Sports Spectacle

01/30/2023

Super-Sub Larin Opens Goal Account On Valladolid Debut

Canadian forward Cycle Larin has opened his goal account on his debut for his new Spanish La Liga club, Real Valladolid beating Valencia 1-0 on Sunday.

The Brampton-born striker came on as second half substitute for Spanish forward Sergio Leon in the 76th minute and scoring the only goal that made the difference on the stroke of 90 minutes in the epic encounter.

In January 2023, Larin was loaned to La Liga side Valladolid for the remainder of the season, with an option to buy.

11/13/2022

The die is cast!!!! Canada ready for Qatar FIFA World Cup. 🇨🇦⚽️💪 O Canada!!!!

10/31/2022

New Champions: Forge FC Beat Atletico Ottawa To Clinch 2022 CPL Title

By Tunji Balogun

Hamilton club Forge FC have been crowned the 2022 Canadian Premier League (CPL) champions after beating bitter rival Atletico Ottawa 2-0 at the full capacity TD Place Stadium, Ottawa on Sunday.

Central midfielder Alessandro Hojabrpour made the difference by scoring again in his second consecutive Canadian Premier League final, thereby helping his club Forge FC to beat Atletico Ottawa.

Hojabrpour netted the goal from a free-kick header, putting the Hamilton side ahead in the 28th minute as they ended 1-0 at halftime.

Atletico Ottawa goalkeeper, Nathan Ingham made a huge double saves in the second half to deny Forge FC their second goal, as they kept asking the question looking dangerous to double the lead.

Luck finally ran out for Atletico Ottawa as they later conceded the second goal with another club midfielder David Choiniere who doubled the lead from the right flank in the 78th minute to end the game 2-0 at full time.

With the 2-0 victory Forge FC have won the championship three times in four years. Meanwhile Pacific FC won the 2021 edition after defeating Forge FC 1–0 to claim their first ever CPL title.

10/30/2022

Watch out for this rising star in the making. Opeyemi Ajakaye. 🇳🇬⚽️🔥

10/30/2022

10/30/2022

The Gunners seriously on fire🔥👍 Arsenal 5-0 Nottingham Forest. It’s party time for the Premier League leaders.

10/24/2022

Countdown to October 30, all roads lead to Ottawa

10/24/2022

Forge FC Setup Big Playoffs Final Clash With Atletico Ottawa

Hamilton club Forge FC on Sunday defeated visiting Cavalry FC 2-1 in the second leg, claiming 3-2 aggregate win in the semi final clash of the Canadian Premier League Playoffs, thereby setting up a mouth watering final battle with regular season champions Atletico Ottawa FC.

Left winger David Choiniere opened the scoring from close range for the hosts in the right flank 69th minute in the second half before Canadian forward Woobens Pacius doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.

New Zealand international striker Myer Bevan reduced the goal tally by giving the visitors something to lash on in the 78th minute. The goal was not good enough to salvage the moment as the game ended 2-1 in favour of The Hammers.

Earlier in the game the two teams were reduced to 10-men after the duo of Kyle Bekker of Forge FC and David Norman Jr. of Cavalry FC got red-carded in the 43rd and 45th minutes respectively.

Regular season champions, Atletico Ottawa are on the brink of clinching a double trophy this year, and landing their first ever playoffs final ticket after recording 1-1 draw, and 3-1 aggregate win against Pacific FC.

10/09/2022

Cavalry Edge Pacific FC As Atletico Ottawa Crowned CPL Regular Season Champions

By Tunji Balogun

Cavalry FC put up another excellent performance by recording late winner against visiting Pacific FC in their last Canadian Premier League (CPL) regular season game at the ATCO Field Foothills County, Calgary Alberta on Saturday.

Canadian left-winger, Benjamin Anthony Fisk became the hero for The Cavs after striking the late goal, capitalizing on Pacific goalkeeping error to tap home from a close range in the 89th minute.

Elsewhere in the game played earlier, bottom placed FC Edmonton defeated Winnipeg Manitoba side 3-1 at home in another CPL encounter to wind down the regular season, thereby giving their darling fans something to cheer after the disappointing season.

More importantly, Atletico Ottawa FC are crowned the 2022 CPL regular season champions, ahead of their tomorrow’s home clash against York United FC.

Meanwhile, with the current CPL standing, the top four clubs namely Atletico Ottawa, Cavalry FC, Pacific FC and Hamilton side Forge FC have already booked their tickets for the upcoming CPL Playoffs in October.

10/02/2022

Fabulous Alli Musse’s Goal Fires Cavalry FC TO 2022 CPL Playoffs

By Tunji Balogun

Fleet-footed forward, Ali Musse became the hero after scoring the goal that landed Cavalry FC the 2022 Canadian Premier League Playoffs spot in their 2-1 win against their closest rival Valour FC at the ATCO Field Foothills County, Calgary, Alberta on Sunday.

Irish forward Joe Mason opened scoring after redirecting Ali Musse’s header to give the hosts a decisive lead in the 39th minute as the game ended 1-0 at halftime in favour of Cavalry.

Quite early into the second half, Billy Forbes equalized for Valour from a close range header to make it 1-1 in the 48th minute.

But Ali Musse surprisingly provided the magical moment with a left footed stunning strike outside the box late in the 81st minute to qualify The Cavs for the 2022 CanPL Playoffs which kicks-off early October.

With today's 2-1 win it also means defending champions, Pacific FC are playoffs bound ahead of their Wednesday’s fixtures against Forge FC at the Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.

10/02/2022

David’s Strike Fails To Save Lille Against 10-Man Lorient

Canada’s in-form striker, Jonathan David put his name on the score-sheet again for his club Lille Olympique Sporting Club, but the goal failed to make impact as they lost 2-1 to FC Lorient in the French Ligue 1 clash decided on Sunday.

French utility defender, Bafode Diakite scored an own goal to put Lorient in the lead less than 10 minutes into the game as it ended 1-0 at halftime.

Jonathan David got the equalizer for the visitors from Jonathan Bamba’s assist later in the 78th minute, before French left-back Theo Le Bris netted the match winner for Lorient latr in the 87th minute to finally end the game 2-1 at full time.

Midway into the second half Lorient was reduced to 10-men after Burkina Faso forward, Dango Quattara got himself dismissed from the game picking the second yellow for his malicious tackle in the 62nd minute.

With the 2-1 loss at Lorient, David has so far registered his sixth goal in the ongoing 2022/2023 French Ligue 1 season.

09/25/2022

Rampant Atletico Ottawa Beat Cavalry At Home, Clinch Maiden CPL Playoffs Spot

By Tunji Balogun

For the first time in the club’s history Atletico Ottawa have booked their place in the upcoming 2022 Canadian Premier League Playoffs by defeating close rival Cavalry FC 1-3 in match-day 26 fixtures at the ATCO Field Foothills County, Calgary, Alberta on Saturday.

Canadian winger Ballou Tabla opened scoring from a powerful volley outside the box less than five minutes into the game, thereby netting his sixth goal of the season in the colours of Ottleti.

Fleet-footed forward, Brian Wright extended the lead for the visitors from a close range less than 10 minutes into the second half, making it count in the 54th minute.

Honduras midfielder Jose Escalante reduced the goal tally from the penalty spot for Cavalry in the 78th minute, before Malcom Shaw finished off another brilliant strike at the edge of the box late in the 87th minute to finally leave scores 1-3 at full time.

With the 1-3 away win, Atletico Ottawa extended their lead on the CPL table with 45 points from 26 games, while Cavalry FC still remained in second position with 41 points from same number of matches played so far in the current season.

Meanwhile, Atletico Ottawa emerged the first club to qualify for the CPL playoffs which kicks-off in October.

09/18/2022

Atletico Ottawa Hold Valour FC To Reclaim CPL Top Spot

Atletico Ottawa FC put up another fantastic show by holding Valour FC to 1-1 draw in their Canadian Premier League clash at the IG Field, Winnipeg Manitoba Ottawa on Sunday.

Haitian centre-back Andrew Jean-Baptiste opened scoring for Atletico Ottawa from a corner kick to give the home team the lead in the 68 minute after the first half had ended scoreless.

Northern Irish attacking midfielder Ollie Bassett equalized from impossible angle corner flag in the 78th minute to help silence the home crowd and also shooting Ottleti back at the top.

Ollie Bassett won the Gatorade Performance of the Match for scoring the crucial goal that provided the equalizer against Winnipeg Manitoba side as the CPL Playoff beckons.

Atletico Ottawa are back on top of the CPL table with 42 points from 25 games, followed closely by Cavalry FC with 41 points from same number of matches played so far in the ongoing season.

09/18/2022

CPL ‘Al Classico’: Cavalry Beat City Rival FC Edmonton To Go Top

By Tunji Balogun

Cavalry FC are back on top of the Canadian Premier League following their 0-1 win against city rival FC Edmonton in derby clash tagged ‘Al Classico’ on Saturday at the Clarke Stadium Edmonton, Alberta.

Irish centre forward, Joseph Mason became the hero after scoring the only goal that made the difference for The Cavs in the 57th minute to help his side take maximum three points in the game.

Cavalry completed the total dominance of the AL Classico in the ongoing CPL season after defeated The Eddies 3-1 during the first leg meeting at the ATCO Field Foothills County, Alberta in June.

With 0-1 away win Cavalry FC returned to the CPL summit with 41 points from 25 games.

Meanwhile 31-year-old Joe Mason picked the Gatorade Performance of the Match for scoring the only goal in the game.

09/18/2022

Jonathan David Inspires Lille To Victory Against Toulouse

Canada soccer star Jonathan David inspired his club Lille Olympique Sporting Club to 2-1 win against Toulouse FC in match-day eight of the French Ligue 1 clash at Decathlon Arena-Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Saturday.

David opened scoring five minutes into the game as the game ended 1-0 at halftime. French midfielder, Fares Thaibi later equalized for the visitors in the 48th minute.

Five minutes later, Algerian forward, Adam Qunas netted the match winner for Lille in the 53rd minute as the game finally ended 2-1 at regulation time.

With the 2-1 home win Lille currently occupy sixth position on the table with 13 points from eighth games.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Canadian forward has so far scored five goals for the Les Dogues in the ongoing 2022/2023 French Ligue 1 season.

09/16/2022

Yes WeCan Canada is ready!!!!!

Your Squad is Here! 🍁

Canada will take on Qatar and Uruguay in two international friendlies on 23 September in Vienna and 27 September in Bratislava respectively.

09/06/2022

The Canadian Premier League (CPL) Standings

09/04/2022

CPL: Brett Levis Strike Lifts Valour Against Forge FC

Canadian midfielder Brett Levis scored the only goal for his club Valour FC in their 1-0 win against visiting Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League clash at the IG Field, Winnipeg, Manitoba on Sunday.

Quite interestingly, Brett Levis scored from a close range late in the 73rd minute to give his club the crucial win against their closest rival in their battle to qualify for the upcoming CPL Playoffs.

Against all expectations, as the game was almost wrapping up Alessandro Riggi picked up second yellow and was subsequently shown red card late in the 93rd minute, leaving Valour to end the game with 10-men.

With the 1-0 win, Valour moved up to fourth position on the table with 36 points from 23 games while Forge FC currently occupy third spot with same 36 points from 22 round of matches in the ongoing CPL season.

It is the fifth straight match that Hamilton club Forge FC has gone without a win and third straight game without a goal in the CPL this season.

Meanwhile, goal scorer, Brett Levis picked up the Performance of the Match for scoring the only goal of the game at the IG Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

09/04/2022

Jonathan David Fires Brace As Lille Beat 10-Man Montpellier

Red-hot Canadian forward, Jonathan David scored twice for his club Lille OSC 1-3 away win against Montpellier in their French Ligue 1 clash at the Stade de la Mosson on Sunday.

French forward, Sepe Elye Wahi opened scoring for Montpellier 20 minutes into the game before David got the equalizer for his side in the 41st minute to end the game 1-1 at halftime.

English attacking midfielder, Angel Gomes extended the lead for Lille from Remy Cabella’s assist in the 57th minute, while Jonathan David completed the goals for the visitors late in the added minutes to finally end the game 1-3 at full time.

Earlier in the game, Montpellier was reduced to 10-men after French midfielder; Valere Germain was shown straight red for his malicious tackle just before the halftime whistle.

With the 1-3 win result the 22-year-old Canadian has netted four goals so far in the ongoing 2022/2023 French Ligue1 football season.

09/04/2022

Resurgent York United Comeback To Beat Pacific, Keeps CPL Playoffs Hope Alive

By Tunji Balogun

Toronto club York United FC secured vital 1-3 away win against Pacific FC in the Canadian Premier League clash decided at the Starlight Stadium Langford, British Columbia on Saturday.

Canadian defender Kunle Dada-Luke opened scoring for the home side Pacific with a right footed volley inside the box in the 31st minute.

Syrian forward, Molham Babouli responded with a timely equalizer by tapping home the equalizer for York United in the 48th minute of the epic encounter.

Goal poacher Osaze De Rosario increased the tally for The Nine Stripes was rightly positioned to give the visitors decisive lead in the 57th minute.

Colombia attacking midfielder, Sebastian Gutierrez put the icing on the cake with his brilliant finish in the 81st minute to ensure The Tridents were beaten at home against all odds.

With the 1-3 away win, York United succeeded in keeping hope alive for the CPL Playoffs which is expected to takeoff late October.

Meanwhile, York United attacker, Kevin dos Santos picked the Gatorade Performance of the Match award for his contribution towards his side win in the away clash at the Starlight Stadium.

09/03/2022

Super-Sub Umar Sadiq Scores On Sociedad Debut

Super Eagles striker, Sadiq Umar opened his account on his Real Sociedad debut n their 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish La Liga Santander on Saturday.

Spanish striker, Alvaro Morata opened scoring for the Madrid side quite early in the fifth minute before Sadiq levelled scores in the 55th minute.

The 25-year-old striker came on as second half substitute for Norwegian striker, Alexander Sorloth in the 46th minute and got the goal nine minutes later in the 55th minute.

Sadiq recently joined Real Sociedad September 1, 2022 until the end of the 2027–28 season for The White and Blues.

08/28/2022

Rocco Romeo Strike Lifts Valour FC Against Pacific In CPL Clash

By Tunji Balogun

Canadian centre-back Rocco Romeo recorded the only goal as Valour FC secured vital 1-0 home win against visiting Pacific FC in match-day 21 Canadian Premier League clash at the IG Field Winnipeg, Manitoba on Sunday.

Solid rock defender Rocco Romeo netted the goal from a close range after Pacific defenders failed to clear the line from the corner kick in the 63rd minute.

Midway in the first half big chance from midfielder Brett Levis was thwarted as he fired it over the bar rolling towards the back of the net in the 37th minute.

New Zealanders midfielder, Moses Dyer had an open strike on net but the Pacific goalkeeper came to the rescue with another big save in the 61st minute.

With the slim 1-0 win, Valour FC maintains fifth position on the table with 30 points from 21 games, while Pacific FC still retain fourth spot with 35 points from same number of matches in the ongoing CPL season.

08/18/2022

CPL: Atletico Ottawa Secure Vital Home Win Against HFX Wanderers

By Tunji Balogun

Atletico Ottawa FC put up another superlative show by defeating visiting HFX Wanderers FC 3-2 in the Canadian Premier League clash at the TD Place Ottawa on Wednesday.

Canadian attacking midfielder, Keven Aleman opened scoring from an impossible angle to put Atletico in front 21 minutes into the game, as the game ended 1-0 at halftime.

Left-back Maxim Tissot doubled the lead for the hosts after receiving a connective pass inside the box following a massive build up from the midfield. He wasted no time as he put the ball behind the net less than eight minutes into the second half in the 52nd minute.

Few minutes later, Pierre Lamothe put the visitors back into reckoning by beating Atletico Ottawa goalkeeper reducing the goal tally in the 58th minute.

Atletico conceded late penalty and centre forward Sam Salter netted the equalizer as he converted the penalty for HFX Wanderers sending the goalkeeper the wrong way in the added minutes.

In a dramatic fashion, as the game was almost rounding off, Spanish left-back Ivan Perez scored the match winner at the death. The assistant referee initially ruled the goal out for offside, but the centre referee later made it count as the game finally ended 3-2 in favour of Atletico Ottawa.

With the 3-2 win Atletico Ottawa moved up to third spot but shared same 35 points with leaders at the top Forge FC and Pacific FC respectively.

08/15/2022

Costa Rica 2022: Nigeria’s Falconets Beat Korea Republic To Top Group C, Qualify For Quarter-Finals

Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, Falconets have reached the last eight of the 10th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals ongoing in Costa Rica after another gutsy performance saw them take all three points from Korea Republic in a 1-0 win in Alajuela.

The top-of-the-table clash was highly anticipated as both teams knew a win would take them to the tournament’s quarter-finals, both having won their respective first games of the tournament. Korea Republic were top of the log on goal difference, having defeated Canada 2-0, after the Falconets had beaten France 1-0 on Friday morning.

There was little to choose between the two teams until midfielder Esther Onyenezide’s fierce curling shot flew past Yoonji Do for the only goal of the match in the 83rd minute.

Hayeon Mu missed from a corner kick and Garam Chun hit the upright from a free-kick, but Nigeria managed to keep things tight at the back even as energetic Mercy Idoko, Onyenezide and Bashirat Amoo worked tirelessly in the middle.

In the 54th minute, Onyenezide’s rasping shot from the right side was parried away by Do, and 10 minutes later, it was the turn of Oyono Omini, in goal for Nigeria, to parry away a fierce 25 –yard shot unleashed by Eunyoung Lee.

Effervescent midfielder Onyenezide would have the last word, curling a fierce shot past Do with only seven minutes to go to send Africa’s best team into the quarter-finals.

The Falconets still have to play Canada in the early hours of Thursday, but they surely would already be looking at possible quarter-final opponents from Group D.

Cup holders Japan, The Netherlands, USA and Africa’s other flagbearers Ghana make up Group D.

08/14/2022

Awoniyi: It Was A dream For Me To Open EPL Goal Account

Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed great happiness after scoring his first Premier League goal for his new club Nottingham Forest in their 1-0 home win against West Ham at the City Ground, Nottingham on Sunday.

Awoniyi’s first-half goal handed the EPL newcomers their 1-0 win over West Ham, the former Union Berlin striker registered his goal late in the first half, thereby making the difference in a dramatic fashion for the home team.

Speaking shortly after the game, Awoniyi was filled with positivity for the season ahead after helping his side to their first win. "I’m really happy about the goal; it was a dream for me to score and for the team to win,” the 25-year-old striker said.

Also for Nottingham Forest in the game, Welsh winger Brennan Johnson thought he had doubled his side's advantage early into the second half, dinking over the onrushing Fabianski, but VAR ruled the strike out for offside.

But soon after Hammers goalkeeper Fabianski expressed his frustration at the result after the game. He said: "We are very frustrated.

"We knew it was going to be tough. We were expecting a big battle and that was how it was from the first minute. They were better than us in the first half but second half we had much better chances."

"I probably had the worst view [of the disallowed goal] on the pitch. The boys were very disappointed. Michail Antonio said the defender blocked him rather than him pushing him away."

"Every goal you concede is frustrating. We got out-played in an area of the box. We were still trying to defend it but the clearance wasn't ideal. It looked scrappy."

"I think we are very experienced in the Premier League. Sometimes you get punished for little things and maybe that is what happened today. We didn't take our chances and let in a soft goal. In the first half Forest were more dominant than us."

Awoniyi completed a move On 25 June 2022 to newly promoted Premier League side Nottingham Forest on a five-year deal. The transfer fee paid was a club record for Forest, reportedly £17 million.

08/13/2022

CPL: Cantave’s Late Winner Seals Cavalry Victory Against Forge FC

Midfield dynamo Mikael Cantave grabbed late winner to help his club, Cavalry FC secure vital 2-1 win against table toppers Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League clash Friday night at the ATCO Field Foothills County in Alberta.

The Cavs opened scoring through Joe Mason from Jose Escalante connective pass less than seven minutes into the game as the game ended 1-0 at halftime.

Former Toronto FC forward Jordan Hamilton equalized for Forge FC from a close range in the 82nd minute, before Miki Cantave netted the goal that broke the camel’s back with the match decider on the stroke of 90 minutes.

In a dramatic fashion after a ball to the back post was headed back into the six yard box by Escalante, Miki Cantave put it in the back of the net from close range to earn all three points for his side.

With the 2-1 win Cavalry bounced back to winning ways after losing four of their last five matches. The team move to second spot on the table with 34 points from 20 game played so far in the ongoing CPL season.

08/12/2022

Classy Falconets Pip France In Costa Rica 2022 Group Opener

Two-time runners-up Nigeria overcame torrential rain, an hour’s delay and more rain to defeat Europe’s top team France 1-0 in the opening match of Group C at the 10th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica on Friday.

Stormy conditions in San Jose, capital of the central American country, made fluid football impossible from the start, but midfield lubricator Esther Onyenezide still caused panic in the French team’s vital area with an intelligent free kick after only seven minutes.

Mexican referee Francia Gonzales opted to stop the game in the 20th minute as a tropical rainstorm made visibility impossible for both the combatants and the umpire. The game’s suspension lasted exactly one hour.

Eight minutes after resumption, Magnaba Folquet had to desperately head the ball away from goal as Nigeria pushed forward. However, within two minutes as the first half wound down, Nigeria skipper Oluwatosin Demehin and France defender Kysha Sylla were cautioned – a measure of the intensity of the battle.

In the second half, both teams fought even harder. Two minutes before the hour mark, Mercy Idoko just failed to connect properly at the tail end of a sweet team move, and 20 minutes from time, goalkeeper Oyono Omini provided a critical block in the vital area as France surged forward.

In the 72nd minute, substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu was hindered from getting anything positive as Flourish Sabastine got a cross into the French vital area. The game flowed from end to end as both teams attacked with zest and defended with resolution.

Substitute Jade Nassi thought she had put France ahead when she slotted home from a goalmouth melee that followed a corner kick in the 80th minute, but referee Gonzales consulted the Video Assistant Referee which correctly ruled out the strike for a foul on Omini.

Five minutes later, Nigeria got the goal that their push, effort and enterprise deserved when Flourish Sabastine, top scorer for the Falconets in the African qualifying series, raced onto a brilliant Mercy Idoko pass, kept her composure and slotted past goalkeeper Marie-Morgane Sieber with some flourish.

The Falconets’ next game is on Sunday against Korea Republic at the Estadio Alajuela Morera Soto. Victory in that game will automatically assure Nigeria of a place in the tournament’s quarter-finals.

08/07/2022

Ballou Tabla Scores Twice As Atletico Ottawa Beat FC Edmonton

Fast-paced winger, Ballou Tabla netted a brace for his club Atletico Ottawa FC in their 2-1 home win against bottom placed FC Edmonton in match-day 18 of the Canadian Premier League clash on Sunday.

Tabla broke the deadlock for Atletico with a near-post left-footed shot in the 70th minute after the first-half have ended scoreless between the two teams.

Less than five minutes of play Ballou Tabla added his second goal of the game from a connective pass at the edge of the box to light up The TD Place with another strike in the 75th minute.

Although the game was disturbed by bad weather condition in Ottawa, but German forward, Tobias Warschewski pulled one back for the visitors, the goal was not enough to make the difference as they tasted another defeat on the road losing 2-1 to Atletico Ottawa.

With the 2-1 win, Atletico Ottawa moved to third spot having same 32 points with second position club Pacific FC with better goal difference. On the other hand, FC Edmonton still maintains their bottom placed position with 11 points from 19 games.