The Gatorade Team of the Week for the first week of Canadian Premier League action in 2025, brought to you by Kristian Jack and OneSoccer’s Oliver Platt.
Goalkeeper
Jassem Koleilat (Forge FC)
Koleilat was outstanding in preserving Forge’s victory, and a clean sheet, in their season-opening 1-0 win over Cavalry on Saturday. He made six saves, including a stunning stop on a header from 2024 CPL Golden Boot winner Tobias Warschewski.
What a save from @ForgeFCHamilton's Jassem Koleilat to deny Tobias Warchewski
#CanPL |
Watch LIVE on @onesoccer & TSN 2 pic.twitter.com/gqoU8FpPtz
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) April 5, 2025
Defenders
Kadin Chung (Pacific FC)
In his return to the Island, Chung was spectacular. The full-back won all five of his tackles, made 11 clearances and won 7 of 8 duels while completing 90.6 per cent of his passes in his side’s 2-0 victory over Valour.
Dan Nimick (Forge FC)
Nimick played a key role in Forge’s 1-0 victory over Cavalry FC on Saturday with several important defensive interventions. He finished with five of eight duels won, including three of five in the air, and two interceptions.
Juan Quintana (Pacific FC)
The Colombian central defender put in a dominant display to help Pacific keep a clean sheet against Valour. He won seven of eight duels, won three tackles and made a stunning 16 clearances for the Tridents.
Marko Jevremović (Forge FC)
Jevremović’s ability to get forward down the left flank was critical to Forge’s attack on Saturday. He set up Mo Babouli’s winner with a lovely cross, one of seven he played during the match with three chances created. Defensively, he won nine of 13 duels.
Midfielders
Ronan Kratt (Pacific FC)
Kratt’s stunning goal in the 30th minute against Valour on Saturday is an early candidate for the league’s goal of the season. The Pacific attacker also played a big role in the team’s opening goal, and had three shots, all on target.
GOAL
#CanPL. BANGERS. ONLY.
Ronan Kratt fools Jonathan Viscosi with an unbelievable first-time volley to double @PacificFCCPL’s lead!
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) April 6, 2025
Elijah Adekugbe (York United)
York United’s captain was the engine of his side in their 2-0 victory over Vancouver FC on Saturday. He completed 90.7 per cent of his passes, created three chances and won possession eight times.
David Rodríguez (Atlético Ottawa)
In his debut for Atlético Ottawa, Rodríguez was nothing short of brilliant. He scored the club’s first goal of the season, and constantly created dangerous opportunities throughout the 90 minutes, finishing with four shot attempts, 13 touches in the Halifax box and five chances created.
Sean Rea (Halifax Wanderers)
Rea opened his account for 2025 with a lovely turning effort in the 47th minute. One of the CPL’s top creative midfielders, he demonstrated why against Ottawa, creating three chances and making 18 passes in the final third.
Forwards
Julian Altobelli (York United)
After coming off the bench in the 65th minute against Vancouver FC, Altobelli made an instant impact, scoring with his first touch less than a minute after joining the match. He added a second in the 84th minute to complete a brilliant debut performance for the Nine Stripes.
GOAL
Julian Altobelli is at it again! He gets his brace to double @yorkutdfc’s lead and get closer to the 3 points
#CanPL |
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) April 7, 2025
Mo Babouli (Forge FC)
Babouli marked his CPL return to Hamilton Stadium with a lovely headed goal which stood as the winner against rivals Cavalry FC. Lively throughout the match, he attempted four dribbles and 15 passes in the final third.