The Gatorade Team of the Week for the twenty-seventh week of Canadian Premier League action in 2024, brought to you by Kristian Jack and OneSoccer’s Oliver Platt.
Goalkeeper
Sean Melvin (Pacific FC)
Melvin came up big in Pacific’s most important match of the season to date, making three saves in a 2-1 victory over York United, including a crucial kick save on Shola Jimoh to keep the Tridents in the match.
Sean Melvin with an absolutely massive stop, that is tonight's @allstatecanada Save of the Match 🧤#CanPL pic.twitter.com/GixZXeGo0f
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) October 11, 2024
Defenders
Kunle Dada-Luke (Pacific FC)
Dada-Luke put in an incredible tackle late against York United which not only prevented a York counterattack but also created Pacific’s match-winner goal. The fullback also won three of four duels and made a pair of interceptions.
Amer Didić (Altético Ottawa)
Didić was dominant at the back on Saturday against Forge. The central defender made three interceptions and five clearances as Atleti became the first visiting team in a year to pick up a clean sheet at Tim Hortons Field. He also completed 47 of 49 passes.
Callum Montgomery (Cavalry FC)
Montgomery’s first Canadian Premier League goal stood as the winner on Saturday night as Cavalry defeated Halifax 2-1. He also won three of four duels in the air, made two interceptions and three clearances.
Matteo de Brienne (Atlético Ottawa)
De Brienne put in a dynamic display at Tim Hortons Field on Saturday, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He won five of seven duels, and won three tackles.
Midfielders
Ollie Bassett (Atlético Ottawa)
The 2022 Canadian Premier League Player of the Year had arguably his best performance of the campaign to date in a dominant display against Forge FC on Saturday. Bassett set up Atleti’s opening goal, and created four chances during a stellar playmaking display. He also completed 59 of 63 passes.
Manny Aparicio (Altético Ottawa)
Aparicio opened the scoring on his third headed goal of the season, and was exceptional in midfield through Saturday’s contest at Tim Hortons Field. He won possession nine times, including twice in the final third, and could have easily been on the scoresheet more as he consistently got himself into dangerous areas in the box.
Manny Aparicio gives @atletiOttawa the lead from a set piece!#CanPL I 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/7PpEBLjE2d
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) October 12, 2024
Ali Musse (Cavalry FC)
Just about the only thing Musse didn’t do on Saturday was put the ball in the back of the net as he created three big chances for himself on five shots, one of which struck the post. He also created two chances and completed 22 of 23 passes during a dynamic offensive performance.
Samuel Salter (Atlético Ottawa)
Starting in place of Golden Boot leader Rubén del Campo, Salter repaid his coach’s faith with an outstanding display against Forge. He showed good reaction to tap in a rebound for Ottawa’s second goal, and had five touches in the box, leading the line incredibly well.
Tobias Warschewski (Cavalry FC)
Warschewski scored his tenth goal of the season to open the scoring against the Halifax Wanderers on Saturday. He also created two chances and completed four dribbles during an electric performance.
Tobias Warschewski gives @CPLCavalryFC the lead!
He is now just one goal back in the Golden Boot race 👀#CanPL I 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/OxIJ5WV0HX
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) October 13, 2024
Forwards
Reon Moore (Pacific FC)
If Pacific FC make the playoff this year, Reon Moore’s late brace against York United in a comeback 2-1 victory on Thursday night will be seen as one of the biggest moments in the Tridents’ season.