The Gatorade Team of the Week for the thirteenth week of Canadian Premier League action in 2024, brought to you by Charlie O’Connor-Clarke and Mitchell Tierney.
Goalkeeper
Emil Gazdov (Pacific FC)
In his return to the net for Pacific FC, Gazdov picked up his league-leading fifth clean sheet of the season. He made five saves in a 1-0 victory over top of the table Atlético Ottawa in the nation’s capital on Sunday.
Defenders
Fraser Aird (Cavalry FC)
Aird’s sensational season continued this week against his former side Valour, as he scored the lone goal in a 1-0 victory in Winnipeg. He also created two chances and had a match-leading 98 touches as he continues to be a critical member of this Cavalry side on both sides of the ball this season.
Fraser Aird opens the scoring 🤩
The Cavs take the lead in Winnipeg 👀#CanPL | 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/LBzf3h638e
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) July 7, 2024
Juan Quintana (Pacific FC)
Quintana was a rock at the back for Pacific FC on Sunday, and a big reason for their league-leading seventh clean sheet of the season. He won ten of 13 duels, while making eight clearances.
Eryk Kobza (Cavalry FC)
The Cavalry centreback put in a strong shift defensively as his side held on for a 1-0 victory over Valour in Winnipeg. He won four of his six duels contested, won two tackles and made three clearances while completing 86.6 per cent of his passes.
Georges Mukumbilwa (Pacific FC)
Playing as a right fullback on Sunday as opposed to his usual left back role, Mukumbilwa was excellent. His run forward and pass played a key role in Bahous’s goal, earning him an assist. He also won six tackles, made 10 clearances and won nine of 14 duels.
Midfielders
Zakaria Bahous (Pacific FC)
Bahous scored a stunning goal against his former side to give Pacific a massive 1-0 victory over Atlético Ottawa on Sunday. The Tridents’ midfielder also won possession back a match-leading seven times during an overall outstanding performance.
Zakaria Bahous WHAT A HIT 🤩
The Tridents take the lead in the Capital 👀#CanPL | 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/8Gf5Lrlb3w
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) July 7, 2024
Juan Córdova (York United)
Playing as a midfielder seems to have unlocked the best in Córdova offensively as he scored the match-winner on Saturday against Halifax.
Markiyan Voytsekhovskyy (York United)
The 20-year-old winger has been thriving under Benjamín Mora, and added his second goal of the season on Saturday. He also attempted six dribbles, and won possession six times as his confidence continues to grow for the Nine Stripes.
Gabriel Bitar (Vancouver FC)
A brilliant brace against Forge FC from Bitar saw 10-man Vancouver FC draw 3-3 in Hamilton on Friday. His first goal, a stunning effort from distance, is an early candidate for goal of the season.
Gabriel Bitar WHAT A GOAL 🤩🤩
The Eagles lead Forge FC 1-0 👀#CanPL | 📺 @onesoccer pic.twitter.com/LrrjNAnPVQ
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) July 5, 2024
David Choinière (Forge FC)
Choinière scored an outstanding 85th-minute volley to give Forge a late lead on Friday. He was quality before that as well, creating three chances and winning possession three times in the final third.
Forwards
Tobias Warschewski (Cavalry FC)
The Cavalry attacker was incredibly active up top on Sunday against Valour, picking up an assist on Fraser Aird’s lone goal of the match. He also created two chances, played five crosses and contested an incredible 28 duels as he was all over the attacking third making things happen for the Calgary side.