Atlético Ottawa nabbed all three points in a memorable midweek melee. Their second win in a row, the 3-2 result confirmed their place in the CPL playoffs for a third consecutive year.

As in each of their meetings in 2026, Cavalry took an early lead. This time, Eryk Kobza rose highest to meet an Ali Musse corner kick, sending the ball past Christopher Kalongo and putting his team ahead early.

The clubs traded possession and chances throughout the first half, with Ottawa ending the opening 45 with a commanding share of play, but creating little offence.

Former Cavalry man Diego Gutierrez was a thorn in his old club's side, drawing two fouls and conceding three himself. Gutierrez was shown a yellow for a poorly judged effort just before the break.

As the second half got underway, frustration showed for the visitors, as referees showed yellow cards to Harry Paton and Adam Pearlman.

A sloppy quarter-hour from Cavalry allowed the hosts to level the score just before the hour mark. Ottawa's possession dominance allowed Kamron Habibullah to capitalize on a poor rebound from Nathan Ingham in the 58th minute.

Shortly after, in the 72nd minute, Habibullah would add his second of the night. The 22-year-old Uzbek masterfully placed a free kick from just outside the Cavalry box and beat Ingham to the short side.

HAMMERED HOME BY HABIBULLAH

What a hit on the free kick from the @atletiOttawa midfielder, and they are in front against league leaders Cavalry FC! #CPLSoccer pic.twitter.com/HILeSIgbOx

— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) October 1, 2026

This would mark the first time in CPL play that Cavalry have conceded more than one goal in a match since the 2026 season began.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors when Goteh Ntignee received back-to-back yellow cards in the 80th and 81st minutes, sending the winger off and forcing Cavalry to play from behind for the rest of the contest. Needing tactical changes, Cavalry introduced Niko Myroniuk, Mael Henry, and Curtis Ofori.

The away side were given a lifeline when the fourth official held up 13 minutes on the display board when the 90th minute struck. With greater urgency, Cavalry shifted to an attacking scheme and were rewarded almost immediately. Owen Graham-Roache teamed up with Adam Pearlman to win the ball down the right wing, allowing the newly acquired loan player to find Tobias Warschewski in the box, who one-touched his 10th of the season past Kalongo.

Now level, Ottawa would not be satisfied without what they thought were deserved three points. In the 10th minute of added time, a dazzling individual effort by Gabriel Antinoro froze Ingham, preventing the keeper from getting enough of the ball to keep it out and restoring Atlético's advantage.

ANTINORRROOOOOO!!!! 🔥🔥🔥

The @atletiOttawa super sub might have booked the defending champs a spot in the postseason with an incredible late goal!

What. A. Match in Ottawa.#CPLSoccer | 📺: @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/LvTEDMIg9f

— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) October 1, 2026

With the final whistle blown and the victory secured, Atlético Ottawa locked up the third of four playoff positions. They next take the field on October 11, when they travel to the West Coast to face Pacific.

With the loss, Cavalry's 10-match unbeaten streak ends. Moreover, the Cavs fail to distance themselves from Forge in the race for the CPL Shield, but still hold a six-point advantage with one more match played. The Albertan squad will have a chance to get back into the win column when their road trip continues on Saturday against Inter Toronto.