four chances, which was as many as Forge created as a team. Alongside those created chances, Ollie made 14 passes into the final third, completed 94% of those passes, and was perfect on the seven long balls he attempted. With three interceptions, two won tackles, and a 60% success rate on duels, it’s hard to argue that this wasn’t Ollie’s most complete game of the season. For someone that had been struggling for confidence in recent weeks, it’s clear that is no longer an issue.
#33 Abou Sissoko
(7.3): Having been left out of the starting XI last week for Liberman Torres, the Ecuadorian’s suspension necessitated Sissoko’s return to the side, and thankfully he was back to the better version of himself as the true pivot of the midfield. Four defensive actions and a 66% success rate on duels demonstrates how much better the Atlético Ottawa midfielder played in comparison to his opposite number. The most intriguing stat for me though, was that Sissoko managed to draw four fouls in the game while not giving away a single free kick himself. Being in control of the midfield is more than just being able to distribute and cut off distribution. There needs to be a certain level of individual confidence and the willingness of Sissoko to step up in the circumstances that require it is an essential part to making this particular midfield three work. Of course, that confidence comes from the faith he has in the five men behind him, and when the chances really aren’t coming for the opponent, it’s a little bit easier to be involved in every aspect of the match.
#22 Matteo de Brienne
(7.6): With no out and out left winger in the starting XI, Matteo had a full plate in managing the entire left flank in both attack and defence. He should have been rewarded with an assist for the wonderful cross that led to Atlético Ottawa’s second goal of the game. Instead, he’ll have to settle for the extremely positive rating I’m giving to him for the umpteenth time this season. Matteo was involved far more than he has been over the course of the season, with 69 touches and 48 attempted passes, both being significantly higher than his season averages. That involvement wasn’t just for activity’s sake either - he was dynamic in getting forward, but also making the right decisions when retaining possession. This manifested in six passes into the final third, two chances created, and a shot on target that was well held by Koleilat. Defensively, he was his usual self, winning all three of the tackles he attempted, and winning five of the seven duels he contested. Basically, it was more of the same level we have come to expect from Matteo.
#3 Jesús Del Amo
(7): The second start for Jesús del Amo was indicative of a player that’s finally grown into the role he expected to play after having to fight for that spot upon signing with the team. There’s still some work to be done, of course, but the 25-year-old is showing a calm presence to the left of Amer Didic in the three centre backs that line the ATO defence. It’s not the best look that a defender loses all three of the duels they contest in a game, but given he didn’t have to make any tackles suggests that positioning and discipline are not significant issues for Jesús, which, given who stands next to him, is really all we need from our wider centre backs. Additionally, that positional awareness is key as Matteo looks to roam forward as the left wing back, and Manny Aparicio is the centre midfielder directly ahead of him in the formation. Would I rather he be a bit stronger in challenges, and a bit better in distributing the ball forward? Of course, but he’s doing a job thus far, and for a late season addition, that’s more than enough.
#55 Amer Didic
(7.4): Five clearances, three interceptions, and 96% pass accuracy. It feels like Amer Didic could do all of this in his sleep at this point. The only reason he may fall behind his competitors in the duel statistics he’s presently near the top of the league in is because Forge didn’t contest anything against him on Saturday. No aerial or ground duels for the 29-year-old centre back in the full 90 minutes, and no need to attempt any tackles either. Once again, he came agonizingly close to hammering home a free kick from distance, as he clattered the long-distance effort against the base of the right post. It was a complete defensive effort and the man in the middle felt like he didn’t need to lift a finger.
#5 Luke Singh
(6.8): Luke Singh’s first start in five games was about what we’ve come to expect from the loanee from Toronto FC. A couple of inspiring moments, with a couple of really frustrating ones alongside of them - the most frustrating example being the lashing out at Alexander Achinioiti-Jonsson which could have, and probably should have, resulted in a much more severe punishment had Marie-Soleil Beaudoin not been feeling generous in the wake of missing Daniel Parra punching Sam Salter in the gut. Much like Del Amo, Luke lost all of the duels he contested, but still did end up with five defensive actions, though two of those were fouls he committed. With Tyr Walker potentially on the sidelines next week, it’ll be interesting to see how the team lines up given Luke will be suspended for yellow card accumulation. Will we shift back to four in defence or are we going to keep going with the five defenders that has worked in certain ways despite our consternation with the lack of attacking prowess.
#2 Zachary Roy
(6.9): Given the task of playing out the remaining U21 minutes for this team in the wake of the injury to Tyr Walker, Zach Roy did not look out of place on Saturday. Unfortunately, Zach has been a player that has not been afforded the opportunities to demonstrate his ability in the three years he’s been with Atlético Ottawa. Much of that, from what I can see, has been put down to him needing to be better defensively. There were signs of that growth on Saturday, for sure. With Nana Ampomah as his opposite number, Zach managed to limit him well, also having to deal with Daniel Parra on occasion. In all, the 21-year-old managed to win four of six duels, had an interception, and won a couple of free kicks. He wasn’t overly involved offensively, perhaps as a way of making sure he could handle his defensive responsibilities, but he still managed to provide a threat on occasion. It’s taken a significant circumstance to get him in position to show his talent, and it is there, it’s just it might be a bit too late for him to take full advantage of this.
#15 Maxim Tissot
(NR): With his 60th appearance officially recorded, Max Tissot has one final regular season game to play in his long career. Next week may have a more complete retrospective on what he’s done for us, but it’s nice to see him be able to go out on his own terms, even if the injuries certainly played a bit of a role.
#96 Ilias Iliadis
(NR): Playing a tad further up the pitch than he has been in recent weeks, Ilias Iliadis wasted a glorious chance late in this game. Frankly, it would have been unforgiveable had the score not been what it was, and had Forge not been brought down to ten men. Outside of that, there really isn’t enough to judge him on. Perhaps playing at centre back for so long had thrown him out of whack when it comes to his finishing. With Tyr Walker hurt, the back 5 is going to be an interesting thing to watch if he isn’t made available. Will Carlos González be comfortable playing with two left footed centrebacks?
#8 Dani Morer
(6.6): While I assume that Morer has only been replaced in the starting XI because of U21 minute requirements, I don’t think that the team looked all too different with him in or out of the lineup. He can still contribute positively to the team, but the lack of physical prowess in that position certainly makes a difference in how it impacts the game. Winning 20% of your duels while only playing 27 minutes is not the look you want to give. His ability on the ball is still not in question, it’s just a matter of if he can cement himself defensively that will make me confident he’s the best option of our three right wing backs.
#29 Nathan Ingham
(6.6): There was a bit of consternation when Nate came out well into the midfield third to clear a Forge long ball, but other than that, the ATO keeper didn’t really need to do anything else on Saturday. As a goalkeeper, and as a fan, there must not be many better feelings in the sport than to have your team essentially limit any chances that the opposing team has. It’s been a common thread in recent weeks that ATO’s opponents have had very few chances to put the ball in the back of the net, but until now they’ve capitalized at least once every game. This week, that defensive aptitude finally got their goalkeeper his sixth clean sheet of the season.
Unfortunately, we do not control our own destiny when it comes to second place. We’re going to need some help from Valour in order to sneak into the first vs. second semi final and have a much better chance at continental football in February. That chance is still there though, as the team had a complete 90 minutes for the first time in a very long time. There is a confidence that seems to be bubbling back to the surface which mirrors the opening nine game unbeaten stretch that began this season. Vancouver next week will prove a vital test to see if this team can carry the momentum they’ve built from this game against Forge into the playoffs. Hopefully, given our record against York under Carlos González, we’ll see an opponent against whom we matchup well. Playoff football is coming back to TD Place, which cannot be understated, and it won’t be happening on a Wednesday night, which also cannot be understated in terms of getting people to come out for the game. Next week will hopefully bring another three points, if only to finally see this team finish with more than half the possible points earned at home in a season. But more importantly, to celebrate the career of Max Tissot and all of the good things that happened this season, even if the last month has felt like an eternity and like the beginning of the year never happened at all.
About Patrick
Having joined CCSG in 2022, Patrick started his footie career playing at the age of 4 and began watching the pros around the same time. While the first pro team he supported was Manchester United, as soon as Atlético Ottawa came to town, he was immediately on board. His wealth of footie knowledge has been a constant asset, along with his role as caretaker for Atléti Wikipedia pages.
