Vancouver FC Shocks Atletico Ottawa with 3-1 Semifinal Victory

BREAKING: Vancouver FC has delivered a stunning upset against Atletico Ottawa, winning 3-1 in the first leg of their Canadian Championship semifinal on August 13, 2025. This unexpected outcome was marked by a decisive goal from Hugo Mbongoe in the 69th minute, securing Vancouver’s lead amidst a fierce match in Hamilton.

The game kicked off with Michel da Silva putting Vancouver ahead just 21 minutes in. However, Ottawa’s Samuel Salter equalized in the 58th minute, raising the stakes for both teams. Vancouver quickly regained momentum as Mbongoe netted the game-winner, followed by a late insurance goal from Nicolás Mezquida in the first minute of injury time.

This victory is particularly notable as Vancouver FC sits at the bottom of the Canadian Premier League standings with a record of 2-11-5. In stark contrast, Atletico Ottawa is performing well, currently battling for the top spot with an impressive record of 11-1-6.

The second leg of this semifinal series is set for September 18, 2025, in Ottawa, where Atletico will aim to overturn the deficit. Meanwhile, earlier on the same day, Forge FC drew 2-2 against Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps, setting the stage for an exciting final stretch in the championship.

Fans and analysts are already buzzing about this unexpected twist in the tournament, with Vancouver’s victory reigniting hope for the underdogs. Stay tuned for updates as the series progresses and see if Vancouver can maintain their momentum or if Ottawa will respond decisively in the return match.

This report reflects the latest developments in an ongoing and exciting Canadian Championship, showcasing the unpredictable nature of sports and the thrill of competition.